Joint UPJ – ARZA Australia Announcement
Under a joint agreement, UPJ and ARZA – have agreed to offer a free membership of ARZA -Association of Reform/Progressive Zionists of Australia.
This is in recognition of the financial pressures currently being faced by members of our congregations and also in recognition of the importance of the Progressive Movement of Australia being strongly represented at the World Zionist Congress, when it is held in Israel, either in person or remotely. We are also working closely with our Coalition Masorti partners in this endeavour.
We believe this is a very exciting decision, and one which we hope all our congregational members will strongly support. It means that your voice will be heard by the world Progressive Zionist Movement and help shape Israeli political and economic policies and the challenges facing the Jewish people.
Our Progressive Zionist views support religious equality for all streams of Judaism, a pluralist society, peace, social justice and Tikun Olam in our Jewish Homeland.
With your support, we can continue to add to our magnificent achievements in Israel and ensure the voice of Progressive Judaism continues to be heard in Israel and around the world.
WE URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT FOR PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM AND PROGRESSIVE ZIONISM
Helen Shardey
ARZA Australia President
UPJ Vice President
David Knoll AM
UPJ Co-President
Brian Samuel OAM
UPJ Co-President
News and Events
Antisemitism by Student Union
Melbourne University The Zionist voice of Progressive Judaism for Australia (ARZA) supports the UPJ, prominent Jewish leaders and organisations in condemning the Student Union of Melbourne University for outrageously supporting the anti-Israel BDS movement and demanding an academic boycott to cut ties with Israeli institutions, researchers, and academics. This, in the very week we remember and celebrate the United Nations passing of the resolution of May 14, 1948, establishing the Jewish State in Eretz-Israel. This [...]
Rabbi Gilad Kariv to bring message of hope to Australian Progressive Community
Yair Lapid, center, and Yamina MK Idit Silman (Photo: Yoav Dudkevitch) On Sunday May 8, at 7pm, Rabbi Gilad Kariv will be speaking live to the Australian Progressive Jewish community for the first time since his election to the Knesset as part of the Coalition to assume government in Israel in 2021. This zoom meeting has been arranged by the UPJ (Union for Progressive Judaism) and we are delighted to be able to welcome [...]
The World Union for Progressive Judaism President, Rabbi Sergio Bergman visits Europe over Pesach to see the Ukraine refugee crisis firsthand
During his Passover trip to Europe World Union President Rabbi Sergio Bergman (right) met with Student Rabbi Alex Kovtun (left). My last message to you was about the Olim and refugees who have fled Ukraine to Israel. I talked about the amazing work being done by the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) in partnership with the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), working together to bring immediate assistance on the ground in [...]
ARZA Australia and Progressive Judaism Victoria Join to Support Refugees and Olim Fleeing Ukraine to Israel
April 2022 | Nisan 5782 Dear ARZA and PJV members “At this moment in history, there is no more urgent need, nor sacred opportunity, than to help those who are fleeing from the designs of a modern Pharaoh.” - Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, Temple Israel, West Palm Beach, Florida. They have escaped and arrived in Israel. What now? We are hoping that Passover this year will have special meaning. With thanks to the Israel Movement for [...]
Chag Pesach Sameach
Chag Pesach Sameach Happy Passover from ARZA and the UPJ! At our seders, we will join with family and friends to retell the Passover story, recounting the journey of the Children of Israel toward their spiritual homeland. As we break the matzah (and savour the resulting diverse shapes and sizes - and crumbs!), we are reminded that there are many ways to be Jewish, and celebrate how our Progressive community embraces all "shapes and [...]
Russian military damage Holocaust memorial near Kharkiv
The damaged Holocaust memorial in Drobytsky Yar ravine on the outskirts of Kharkiv WE PRAY FOR A MIRACLE AS WE SUPPORT THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE As we, the Jewish community prepare to celebrate our deliverance from Egypt and our freedom as a people, we can’t help but mourn the current suffering of some of our people along with their countrymen and women in Ukraine. We mourn for the unspeakable suffering they are having [...]