Temple Israel of Sharon Hosts 'A New Generation of European Jewry'

Temple Israel’s Brotherhood recently held a moving cultural and educational program, A New Generation of European Jewry, focused on global awareness and communal bonds.  Attended by over 100 community members, the program featured Dr. Joanna Kubar, President of Masorti Europe (the umbrella organization for Conservative Judaism in twelve countries); Adam Schonberger and Laszlo Bernath, leaders of Dor Hadash, a nascent Jewish community in Budapest, Hungary; Rabbi Floriane Chinsky of Chir Hadach, the Masorti congregation in Brussels, Belgium; and Leandro Galanternik, a Masorti rabbinical student from Latin America. 

One goal of this special program was to introduce the Greater Boston community to the emerging Hungarian Jewish community and forge a closer connection among individuals.  Also joining the discussion was Robert Leikind, Director of the American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) Boston chapter and Gabor Garai, the Honorary Hungarian Consul in Boston.

During the past year, Temple Israel’s Brotherhood has been collaborating with members of Dor Hadash to help both communities learn, grow and enrich one another. After months of connecting via the Internet, the August visit marked the first large-scale face to face meeting.

"I hope that Temple Israel’s pioneering cooperation will be followed by other partnerships between Jewish Men's Brotherhoods and Masorti communities in Europe," stated Dr. Joanna Kubar, President of Masorti Europe.

Dr. Kubar, a renowned researcher and author, discussed the state of affairs of European Jewry and the startling rise in and causes of anti-Semitism.

Mr. Schonberger and Mr. Bernath described the challenges of Jewish life in 21st century Hungary, while also addressing anti-Semitism and the increasing pressures on European Jewry, both exacerbated by tough economic times. Currently, many Hungarian Jews know little of their religion, the result of tumultuous periods in European history.  Yet, they crave a greater awareness of and connection to their heritage and culture. The Dor Hadash group aims to rebuild their Jewish community through discussion groups, educational programs and the celebrating of Shabbat and holidays together. 

"The linkage to the Budapest Jewish Community has been one of the most satisfying and potentially important things that has ever been done by the Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood,” stated Ronald Czik, Temple Israel Brotherhood President. “We hope our experience can serve as an example for other Jewish communities in the U.S. to create partnerships with Masorti communities in Europe and throughout the world." 

Temple Israel (www.tisharon.org), founded in 1937, is the largest traditional egalitarian Conservative synagogue in Southeastern Massachusetts. Temple Israel offers a wide and varied range of religious services, classes, and events -- from pre-K to mature adults - all designed to engage, inspire, and excite the mind, body and spirit. Most programs are open to the public.