In July, a Partnership 2000 mission from the Region paid a visit to the Jewish community of Detroit, Michigan.  The mission brought together members of the Joint Steering Committee (from Central Galilee and Michigan).

Attorney Golan Mishali and Reut Hammer were invited to make a presentation on the Community House Forum and Partnership 2000; on the agenda: strengthening connections between Community Houses and houses of worship from both sides.

In various meetings held between Americans and Israelis, the key topics of attention-and of most significant importance-were Jewish identity and confronting the different challenges facing us in the process.  Members of the mission reported on some amazing encounters they had with the Jewish community leadership as well as with the spiritual leadership of various streams of Judaism.  They were highly impressed by the close cooperation between the different streams and actually attended different synagogues; also, they took part in a discussion held in Michigan between representatives of the different Judaic streams.

As is well known, the Partnership 2000 Community House Forum works to strengthen Community Houses.  During our visit to the Michigan community, we encountered our natural partners in advancing a shared vision: of strengthening Jewish identity within the two communities and reinforcing Jewish community centers in Israel and abroad. 

Both sides exhibited desire and willingness to expand the existing relationship.  Our overseas friends were surprised to hear that the Community House Forum has been in operation for four years, establishing and empowering Partnership 2000 Community Houses.

They also heard that the Jewish Agency intends on expanding the Community House Forum to include additional partnerships.

There was an immense sense of satisfaction in knowing that the entire activity is done on a volunteer basis; and that all of its participants are striving earnestly to reinforce Jewish culture and identity and renew Jewish life. No efforts or resources will be spared in strengthening existing Community Houses or establishing new ones in any community that expresses interest in doing so.

Today, Community Houses in Central Galilee are the leaders in Israel, with Nigun Halev in Nahalal having been the first Community House established in Israel nine years ago.

This was done with the support and active involvement of Partnership 2000.  Moreover, in the trail of Nigun Halev, additional Community Houses were established in Central Galilee and across Israel.

Dedicated to this community endeavor is the Community House Forum, established four years ago with the support of Partnership 2000.  The goals of the Forum: to strengthen connections between Community Houses in the region, strengthen the relationship with Michigan communities, assist in the establishment of additional Community Houses, and support and accompany Community Houses that are in the set-up phase.    

The Central Galilee Community House Forum is jointly led by Golan Mishali, an attorney, and Reut Hammer of Nigun Halev.  They are assisted by volunteers from other Central Galilee Community Houses.  On September 11, 2009 (in the spirit of world improvement), a conference will be held to mark the High Holidays.  The conference is being organized by Community House volunteers and all communities in Israel will be invited to attend.

What's next?  Towards the month of October, a small mission from Michigan will arrive in the Region and spend Shabbat with us; together, we'll work to construct a joint plan for the upcoming years focused on Community Houses and houses of worship.
 

Hila Shacham