Israel Engagement

Get to know Israel up close and personal. Beth El’s Israel Engagement Committee hosts – or co-hosts with other community organizations – programs and events designed to share Israel’s story. We explore history, politics, culture and day-to-day life, actively connecting our members to our homeland’s past, present and future.

From book talks - Mike Kelly, author of “The Bus to Jaffa Road” – to educational seminars – a panel discussion to educate high school juniors and seniors on the BDS movement on college campuses – to informational talks that can break your heart and at the same time, show resiliency – the parents of an Israeli soldier killed in Lebanon – our Israel Engagement Committee works to put our Jewish State front and center.

Our religious school students also get a chance to meet and learn from our region’s Israel shlichim (emissaries). These teens, from our sister Afula-Gilboa region, delay their military service to spend an academic year of outreach in the United States.

Every Spring: Meet Israel’s Robotics Team

Each year, Beth El families join with the Greater Hartford Jewish community to host young students from Israeli high schools who are participating in the Trinity College Robotics Competition. Welcoming a teen into your home is a great way for your family to make a personal connection with young Israelis. Your home can be kosher or non-kosher. Can’t host? Then join in the Friendship Dinner where you’ll meet these outstanding teens and see their robots at work. Or watch the teams compete at Trinity against students from around the world. Check Temple Topics for updated information on this annual spring event.

Sharon Efron (sgredancer@yahoo.com) and Robin Santiago (robin@santiagodmd.com) are always looking for new ideas. Contact them to get involved in this very important committee.