Dear Friends,

Shana Tova (a Good Year), is the greeting you get everywhere here.  In Israel during the High Holidays, at the supermarket, the bank, on advertisements at bus stops and buses, on shop windows, at the deli counter and the bakery, everyone is wishing you a Shana Tova and a Happy Holiday.  I’d like to share some of this with you.

I posted two photo sets, one of store displays around Jerusalem (Store Displays) and the other of business envelops from my phone, electric and credit card companies (Business Envelops).  You probably don't see much business correspondence wishing you Chag Sameach or Shana Tova.

I'm also writing to suggest two very good ways to celebrate Rosh HaShanah and start the New Year:

1) Continue your support for progressive congregations in Israel; please respond to their Rosh HaShanah appeals or contribute now.  I don't need to tell you -- it's been a tough year for everyone; and,

2) Can you help us give 100 Cinematheque subscriptions to kids in Sderot.  Each subscription cost $45 for a year.  I’d like you to contribute one or more.  I’m going to give 10 personally. Click here to learn more.

Support progressive congregations in Israel, either through KBY or your movement, not because you need another synagogue membership, but because Israel needs an alternative to an Orthodox religious establishment, which too many Israelis openly reject.

Please make or renew your commitment now! Not a single Reform or Conservative synagogue in Israel would exist as it does today without your support.

Wishing you all the best for a Healthy, Happy and Shana Tova,

Jeff Macklis, Director
KBY Congregations Together ( www.KBYonline.org )
Support Reform and Conservative Congregations in Israel

P.S. We have reprinted our Jewish Calendar for 5770-71.  If you'd like one or more, please just send me an email.

You can also support KBY congregations through: 

... for Conservative congregations, the Masorti Foundation
... for Reform congregations, the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism