AN INVITATION

By Cantor Rachel Gottlieb Kalmowitz

In March 2008, I went to Israel with 35 other TBE members, and our group bonded in a way that cannot be duplicated by seeing each other only at Temple. Friendships were formed and cemented that I cherish to this day. We experienced something truly momentous, actually life-changing, and we experienced it together.

As spring approaches, one of the events to which my husband, Carey, and I look forward is the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D. C. Over 6,000 delegates, Jews and Christians, Democrats and Republicans, come together from all over the United States, with one common goal…to support and strengthen the US – Israel relationship. This 3-day event includes speakers such as U.S. Presidents and Israeli Prime Ministers, as well as workshops that greatly increase knowledge and understanding of the issues in the Middle East. There is a gala dinner, attended by over half of the members of Congress, and there is the remarkable opportunity to lobby Congress in support of Israel. There are many misunderstandings about AIPAC, and, as a strong proponent of the organization, I would like to dispel one of them. AIPAC is not a partisan lobby. It does not support or endorse candidates, but builds relationships on both sides of the aisle to ensure that Israel NEVER becomes a partisan issue. AIPAC’s role is that of educator and protector – educating members of Congress on issues involving Israel, to assure they are making informed decisions; protecting Israel’s interests, so she is not left to walk alone among neighbors who seek to destroy her; and protecting the United States’ interests, by not allowing the Middle East to lose its sole democracy.

The two years that I have attended the Policy Conference have been transformative for me, but each was missing something. It was missing you! This March 21-23, I want to bring a strong delegation from Beth El to Washington D.C., to experience the bond that sharing something important can bring. Please contact me at rgk@tbeonline.org if you have any interest or would like more information. I look forward to sharing with each of you our love of Israel and of our community.