The future of Israel: Liberal Zionist Speaks Out

April 26, 2012 - PRLog -- The right-wing "solution" to the chronic conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is no solution at all, says Leonard Fein, a longtime Zionist and social activist who will be the guest of Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, on Friday evening, May 11, 7:30 pm. He will be honored during Shabbat Services in its historic Sanctuary. Immediately afterwards the audience will reconvene in the social hall and he will discuss the complex issues surrounding the future of Israel from his liberal point of view.  Refreshments will be served.

The evening will also recognize the accomplishments of Jim Friedman of West Hartford, a member of Congregation Beth Israel who is stepping down as chairman of the Congregation’s Social Justice Committee after twenty-five years.

“Both Leonard Fein and Jim Friedman are dedicated supporters of Israel, teachers, and social justice activists who have inspired our congregation for years,” said Senior Rabbi Michael Pincus. “We are honored to welcome Mr. Fein back to the Hartford area and to have the opportunity to recognize Jim’s outstanding contributions to the Greater Hartford community.”

Mr. Fein is the founder of Moment magazine; MAZON, A Jewish Response to Hunger; and the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy. Mr. Fein has also authored several books, including Against the Dying of the Light: A Father’s Journey Through Loss. His more than 800 articles and essays have appeared in dozens of newspapers, magazines, and journals.

Mr. Friedman has been an urban planner, has headed employment agencies in inner-city Hartford, and has held a variety of professional positions in local synagogues. In addition to chairing the synagogue’s Social Justice Committee, he served as a National Board member of MAZON, was Vice-President of the Northeast Council of the Union for Reform Judaism, co-chair of the Connecticut Council on Interreligious Understanding, and a team leader for the Hartford Jewish Coalition for Literacy since its inception 14 years ago.

“Jim brings his love of Judaism to the world of interfaith relations and the larger community. However,  his true passion has always been expressing Judaism’s prophetic call for Justice,” said Rabbi Pincus.

The entire community is invited to the service and/or discussion. For more information, contact bethisrael@cbict.org, 860-233-8215, or visit www.cbict.org.

Congregation Beth Israel is a Reform synagogue whose mission is to serve the lifelong spiritual and educational needs of its congregants, within a welcoming and caring contemporary Reform Jewish community.