March B'Tzelem
03.05.25 | Btzelem
YOUR VOTE FOR ISRAEL'S FUTURE
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Beginning March 10 (through May 4, 2025), Jews across the U.S. will vote for the 152 representatives of the American Zionist Movement to the World Zionist Congress (WZC), which sets policies and allocates over $1 billion to strengthen Jewish identity, education, and community development. With more than 20 slates to choose from, your vote can shape the future of Israel and global Jewry.
Temple Judea supports the "Vote Reform" slate, prioritizing Reform values like democracy, pluralism, women's and LGBTQ+ rights, and a secure path to peace.
Who can vote: Voters must be Jewish (not subscribe to another religion), be a U.S. citizen or legal resident ages 18 or older (by June 30, 2025), primarily reside in the U.S., and not have voted in the November 2022 Knesset election (or future Knesset election thru July 28, 2025).
How to register: Individual registration and voting open March 10, 2025. Voting is online, with paper ballots available. There is a $5 fee to cover election costs.
Learn more: Visit the FAQ for full details. Your vote matters—make it count!
MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT: A MESSAGE FROM TJ MEMBERS ABIGAIL HERMAN & GABRIELLE GOLENBERG
Thirteen years ago, Abigail coached Gabrielle’s pre-mitzvah concert, when Bat Mitzvahs were a joyful rite of passage, and Jewish identity felt secure. Back then, we never imagined a world where expressing our Jewishness would come with fear. But now, what once felt like unshakable pride has turned into something we must actively protect.
For Abigail, that shift became painfully real when planning her son’s Bar Mitzvah. Instead of simply celebrating, she had to hire extra security and decline public signage—precautions unimaginable just a few years ago. The environment had changed.
For Gabrielle, it was the rise of antisemitism after October 7th that made her realize silence wasn’t an option. Chants like “Globalize the Intifada” echoed through New York City streets, while misinformation spread quickly among peers. She committed to fighting back, attending events with hostage families and amplifying their voices.
We are two Jewish women, from two different generations, but we share a common goal: to protect and strengthen Israel as a homeland for all Jews. For Abigail, as a patrilineal Jew, it’s about making sure Israel is a place where all Jews are welcome. For Gabrielle, it’s a call to stand up for truth and justice. Voting in the World Zionist Congress elections is one way we make our voices count. Together, we’re shaping Israel’s future—one that reflects the values of inclusion, truth, and security for all who call Israel home.
~Abigail & Gabrielle
THE MITZVAH OF MISHLOACH MANOT
Purim is a time for sending mishloach manot—gifts of food and drink—to ensure that everyone, no matter their circumstances, can celebrate. While many know Purim for its carnival and costumes, the holiday carries a deeper meaning. It tells the story of the Jewish people's resilience, as Mordechai and Esther courageously thwart Haman’s plans to destroy the Jews. Mordechai's words to Esther, "perhaps it was for just such a moment that you were made queen," remind us that each of us has something unique to offer, and we all have a responsibility to do good in the world.
This year, you can participate in a beautiful way by donating $18 to send mishloach manot to a soldier in the IDF. Many of these soldiers are separated from their families during the holidays, and your gift will go a long way to letting them know someone cares about them. Here’s how we do this: please click HERE and donate $18 or any amount you choose. Together we’ll care for this group of people who so deserve our support.
IT'S A MITZVAH TO VOLUNTEER!
It's a Mitzvah to volunteer @ TJ's Purim Carnival 2025! As Purim approaches, so does Temple Judea's biggest community-wide event of the year -- the annual, award-winning Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 16! Did you know that this event relies entirely on the altruistic power of volunteers like you? Without YOUR assistance, our Carnival cannot happen! Sign up to volunteer today - not only are shifts a breeze, (just 75 minutes max), but it's FUN! Help work a carnival game, hand out treats at a snack booth, and more! And no special skills or knowledge are required. Even your teens can join in and earn community service. Sign Up Here to learn more and sign up for a quick shift so we can ensure another successful Carnival and bring the joy of Purim to the community!
SAVE THE DATE FOR MITZVAH DAY
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and turn your Jewish values into action because Mitzvah Day is coming on Sunday, May 18! This opportunity only comes once a year, and it’s not just for Social Action committee members. With specially planned activities for our Early Childhood Center families to our TJVillagers, and everything in between- EVERYONE is invited to come and participate!
Mitzvah Day is a chance to get together with your TJ family for fun focused on social action projects and donation collections that demonstrate our core Jewish values. Although we're still finalizing the lineup of activities and partner organizations, we invite you to save the date. Let's ensure it's a day filled with tikkun olam. Interested in helping plan this event? Learn More
SPOTLIGHT ON STUDENT ACTION
Our 7th Grade Tzedek Track participants just finished a unit on LGBTQ+ issues. Their meetings included a visit from JQ International and a lesson from one of our own madrichim, Hadley Preston, about Jewish values and being a LGBTQ+ ally. Hadley's presentation was part of her work toward earning the Girl Scout Gold Award. This month our 7th graders will begin a unit about antisemitism, which includes learning about historic as well as contemporary events, and a trip to the Holocaust Museum L.A. where they will meet with a holocaust survivor and bear witness to their story.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Jewish Baking with Caring Community: Mandelbrot. Sunday, Mar. 23 @ 10am, private residence. Learn to bake with TJ member and expert baker Ilene Blok. Register with a small $18 donation to support the Judy Scharf Memorial Scholarship. Learn More & Register |
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Ongoing Initiatives
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All of the work we do aligns with initiatives and policies supported by the Union of Reform Judaism both nationally and in California. Every day, we are inspired by the thousands of volunteers in all of these different areas who work tirelessly to make a difference. YOU could be one! Learn more and get involved!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT B'TZELEM @ TEMPLE JUDEA
