In these turbulent times, as rockets rain down on Israel from the north, your unwavering partnership with the Masorti family has been our anchor. From the ongoing war in Gaza and the north, to the ever-looming threat of conflict with Iran, and the deep societal fractures within Israeli society—these existential crises affect every member of our kehillot and the NOAM youth movement, just as they impact all of Israel.

As we prepare for this year’s High Holidays, providing spiritual refuge for thousands at a record number of kehillot and minyanim, we are acutely aware of the new reality and unstable situation. Will we find a service leader for Kibbutz Shamir (and for other communities), whose residents may need to be evacuated by Yom Kippur? Do all our locations have safe rooms? Will there be a ceasefire in the north? Will NOAM be able to hold its annual pre-Sukkot hike, despite safety concerns forcing us to change the route three times already?

Amid these challenges, the High Holidays call us to pause, reflect, and draw strength from our faith. For many Israelis, Masorti Judaism is a vital source of spiritual sustenance—an egalitarian space to reconnect with our roots and rejuvenate our spirits. Without the extensive government support afforded to Orthodox Judaism, your moral and financial contributions are not just appreciated—they are essential.

This past year, Masorti has been a beacon of hope, helping to rebuild faith and trust after the traumatic October 7 attack and the ongoing war. Looking forward, we are determined to expand our reach within Israeli society and serve our kehillot and NOAM youth through new and ongoing programs, including:

• Launching innovative initiatives to build resilience among youth across Israel, engaging both Masorti and non-Masorti participants.
• Hosting public events and lifecycle celebrations that touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of Israelis.
• Facilitating egalitarian prayer services at the Kotel, welcoming over 100,000 visitors annually from across the Jewish world.

For nearly a year, we have held a daily prayer circle at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, standing in solidarity and offering spiritual support. Our rabbis and lay leaders—most of them Israeli-born—are committed to providing authentic Jewish experiences, religious services, and emotional care. Masorti aspires to be a pillar of inclusive, meaningful, egalitarian Judaism for all who seek it.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the heinous October 7 attack, we continue to hear heartbreaking stories about our NOAM and kehillot members: those who were murdered, taken hostage, killed in action, were injured or whose loved ones were affected. Please join us on October 6 for the official Masorti/Conservative remembrance Zoom ceremony. We are also planning a commemorative Selichot service for the morning of October 7, though security concerns may prevent its realization.

The Masorti Movement is a force for healing and positive transformation in Israeli society, fostering faith, trust, and hope. To continue and grow our crucial work, we need your unwavering commitment and support.

Shanah tovah! May the new year bring the safe return of hostages and evacuees, restored health for the injured and traumatized, a successful resolution to the war, and besorot tovot—good news.

Arnold Podgorsky                                 Rakefet Ginsberg
Chair                                                       Executive Director & CEO
Masorti Foundation for Conservative      Masorti Movement
Judaism in Israel, USA                           Israel

PS Please consider increasing your contribution this year. Thank you for your generosity.