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Israel @ 60 #1.........posted Oct 17, 2007

This month marks the beginning of Tikvat Israel's commemoration and celebration of "Israel @ 60," the sixtieth anniversary of The State of Israel. Many programs and events are in the planning stages for all our members (young and old) during the months ahead -- through the special March 2008 Strathmore Concert and the June 1st community-wide activities in recognition of Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Independence Day). All parts of the Congregation are involved: Adult Education, the Religious School, Youth Programs, the Early Childhood Center, the Israel Affairs Committee, etc. Some activities even will bring together members of all ages--in turning Yom Ha'Atzmaut into a veritable Chag Ha'Atzmaut this year. Watch for more information on upcoming programs, speakers, films, music and art events, song/dance/crafts activities, a family-oriented barbecue (Israel style), and so much more. Of course, Rabbi Gorin and Cantor Helzner are very much involved in the overall planning effort for the year ahead.

At this early point in the year, I thought I'd like to share an interesting factoid from the history of The State of Israel. It's certainly one that links America to Israel from a critical period during Israel's early years of statehood. It concerns Albert Einstein--whom many Jewish Americans do not know was truly a committed Zionist! In fact, Einstein was very much involved in fundraising for a range of Jewish organizations. He also was on the Board of Governors at his beloved Hebrew University. That unquestionably solidified his connection with The State of Israel even more. It was hardly surprising, based on these connections, that upon the death of Israeli President Chaim Weizmann in 1952, Einstein was invited by David Ben-Gurion to assume the role of Israel's second president.

Of course, Einstein already had a commitment to Princeton University in New Jersey and he certainly did not view himself as a national leader. He decided to decline the unique offer to serve Israel in this manner. Nevertheless, he made the following statement: "My relationship to the Jewish people has become my strongest bond, ever since I became fully aware of our precarious situation among the nations of the world."

Tikvat Israel Congregation and all its members possess a natural link to the Jewish people as a whole--which includes, of course, a special link to The State of Israel. I plan to write more about that connection in future months. In the meanwhile, feel free to check out the following websites for additional current information:

• www.israel60dc.org [Washington, DC area information from The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington] and
• www.60israel.org [information from the Jewish Agency for Israel, JAFI]

Harvey T. Kaplan
TI Member of the Israel Educators Institute (IEI)of the Washington, DC Jewish Community