Israel Engagement

old city/Western Wall at sunset

The security, vitality, and improvement of the State of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide are essential to us as Jews and Americans.

Our hearts ache for the lives lost and many wounded in the terror attacks in Israel. We are deeply saddened by the ongoing conflict, and we want to bring our community together in support of Israel.

Upcoming Community Events for Israel

We are committed to helping our members — especially our youth — connect with our Jewish family in Israel through a variety of programs, education, culture, advocacy, and travel.

We welcome your participation in the vital work of our committee throughout the year.

old city/Western Wall at sunset

Travel to Israel This January!

This past Rosh HaShanah, Rabbi Shankman shared her belief that “Israel is a vital, essential part of our Jewish story. At the heart of our past, and our present, and it must be part of our future.”

Join Rabbi Shankman, WHC President Jeff Weiss, and 1st Vice President Melissa Schwartz on our upcoming WHC Leadership Trip to Israel, January 22-29, 2025!

This trip will be a high-level opportunity to strengthen our personal understanding and connections to the land and people of Israel. Our presence as Washington Hebrew leaders will demonstrate WHC’s unwavering commitment to Israel, while also continuing to focus on our commitment to peace for Israel and her neighbors.

Highlights of the trip include:

  • Engage in a dialogue with former Israeli Vice Prime Minister Tzipi Livni.
  • Meet Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Sarit Zehavi to examine Israel’s northern security challenges.
  • Hear testimonies from residents of Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
  • Explore Haifa and participate in discussions on coexistence and social issues.
  • Join a Kabbalat Shabbat service at Kehillat Or Hadash, our “sister” congregation
  • Stroll through Tel Aviv’s gentrified Mesila park and study urban transformation.
  • Connect with Alon Lee-Green to review grassroots movements for peace and social justice.
  • Tour ANU Museum to uncover Jewish history and diversity.
  • Visit Shaar Hanegev and meet with members of the local Reform community.
  • Meet a farmer and understand ReGrow Israel’s post-attack revitalization efforts.
  • Pay respects at the Nova Festival site and reflect on stories of heroism.
  • Explore Sderot and connect with a local resident to hear about life on the border.
  • Dive into social justice initiatives with IRAC in Jerusalem.
  • Visit the Yad B’Yad school to experience multicultural education in action.
  • Bake challah with chef Nissimi and contemplate the role of food in healing.

MORE DETAILS AND REGISTER

Travel insurance may be purchased separately at https://www.travelguard.com/.

We have several opportunities to connect in advance of the trip:

Monday, November 11 at Temple

  • 8:30-9:30 am Breakfast with Anna Kislanski of the IMPJ (Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism)
  • 4:00-5:00 pm Meet with Kathy Eid, co-founder J2 Adventures (tour operator for the Leadership Trip)

Thursday, November 21 (evening – time/location tbd)

  • Meet with Uri Feinberg, J2 Educator/guide for the WHC Leadership Trip

What is an Investment Club?

There’s nothing mysterious or complicated about an investment club. You do not have to know much, or really anything, about investing, to participate in one. In fact, the educational aspect — along with making money, of course — is one of the focal points of belonging to a club.

An investment club is simply a small group of individuals, usually friends, neighbors, congregants and/or family members, who meet on a regular basis to pool their funds and invest in a club portfolio. You might think of an investment club as a miniature mutual fund.

While investment clubs are undoubtedly interested in making a profit, members also find that investment clubs are a great way to learn about investing. Many clubs focus on education first and even have an Education Committee, where members rotate learning about a new topic — like a dividend allocation or PE ratio — and presenting it to the club. Clubs that maximize the educational aspects of their meetings usually find that profits follow.

With an educational component at the forefront, investment clubs can be a great vehicle for beginning investors. We offer the structure that many people need to get started investing. They get you into the habit of investing on a regular basis, and they offer the support and encouragement that many people need to stay with it. Clubs also make it possible to get into the stock market without a large initial investment, which is another incentive for new investors.

Motivation for Investing in Israeli Companies

Contact

Marsha Humphries
202-895-6303
mhumphries@whctemple.org
Richard London
Chair, Fistful of Shekels
rdlondon@aol.com