Source: Hitchadshut Yehudit
The Jewish Funders Network has released the latest edition of its Greenbooks, a series of guides written for funders to maximize the impact of their giving. The second volume is devoted to Hitchadshut Yehudit: Jewish Renewal in Israel.
Hitchadshut Yehudit (Jewish Renewal) refers to programs that offer Jewish Israelis opportunities for learning, cultural expression, identity exploration, spirituality and prayer, and social action. All are explicitly based on Jewish values, texts and traditions, and infused with pluralism and autonomy.
This Greenbook highlights the multi-faceted nature of Hitchadshut Yehudit which is:
- Israeli – Hitchadshut Yehudit reflects the evolution of Jewish Israeli identities in the context of contemporary Zionism and Jewish sovereignty.
- Young – Amid a well-established field of activists, organizations and programs, most organizations are in 'start-up' mode, still in search of financial security and broad public awareness.
- Diverse – It is an amalgam of hundreds of programs and organizations with diverse political and ideological commitments. It touches Israelis in schools, the army, on the Internet and through the media.
- Complex – Striving to understand Hitchadshut Yehudit raises a host of contentious but significant questions: What should Jewish life and identity look like in the Jewish State? In what ways should the government promote and support pluralistic Jewish expression? How can Hitchadshut Yehudit foster dialogue between Israeli and Diaspora Jews?
Rather than providing answers, this Greenbook aims to present varied opinions on these questions and stimulate conversation. It aims to give funders, both those new to the field and those with experience, the tools they need to understand Hitchadshut Yehudit and make effective grant making decisions.
Each JFN Greenbook focuses on a specific funding area in the Jewish community, and outlines issues, strategies and approaches funders can use as they seek to effect lasting and meaningful change.