Сommunity rabbis throughout Europe met this week in Athens, Greece, to address the growing challenges facing the global Jewish community and brainstorm new opportunities in a post-coronavirus world.
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The three-day event was attended by graduates of the Straus-Amiel and Beren-Amiel Emissary Programs who flew in from 11 different countries, and dozens of others, who were unable to travel, but joined in via Zoom.
"The past two years have only reinforced the importance and need of bringing informed and passionate rabbinical couples and educators from Israel to Jewish communities across the globe," explained Rabbi Eliahu Birnbaum, director of the program, said.
"And after two years in which we did not have in-person conferences, our shlichim [emissaries] felt the need to gather together to address the challenges and questions being raised in their communities. The most effective way to support our graduates in the field is to be there with them, on the ground."
Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai addressed participants in the conference's opening panel, stating that "antisemitism is alive and kicking", referring to a report published by his ministry published ahead of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, recording a jump in the number and areas where antisemitic incidents occurred.
"There aren't two Jewish nations – one in Israel and one in the Diaspora," Shai said. "We have one Jewish nation, and we know too well that antisemitism doesn't differentiate between Jews in the Diaspora or Jews in Israel."
Shai commended the work of the Straus-Amiel rabbinical emissaries and the Beren-Amiel educational emissaries saying, "Vibrant Jewish life starts with education and your efforts are so important for the future of our people. Your work helps inspire the passion for Judaism and Israel in our younger generation, and we know that without lighting that fire we won't be able to encourage increased aliyah. Our goal has to be ensuring aliyah by choice, not from lack of choice."
Participants also learned about the Israeli government reforms in areas of kashrut and conversion from Religious Services Minister Matan Kahana; participated in a discussion on halacha (Jewish law) examined case studies of halakhic communal dilemmas; and shared educational, outreach, and programming ideas with one another through a variety of sessions.
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