Resources
The Essential Guide to October 7th and its Aftermath by Gil Troy
This guidebook seeks to help Jews and non-Jews, in Israel and worldwide, understand the events that have unfolded since October 7, 2023 in historical and ideological context.
The wickedness perpetrated by Hamas can never be undone
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Hamas terror group went into effect on Jan. 19 and included the release of some of the surviving hostages kidnapped by the terrorist group on Oct. 7, 2023. Three of these victims—Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron...
Is it okay for a rabbi to be anti-Israel?
"Top Story" with Jonathan Tobin and guest Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, Ep. 65 In this episode of Top Story, JNS Editor-in-chief Jonathan Tobin speaks with Zionist Rabbinic Coalition Founder Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt. The two speak about the troubling shift in the American...
The Prayer for the Hostages at Candlelighting
In the light of the Chanukah candles that illuminates the homes of the Jewish people, and that place on a pedestal Your providence in the world, and the courage and heroism of the Hasmoneans, and that recall the salvation and victory that occurred on these days. We...
A Prayer for Every Candle
HaRav Yosef Zvi Rimon, the Chief Rabbi of Gush Etzion and Nasi of World Mizrachi composed the following series of prayers to be recited following the lighting of the Chanukah candles – “In this way, the special light ofChanukah will shine for all who need it.”
A Timely Message and suggestion from President Herzog for Simchat Torah 5785
“Standing With Israel” Rally Speech from Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt
“Written in the Middle Ages, at a time of unimaginable torture and persecution of Jews, the central prayer of the season, asks ‘who shall perish by fire, who by strangling, who by starvation, and who will be tortured and molested’. Horrible, unimaginable deaths, which we thought were a thing of the past, but which reads like Hamas’ playbook of atrocities.” – Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt
Watch his speech at the October 7th “Standing with Israel” Rally in Washington DC
Today marks one year since Israel and the global Jewish community were forever changed. In these challenging times, it’s crucial for the global Jewish community to unite in sorrow and solidarity. That is why we hope you will join us -- and encourage others to do the...
Interactive Map of The October 7th Massacre
The October 7th Geo-visualization Project strives to provide a comprehensive representation of the atrocities committed by Hamas on that day. This interactive map serves as a reflection and an educational tool, promoting awareness of the gravity of the horrors. Click...
Resources for October 7 Commemorations
As we approach the first anniversary of October 7, The Zionist Rabbinic Coalition has accumulated a comprehensive compilation of prayers, resources and materials from a wide spectrum of sources and provides them for you to use in your community. We Commemorate October...
Videos from ZRC High Holiday Seminar 2024
Resources & Ideas to Commemorate the First Anniversary of October 7
Soldiers and civilians lost since October 7 A Prayer by Rabbi Mira Regev Several prayers and service from Jewish Journal/Rabbinical Assembly CCAR Readings for Commemoration El Malei Rachamim Shalom Hartman Institute The I-Center For children’s commemorations:...
Newsworthy Highlights from the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition High Holiday Seminar
Over 30 rabbis of all denominations attended – with some traveling from as far as Canada, Florida and Texas --- the one day seminar in New York sponsored by the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, the collective voice of Zionist rabbis. The rabbis studied text with Dr. Erica...
The 6 hostages Murdered in Gaza September 1, 2024
Ori Danino, 25 Ori Danino was the oldest of five siblings and had planned to start his studies to become an engineer. He was a nature lover, was known for his ambition, love for people, and was beloved by all.” He was kidnapped from the Tribe of Nova music festival...
Highlights from the 2024 ZRC National Conference
Conference Speakers and Presentations: Johnnie Moore: Evangelical Leader “We Are Not Alone: Voices of Support Outside the Jewish Community” Reverend Johnnie Moore opened the conference with an address covered live on C-Span in which he articulated the deep connections...
Who We Are & Why You Should Join Us
Make An Impact With The Zionist Rabbinic Coalition (ZRC): Who We Are & Why You Should Join Us What is the ZRC? ZRC is a diverse non-partisan network of rabbis and rabbinical students from all denominational movements in North America who are united in their...
