Temple Sholom invites you to a special Shabbat evening service on April 18, 2025, featuring guest Rabbi Josh Weinberg. We are honored to welcome Rabbi Weinberg, a leader in Reform Judaism, to our community. This thoughtful and uplifting service will include inspiring worship and an opportunity to learn about critical developments in Israel, making it a meaningful evening for all who attend.

About Rabbi Josh Weinberg

Rabbi Josh Weinberg serves as the Vice President of the URJ for Israel and Reform Zionism and is the Executive Director of ARZA (Association of Reform Zionists of America)​. He was ordained at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem and originally hails from Chicago​, bringing a personal connection as well as global expertise. Rabbi Weinberg has dedicated his career to strengthening the connection between the Reform Movement and the Jewish State​, previously educating young adults in Israel and serving in the IDF reserves. He is a compelling speaker and educator who has traveled widely to share his passion for Israel and Reform Judaism.

World Zionist Congress Elections – Why Now Matters

Right now, the global Reform Jewish community is in the midst of the 2025 World Zionist Congress (WZC) elections​. This election, held every five years, is a unique opportunity to influence Israel’s future and strengthen Reform Judaism’s presence in the Jewish state. The WZC is the primary democratic body representing Jews worldwide, playing a pivotal role in shaping policies and allocating resources that impact Israel’s religious and social landscape​. In fact, the WZC oversees the distribution of nearly $1 billion annually, meaning the outcome directly affects funding for religious institutions and programs in Israel.

Rabbi Weinberg emphasizes the significance of this moment for Reform Jews. As he explains, “Participating in the WZC elections is the only way North American Jews can weigh in democratically about issues in Israel.”​ In other words, your vote in this worldwide election is your voice in Israel’s future. The stakes are high: this is a campaign for gender equality, religious freedom, and the vision of a two-state solution – and to ensure that financial resources continue to flow to our progressive Israeli movements, including Reform congregations and institutions​. Our involvement is crucial because those opposed to our values – highly motivated fundamentalist factions – are also mobilizing, seeking to chip away at Israel’s democracy and roll back the rights of Reform Jews (such as our women rabbis, converts, and communities)​. Rabbi Weinberg will discuss why now is the time to stand up for pluralism, equality, and democracy in Israel and how the WZC elections give us a tangible way to do so​.

Championing Our Reform Jewish Values

For Reform Jews, the WZC elections are about championing our core values on a global stage. By voting for the Reform slate (“Vote Reform”), we advocate for:

• Religious pluralism and equal rights in Israel – supporting an Israel where all Jews (Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and more) can practice freely.

• A secure Israel alongside a peaceful Palestinian state​ – reaffirming our movement’s commitment to peace and a two-state solution.

• Full equality for all Israeli citizens – including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minorities, under the law​.

• Democracy and mutual respect – ensuring Israel remains a strong, democratic Jewish state that upholds the rights and security of all its people​.

As Rabbi Weinberg notes, this election is about keeping Israel a beacon of the values we cherish – pluralism, justice, and peace​. Every vote in the WZC elections helps put Reform leaders in positions of influence to direct policy and funding in line with these values​. In short, your participation can shape Israel’s future for the better.

Learn more about the Vote Reform slate here!

Temple Sholom’s Commitment and Invitation

This moment resonates deeply with Temple Sholom’s values and our longstanding engagement with Israel. As a congregation committed to inclusion, social justice, and support for Israel, we understand the importance of having our voices heard.

Temple Sholom is actively encouraging our members to take part in the WZC voting process because we know that strengthening Reform Judaism in Israel aligns with our vision of an Israel that reflects diversity, equality, and peace. Hosting Rabbi Weinberg at this critical time highlights our dedication to these ideals and our hope to learn together how we can make an impact.

We warmly invite everyone in our community to attend this special Shabbat service. Whether you are already passionate about Israel or just beginning to learn about the issues, this evening will be welcoming and informative. Together, we will celebrate Shabbat in prayer and song, and also gain insight into why this WZC election moment matters for Reform Jews everywhere. Join us in community as we welcome Rabbi Josh Weinberg, engage in thoughtful discussion, and reaffirm our commitment to Israel’s future.

Come be part of this meaningful night – your presence and curiosity are welcome, and your voice matters.

Vote Reform (slate #3) at: azm.org/elections