Bar/Bat Mitzvah Certificates

In an effort to create lifelong relationships with Israel for young Reform Jews embarking on the next step in their Jewish lives, ARZA offers congregations the opportunity to participate in our B’nai Mitzvah Student Membership Program. To receive individualized certificates for every student that can be presented during their service, please send ARZA the names of students who will be celebrating their B’nai Mitzvah during the next academic year, along with the Hebrew and English dates of their ceremonies, and contact information for their parents.

Reform congregations committed to Israel have made ARZA B’nai Mitzvah certificates an important part of their life-cycle tradition. As a student celebrates this rite of passage into adulthood, the ARZA certificate represents the importance of Israel in one’s Jewish life. Additionally, this program is a strong public statement of support for Israel to the congregation and guests. ARZA offers a special membership rate of $10 per student, for which the student will receive the certificate and one year of membership in ARZA. We hope you will participate in this special program. To facilitate participation in this program, send your list with the requested information to arza@arza.org. If you have any questions or problems, contact Amy Bernstein at 212-650-4280.

Roland Gittelsohn Awards

The Roland Gittelsohn Awards, named for Rabbi Roland Gittelsohn z"l, a pioneering leader of Reform Zionism, are given to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to Israel, and to congregations that have implemented extraordinary programs or initiatives related to Israel.

In the past year, Gittlesohn Award recipients have included the following:

Michael Freelander
Rabbi Daniel Freelander
Aaron Taylor
The Women of Reform Judaism
Oak Park Temple
Dotan Harpak
Temple Israel of Hollywood

Rabbi Roland B Gittelsohn