Rabbis and Christian Leaders Lobby for Israel
In January 2024, a coalition of 70 rabbis and Christian pastors came together under the auspices of multiple organizations to lobby for Israel on Capitol Hill. The group consisted of approximately 50 Christian leaders and 20 rabbis, from varying foundations such as...
At Conservative and Reform rabbinical schools, a debate over red lines on anti-Zionism
There’s little tolerance for anti-Israel sentiment at many synagogues. Now, rabbinical schools grapple with anti-Zionism among students. Read the article by clicking here.
The Shameful Behavior of Academic Women’s Associations
The National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA) made two statements about the war in Gaza, neither of which mentioned the targeted attacks on women by Hamas despite indisputable evidence of sexual abuse and torture. The Zionist Rabbinic Coalition responded with an...
Israel Advocacy Day on the Capitol Hill
If you have any questions about the link, please contact Jordanna McMillan – j.mcmillan@israelallies.org
Solidarity Mission to Israel
Zionist Rabbinic Coalition Solidarity Mission to Israel took place January 1-5, 2024.
Open Letter to the National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA)
After the October 7 invasion and sadistic massacre in Israeli towns near the Gaza border, Hamas terrorists and their supporters bragged, celebrated, and even shared photos and videos of their crimes against humanity on social media. Their atrocities included...
How the Left Was Lost, and Where do we go From Here
Letter to Law School Deans
You may be familiar with the letter sent to law school deans about the hiring of those involved in anti-Jewish activities. Here is a link to that letter. Below is a letter for rabbis that you may use to send to lawyers in your community to encourage them to endorse...
All Hell is Breaking Out on College Campuses: How Can Rabbis Help and Respond
Israel’s Response to Hamas: A Halakhic Perspective
To view Rabbi Wieder’s source sheet of Jewish texts, please click here.
Israel’s Response to Hamas: A Perspective from International Law
Highlights from the 2023 ZRC National Conference
Rabbinic statement signed by over 1,000 rabbis following Hamas massacre
Rabbinic Letter of Unity In light of the horrific acts of terror unleashed by Hamas on Simchat Torah, October 7, 2023, the ZRC initiated a Rabbinic Expression of Unity and Solidarity with Israel signed by over 1,000 Rabbis. Our hearts are broken and our souls are...
Israel’s Response to Hamas: Briefing from Israel and the Embassy of Israel
Special Statement from Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt on the War in Israel
Here is a video version of the message below: https://youtu.be/LCGq0gvkA_k?si=Uy35pJBNmqk2DUlj It is difficult to find the words to express the depth of the emotions felt at a time such as this. Some that come to mind are: shock, devastated, worried, concerned,...
How To Speak About Israel on the Holidays
From Rabbi Weinblatt’s TOI Column, “How to Speak about Israel” here are some essential questions for rabbis to consider when writing a sermon about Israel: “….Will the message that I deliver to my congregants promote greater understanding of the unique challenges...
Zionist Rabbinic Coalition holds second annual conference in Washington
When Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt speaks around the country about the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, which he chairs, people often tell him, “I thought all rabbis are Zionists.” Read full article at JNS.org »
Why a Zionist Rabbinic Coalition Is Necessary
Opening Session - ZRC Conference 2023 - Advocating for Israel: More Challenging And More Important Than Ever In talks around the country I often get a similar reaction when I speak about the founding, existence, and need for there to be a Zionist Rabbinic Coalition....
Conference for Rabbis: “Advocating for Israel: More Challenging and Important Ever”
For Immediate Release August 11, 2023 The Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, a coalition of several hundred rabbis from all movements throughout North America will hold its Second Annual Conference in...
ZRC celebrates Abraham Accords as guests of UAE, Bahrain and Israel
Historic Visit by ZRC to Bahrain, UAE, & Israel to Celebrate Abraham Accords
All in all, the 12 ZRC rabbis were moved by their experiences in the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel. Inspired by this historic interdenominational rabbinic delegation to the Middle East, they hope to inspire others with their story upon their return to the United States....
