Israel

EVENTS  |  STAY INFORMED  |  RESOURCES 
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT |  WAYS TO HELP  |  GET INVOLVED

Temple Israel's Israel Hub is a space dedicated to empowering our community during these very challenging times. Here, you'll find resources to stay informed, discuss what's happening with children and teens, address feelings of sadness or overwhelm, and get involved or give to support our friends and family in Israel.

Events

Join us at an upcoming event on Israel:
If there aren't events listed below, please check back regularly. 

TuesdayTue, 4 FebFebruary, 2025

 

 

Hebrew for Adults

Tuesday, Feb 4th 7:00p to 8:00pDiscover the beauty of Hebrew in our 4-part "Hebrew for Adults" introductory class, led by Rabbi Michael Alper. Perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh their skills, this accessible course will have you identifying Hebrew letters and vowels and sounding out words in no time!

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 11 FebFebruary, 2025

 

 

Hebrew for Adults

Tuesday, Feb 11th 7:00p to 8:00pDiscover the beauty of Hebrew in our 4-part "Hebrew for Adults" introductory class, led by Rabbi Michael Alper. Perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh their skills, this accessible course will have you identifying Hebrew letters and vowels and sounding out words in no time!

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 18 FebFebruary, 2025

 

 

Hebrew for Adults

Tuesday, Feb 18th 7:00p to 8:00pDiscover the beauty of Hebrew in our 4-part "Hebrew for Adults" introductory class, led by Rabbi Michael Alper. Perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh their skills, this accessible course will have you identifying Hebrew letters and vowels and sounding out words in no time!

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 25 FebFebruary, 2025

 

 

Hebrew for Adults

Tuesday, Feb 25th 7:00p to 8:00pDiscover the beauty of Hebrew in our 4-part "Hebrew for Adults" introductory class, led by Rabbi Michael Alper. Perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh their skills, this accessible course will have you identifying Hebrew letters and vowels and sounding out words in no time!

MORE INFO

Stay Informed

• Founded in 1846, the Associated Press — an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting — remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news. You can access their Israel-Hamas War live update feed here.
• Trusted Israeli news sources include Haaretz and The Jerusalem Post. 
• If you're interested in receiving Temple Israel's weekly eNewsletter, where we'll include updates from our Rabbis, articles and blog posts, upcoming events and programs about Israel, and more, subscribe at the bottom of our website homepage (all Temple members are already subscribed).
• The safety and security of our members, students, and guests is our number one priority. If you'd like to know more about the measures Temple Israel has in place to keep our community safe, read more here.

Resources 

Suggested reading from the Rabbis: Books on the modern history of Israel and Palestine

• Can We Talk About Israel?: A Guide for the Curious, Confused, and Conflicted by Daniel Sokatch
• Letters to my Palestinian Neighbor by Yossi Klein Halevi
• Like Dreamers: The Story of the Israeli Paratroopers Who Reunited Jerusalem and Divided a Nation by Yossi Klein Halevi
• Catch-67: The Left, the Right, and the Legacy of the Six-Day War by Micah Goodman
• Impossible Takes Longer: 75 Years After Its Creation, Has Israel Fulfilled Its Founders' Dreams? by Daniel Gordis
• Side by Side: Parallel Histories of Israel-Palestine by Sami Adwan

For families with children

• From preschoolers to high schoolers, this article and this article share strategies on how to talk to your children about what's happening in Israel right now. 
• PJ Library's Israel Hub includes links to information on how to talk with kids about Israel and offers opportunities for parent support.
• Find articles on how to share a variety of tough topics and current events with younger family members at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)'s Table Talk feed.
• Tips for helping children cope after a traumatic event.

For college students

• If you are being treated differently or discriminated against because you’re Jewish, experiencing in-person or online harassment, or if there is a threat made to your property or your physical safety while at your college campus, we encourage you to report it to the ADL.

To combat anti-Semitism 

• There is a lot of misinformation swirling about Israel; this document from the ADL shares how to respond to negative allegations. 
• Noticing bias in conversations around the Israel-Hamas war? Here are some steps you can take to interrupt biased language. 
• Engaging or ready to disengage in online conversations? Here are some tips on saying what needs to be said or allowing yourself to sign off and take a breath.  

Emotional Support

• We are here for you. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the situation in Israel and you just want to talk, the Rabbis and our Temple leadership are always here for you. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us now or at any time in the future.
  writeus@ti-stl.org  |  314-432-8050
• Now is an important time to reach out to your support networks. Connect with fellow TI congregants or fellow Preschool and Religious School parents for emotional support, come to Shabbat services or solidarity events in person or online, and take advantage of educational programming around Israel. Make sure to check in on your Jewish friends and your non-Jewish friends who have Jewish family. It will mean so much to them and to you.

Ways to Help
Give:

• There are many organizations on the ground in Israel supporting victims and soldiers and volunteer organizations in need of materials and safety equipment. Here's an extensive list of local Israel charities in need of our support.
• The Jewish Federation of St. Louis has opened an Israel Emergency Fund to provide services and support. Donations can be made here — 100% of support goes to help the victims in Israel.
• Our friends at Kehillat Yozma Modiin, a Reform Congregation in Israel, are raising funds to purchase hygiene products, canned foods, diapers, medical equipment, socks, t-shirts, and more for soldiers and reservists, security forces, and evacuees. 100% of donations go toward the purchase of these items
• Donate to the Security Fund, which allows our community members to help support the cost of increased security measures Temple Israel has taken to keep our campus as secure as possible. Your generosity will contribute towards the cost of any of the items below:

  

  

  • $100 covers a secure entry ID badge for a staff person
  • $500 covers tactical training per person for building supervisors
  • $1,500 covers annual warranty for employee access system
  • $2,500 covers forced entry laminate per treatment
  • $6,500 covers a year of security enhancements
  • $48,000 is the 2023 projected cost of campus security personnel 

Get Involved

• Here's a list of readings and prayers for Israel from our Reform partners at Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). 
• Visit the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)'s webpage with a listing of how you can support Israel during this time of great tragedy and mourning. This page will be continually updated with new opportunities as they arise.
•  Activism and advocacy  is central to Jewish experience in times of peace and especially in times of unrest, and there are many ways to get involved with organizations fighting anti-Semitism around the globe. The American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the Jewish Center for Justice (JCJ), and the Union for Reform Judaism's Religious Action Center (RAC) to name a few. Start with these and research other organizations that need our values and our voices