From Na'im Be'yahad - (Pleasant Being Together) - Partnership 2000 Volunteer Newsletter, Writer and Editor: Israel Perez. Translation: Dorit Tavori

This is the second year in which a regional 'religious study group' operates successfully. However, the name 'religious study group' does not accurately express the nature of this project. Traditionally such 'study groups' were attended by religious people studying 'Talmud' and Jewish traditions, however, the "Partnership 2000" project is attended for regular people to learn about Judaism and Jewish holidays in a different and interesting way, adapted to our lives in the 21st century. The participants of the 'regional study group' meet once every fortnight to study and become connected with their Jewish identity. The group comprises people from various walks of life, kibbutz members, city dwellers, religious and secular people from different places such as Timrat, Hoshaya, Nazareth Illit, Migdal Ha'emek and Ein Dor, bearing witness to their great love of the subject. One of the participants testified - "I have always known I am Jewish, but I did not have a Jewish identity. I had no knowledge of the meaning of Jewish holidays, why people fast on 'Yom Kippur', or the reason for eating 'Matzot' during Pesach". Due to the great success of this group in Israel, a similar group has been started in the Jewish community of Detroit, Michigan. Within a short period the success of this group has become evident among members of Jewish community, some of who now feel more 'connected' to their roots. In addition to the regional study group, we have started local 'learning communities' in Nahalal, Nazareth Illit and Migdal Ha'emek. According to the instructors of the regional 'study group', part of the participants will lead local 'learning communities' in the area upon completion of the course. The purpose of the regional 'study group' is to create local community leaders who are able to lead local 'learning communities'.

  Tevet 5761 - January 2001