Zionist Rabbis Embark on an Extraordinary Journey
We are still digesting and reflecting on this incredible experience and how it has shifted our viewpoints to a certain extent. Continue Reading in The Jewish Journal »
Articles About the New Gov in Israel & the Diaspora Response to It
The inauguration of Israel’s new government has been greeted by hysterical headlines, articles, editorials, and expressions of concern, denunciations, and sharp criticism about the composition and direction of the newly installed government. To offer some balance to...
A rabbi’s contrary view: Can we all just get along?
It's ironic that US Jews are being urged to enter the fray to save Israel’s democracy. Our job is to help lower the flames. Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely...
Israelc21 Short Stories
We are pleased to present to members and friends of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition short stories provided to us by Israelc21, as materials you may be able to use in your sermons: My 64-hour mission to save 2 newborns in war-torn Ukraine Gardening comes...
“From the Fruit of the Land” by the Honey Foundation
By special arrangement with the Honey Foundation for Israel, the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition is pleased to present the first – a small booklet they produced entitled “From the Fruit of the Land,” reflections by ten Israeli spiritual communal leaders offering testimony...
Ukraine, Israel and the Jewish Community A Complex Story in an Ever-Evolving War
As we witness with horror the increasingly disturbing Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition presents the following articles and talking points developed by the Focus Project to help understand Israel’s position, the complexity of the...
About that Amnesty International Report
Amnesty seems to be engaging in a campaign of misinformation to smear the Jewish State. It is part of a larger international movement to delegitimize and target Israel through BDS as well as biased actions in the ICC and the UN. Amnesty calls for diplomatic and legal...
Arabs Guilty of Apartheid
Ben-Dror Yemini writes in a recent column, “…the world is preoccupied more with the Palestinians than any other unfortunate ethnic group in the world combined. But that is only an illusion. The world isn’t really interested in them. The Palestinians only interest the...
Israel “Bombs Auschwitz”
It has often been said that if only the State of Israel had existed in the 1940s, its air force could have bombed Auschwitz, interrupting the gassing of countless innocents. As published in the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles by Rafael Medoff Well, now it does exist....
Complimentary copy of Ruth Wisse’s new book “Free as a Jew: A Personal Memoir of National Self Liberation
A complimentary copy for rabbis, and a discounted price for your congregation of: Free as a Jew: A Personal Memoir of National Self Liberation By Ruth Wisse The book traces the journey of the Harvard University Professor who escaped the Nazis and devoted...
For the love of Israel, we need to say: The Reform Movement is Zionist
How could future Jewish leaders write an open, public letter in the middle of a war, missiles raining down on our people, without ever mentioning Hamas? The New York Times Magazine recently published a long article entitled “Inside The Unraveling of American Zionism.”...
Liat Collins on the history of the Consulate on Agron Street
Liat Collins writes in the Jerusalem Post about the history of the Consulate on Agron Street and explains that: … the unprecedented opening of a consulate in the same city would bring Israel’s sovereignty in its own capital into question. Instead of more countries...
Nadav Shragai on the unintended consequences and implications of the opening of a US consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem
Nadav Shragai writes about the unintended consequences and implications of the opening of a US consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem: Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said, "the message of the new American administration is that Jerusalem is not a united...
ZRC Statement and Letter to Govt of Israel about Disruption at the Kotel on Tisha B’Av
The following letter was sent to the following individuals: PM Naftali Bennett President Isaac Herzog Ambassador Gilad Erdan Minister of Diaspora Affairs Nahman Shai The Mayor of Jerusalem Dear Mr. Prime Minister, On behalf of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, a...
