Life in Israel

Temple Sinai will present Rabbi Stanley Davids, past president of ARZA (Association of Reform Zionists of America), and his wife, Resa Davids, for a scholars in residence weekend at the synagogue, Nov. 18 to 20. 

Participants will learn about life in Israel from a Reform Jewish perspective. The usual Shabbat BaBayit, which takes place in private homes, will be held at the synagogue to accommodate more people who want to hear from the speakers. 

The Davidses will speak at a “brunch and learn,” Sunday at 9:30 a.m., jointly sponsored by Temple Brotherhood and Women of Temple Sinai. The couple will address working with Knesset leaders, other Israeli government officials and groups of private citizens to increase acceptance of Progressive Judaism in Israel.

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Resa Davids will speak about the challenges facing women during a Saturday afternoon Kol Isha program for women.

Rabbi Davids is considered the “father” of the Reform Zionist Platform, adopted by the CCAR (Central Conference of American Rabbis) in 1997. He currently serves on the board of governors of the Jewish Agency, the executive committee of the World Zionist Organization, and the board of overseers of the Jerusalem campus of the Hebrew Union College.

Resa Davids has been a national board member of the ARZA and Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), chair of WRJ-Israel, and a madricha on the March of the Living. She is the founding chair of WRJ-Israel and has formed 25 women’s groups to date among the 35 communities of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism. 

Established in 1978, ARZA develops support for and strengthens the Reform movement in Israel and promotes advocacy for a Jewish, pluralistic, just and democratic society in the State of Israel.

Register for Kol Isha and brunch and learn by contacting Esther Zawitz at (412) 421-9715 or at esther@templesinaipgh.org. All events take place at Temple Sinai. The weekend is underwritten in part through a grant from Dale and Lynn Lazar.

More information is available at templesinaipgh.org.