For nearly 15 years, Rabbi Chaya Rowen Baker served Kehillat Ramot Zion in Jerusalem. One day, while speaking with children in the kehillah’s kindergarten, she mentioned a rabbi who was a man. One child looked surprised and asked, “Can a man be a rabbi?”

That shift from unimaginable to ordinary is happening in Masorti kehillot (congregations) across Israel, nearly 100 of them. This Rosh Hashanah, as we ask ourselves who we will choose to be in 5787, we're asking you to help kehillot like Ramot Zion grow and deepen their impact. Will you give $180, $360, or $720 before October 5 to help the next kehillah open its doors?

Why now?

For them. Israelis searching for connection and community are turning to Masorti. Yet Masorti kehillot receive virtually no public funding, while Orthodox synagogues and institutions benefit from substantial government support. Israelis already fund most of Masorti's work, but meeting growing demand also depends on partners abroad.

For you. Maybe you've stood in one of our kehillot and felt, for a moment, the power of modern Israeli Judaism. Maybe you never have, but you believe Israel deserves a Judaism that is rooted in tradition, welcoming, and vibrant. Either way, your gift carries the values you want to bring into the new year.

For us. A thriving Masorti Movement in Israel proves that Judaism can be deeply rooted in halakhah (Jewish law) and still be open and inclusive — strengthening Conservative Judaism here in North America and everywhere it's practiced.

“Even if I cannot be in Israel, I know that my values can be. Giving to Masorti helps all Israeli Jews have the same Jewish opportunities that I cherish.”

Your gift, at work

Say yes to Masorti's future in Israel. Here's what your gift makes possible:

$180 helps provide weekly study sessions.
$360 supports a welcoming Kabbalat Shabbat program for new families.
$720 helps bring rabbinic leadership, prayer, and Jewish learning to a growing kehillah.
$1,800 strengthens ongoing worship, learning, and kehillah programming throughout the year.

With your help, another congregation opens its doors. Another family finds a Jewish home. Another generation of Israelis grows up knowing Judaism as a powerful, meaningful force in their lives.

“When we searched for a Jewish home, Masorti didn't just help us find a place to pray. They helped us build a community in which to grow as individuals and families.”

A quick word about where your gift goes. The Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism in Israel exists for one purpose: to strengthen the kehillot and programs of the Masorti Movement in Israel, and only in Israel. It's the only U.S. organization dedicated solely to that work. When you give here, that's exactly where your gift lands.

Will you make a gift today, before October 5, to help write the next chapter for the Masorti Movement in Israel? Thank you for considering a gift as we enter 5787.

L'shana tovah, wishing you and your family a sweet, meaningful new year.

L'shalom,