The Masorti Movement
The Masorti Movement in Israel unites various organizations and programs in the spirit of Masorti/Conservative Judaism, of which Masorti is the Israeli branch. Masorti encompasses almost 100 kehillot and minyanim (congregations and prayer groups) throughout Israel, the NOAM youth movement and various educational programs, and offers halakhic egalitarian religious services to the general public.
The Masorti Movement is a home for many Israelis throughout the country in search of a warm and welcoming Judaism combining faith, tradition, and a community framework, one that is rich in Jewish-democratic values. Masorti programs and affiliates connect Israelis to celebrations and events in the Jewish calendar, as well as providing them with life cycle ceremonies. Masorti works to strengthen Jewish pluralism in the public sphere.
The Masorti/Conservative stream of Judaism developed in Europe and the USA in the 19th century. From its humble beginnings with just two Conservative synagogues—Emet V’Emunah in Jerusalem founded in 1936, and Moriah in Haifa established in 1955—Masorti has grown to almost 100 kehillot and minyanim across Israel, spanning rural and urban areas. Masorti provides a middle ground between orthodoxy and those introducing far-reaching changes in halakhah (Jewish law), to the point of undermining its foundations.
The Masorti Foundation
The Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism in Israel is dedicated to assisting Israelis in building a Judaism that respects tradition and observance, while adapting to modern Israeli life and promoting egalitarian practices. The Foundation, based in New York City, champions a pluralistic, egalitarian and democratic Israel by supporting the Masorti Movement in Israel.
The Masorti Foundation works with the Masorti Movement to tirelessly advocate for equal recognition from the Israeli government for all Jews, regardless of the stream of Judaism to which they belong, their level of observance or conversion process. The Foundation takes pride in supporting Masorti Israel’s transformative work, which is generating real societal change that is crucial for Judaism in Israel and around the world.
Through education, dialogue, advocacy, and financial support, the Masorti Foundation enables Conservative Jews in the United States to actively participate in this historic and vital endeavor. Together, we enrich each other's lives, offer mutual support, and unite our voices as one: the voice of the Jewish People.