YOUNG ISRAEL MOVEMENT TO PRESENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AT YI OF OAK PARK
The National Council of Young Israel (NCYI) will present a Michigan Regional Synagogue Leadership Day on Sunday, June 28, 2009, from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the Young Israel of Oak Park, which is located at 15140 West Ten Mile Road in Oak Park, Michigan. In addition, NCYI Executive Vice President Rabbi Pesach Lerner will be the guest speaker at the Young Israel of Oak Park on June 28, 2009 at 8:00 PM. Rabbi Lerner's address, which is entitled "Israel Today: The Good, The Not So Good, And What We Should Be Doing," is being co-sponsored by the Young Israel of Oak Park, the Young Israel of Southfield, and Akiva Hebrew Day School.
The topics to be discussed at the Regional Leadership Day include fundraising strategies and membership building. The program is for Synagogue Presidents, Board and Committee members, Sisterhood leaders, Rabbis and Rebbetzins, Executive Directors, and Youth Directors.
According to NCYI Director of Synagogue Services Rabbi Mordechai Roizman, the Michigan Regional Synagogue Leadership Day is intended to enhance the National Council of Young Israel's continuing efforts to provide synagogue leadership with practical solutions for the challenges that they confront. Rabbi Roizman noted that the NCYI regularly presents Regional Synagogue Leadership Days throughout the United States, so that as many communities as possible are given the opportunity to benefit from this novel and vital program.
The June 28th Michigan Regional Synagogue Leadership Day is open to both Young Israel affiliated synagogues and non-Young Israel affiliated synagogues. Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required.
Rabbi Lerner's June 28th speech will touch on a number of critical topics, including an introduction to religious Zionism; a recap of Torah activities in Israel today; concern regarding the possible division of Jerusalem and giving away parts of Yehuda and Shomron; a review of current challenges in Israel, namely, poverty, the families of Gush Katif, political leadership, threats of war, and issues of security; and a conversation about what we can and should do to help the State of Israel. There will be a question and answer period following Rabbi Lerner's address.
Under Rabbi Lerner's leadership, the NCYI has been a constant source of advocacy and strength for Israel and religious Zionism. Through its many innovative programs, the NCYI continues to serve as a defender and supporter of Jerusalem, the State of Israel, and the Jewish people. The NCYI has been an outspoken leader in the effort to support the former families of Gush Katif, and it is the most active organization on behalf of Jonathan Pollard. The joint NCYI-IDF Sefer Torah Campaign has sent 180 Torah scrolls to the IDF rabbinate to date, and the Young Israel Movement's ongoing efforts on behalf of Israel's MIA's is well-known.
In addition to his duties at the NCYI, Rabbi Lerner is the founder of the Coordinating Council on Jerusalem, which unites Jewish leaders in lobbying on behalf of a safe and united Jerusalem. In addition, Rabbi Lerner also serves on the committee of the Moskowitz Prize for Zionism, an expression of support for people who act to ensure the strength and resilience of the national Jewish homeland.
For more information about the June 28th programs in Michigan, call NCYI Director of Synagogue Services Rabbi Mordechai Roizman at 212-929-1525, ext. 103; send an email to mroizman@youngisrael.org; or visit www.youngisrael.org