Support. Learn. Engage.
At Temple Beth El, our hearts remain with Israel and all those impacted by these challenging times. As a congregation, we stand in solidarity with the people of Israel and the Jewish community worldwide. Whether you’re looking for spiritual support, learning opportunities, or ways to take action, we are here for you.
Need support? Our clergy are here to listen. Do not hesitate to reach out at 704-366-1948.
Upcoming Opportunities
We will continue to update this section with upcoming learning opportunities and community-wide events.
The World Zionist Congress (WZC) meets every five years and controls a $1 billion budget that impacts:
- Religious pluralism & democracy in Israel
- The safety & security of Jewish communities
- Recognition of Reform & Progressive Jews in Israel
Voting is now open and closes on Sunday, May 4.
Resources from Clergy
There is a lot of information and misinformation circulating right now. We encourage the following resources:
Trusted Israeli News Sources
Recommended Podcasts
Recommended Books
- Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices by Mosab Hassan Yousef
- Jews Don’t Count by David Baddiel
- Can We Talk About Israel? A Guide for the Curious, Confused, and Conflicted by Daniel Sokatch
- Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth by Noa Tishby
Parent Resources
It can be difficult to talk to children about Israel, conflict, and safety. These resources provide age-appropriate guides, conversation starters, and action steps.
- PJ Library’s Israel Hub
- American Jewish Committee: Links to timely articles to understand what is happening currently in Israel
- Jewish Education Center of Cleveland: Resource for parents to talk to kids complete with action steps and conversation guides
- Kveller.com: Tips from both parent and child writers on talking about the violence
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Guide to how children of different ages respond to trauma and how to help them
Donations
Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of crises. If you wish to donate to support Israel, please do so through trusted organizations. Temple Beth El and the Charlotte Jewish Federation recommend giving through the Jewish Federations of North America.
Reminder: Temple Beth El clergy and staff will never solicit donations via gift cards or online payment apps. If you receive such a request, please report it immediately.
Birkat Shalom
Our Sister Congregation in Israel
Temple Beth El is committed to supporting the Reform movement in Israel. Our congregation maintains an ongoing partnership with Birkat Shalom in Kibbutz Gezer.
We support Birkat Shalom through:
- Financial contributions to sustain Reform Jewish life in Israel
- Reciprocal visits to strengthen the bond between our communities
- Collaborative learning & programming to deepen shared Jewish identity