Rabbinic Letter In Support of Israel during the Gaza War
Join the over 600 rabbis who have expressed support for Israel during the recent crisis
Special opportunity to screen UPHEAVAL, a new documentary on Menachem Begin
By special arrangement with the producer of the new, highly-acclaimed documentary film UPHEAVAL on the life and legacy of Menachem Begin, between now and the end of the year you can screen UPHEAVAL for your synagogue or organization. The film is an authentic look at a...
Response to a naïve MSNBC reporter
I received this note from a congregant – Rabbi, I’m distressed by this post by Joy Reid of MSNBC - https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=joy%20reid I lived in Gaza for two years, I’ve covered numerous wars over the years. Israeli officials always highlight how they...
What you Need to Know and Do As Rockets Fall on Israel
Dear Colleagues, I share with you a message I sent out to my congregation about what is going on in Israel. Feel free to use or adapt it if you wish. At a time such as this, when rockets are falling on Israel, our congregants are interested in what is happening, and...
“Objecting to the Progressives’ Objection to Definition of Anti-Semitism” — It’s a life raft to those who hold fast to it (jns.org)
Click here to read Rabbi Weinblatt’s article “It’s a life raft to those who hold fast to it" as it appeared in the nationally syndicated jns.org , or read below. If any one thing has united Jews throughout the ages, it is anti-Semitism. Yet in this era of increased...
Order StandWithUs Resource Booklets
To request copies of Ten Things You Need To Know About Israel from StandWithUs, please fill out the form below. No cost for up to 250 brochures.
The UAE deal: The ultimate disrupter
If the ark of the moral universe is long but bends towards justice, we may be witnessing the tilt towards peace. The accord between Israel and the United Arab Emirates is a game-changer that radically uproots and challenges the assumptions which have guided...
Order video recording of Ambassador Dermer Reading the Prayer for Israel
For synagogues who are holding virtual or pre-recorded services and who wish to insert a video recording of Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer reading the prayer for Israel, please fill out the form below.
Why do Americans think Israelis are stupid? by Mitchell Bard [JPost]
As the Israeli government nears a decision on whether to apply sovereignty over some or all the West Bank, American Jews, pundits, politicians, and Middle East experts are telling them doing so will harm their interests. Many apparently believe Israelis are unable to...
A Realistic Two-State Solution
Determined to advance a realistic solution to the conflict with the Palestinians, Israel’s prime minister laid out his vision of peace in a speech to the Knesset. The Palestinians, he said, would have “less than a state,” Israel would retain security control over the...
Statement of Purpose and Guiding Principles
At a time when there is concern over the widening gap between the Jews of Israel and North America we are committed to working to close that gap before it becomes greater and irreparable. Moved by the Zionist vision of the founders of the State of Israel, we appreciate the role of Israel in the hearts, minds and lives of the Jewish people throughout our history and pledge to do our part to take constructive steps to support Israel and to strengthen the ties between our two communities.
As a diverse group of Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist rabbis from North America, we express our commitment to the unity of the Jewish people, and to affirm our unbreakable bond with and support for the State of Israel. Our commitment to the security of the State of Israel and for the preservation of Jewish identity in the Diaspora and State of Israel is enduring and unwavering. We are committed to Israel being a free and democratic Jewish state, which is the goal of Zionism, the national liberation movement of the Jewish people.
As such, we respect the democratic process in Israel and appreciate the robust free press and public discourse that takes place in Israel. We recognize that ultimately, the people of Israel are the ones who must live with the consequences of the decisions they make – whether it pertains to security or other matters.
Yet we also believe that as the state of the Jewish people, Jews around the world have a stake in the outcome of those decisions, for we have a shared history and destiny. We believe it is crucial that Israel and North American Jewry help and support each other and work together to ensure the vitality and welfare of Judaism, the Jewish people and Jewish communities around the world.
As a result, we believe that the Jewish people is best served by an approach to Judaism in Israel that is tolerant of the various streams of Judaism. Inasmuch as unity does not require uniformity, we encourage our Israeli brothers and sisters to embrace policies and actions that support tolerance for different expressions of Judaism. We want to encourage diversity of expression of Judaism in Israel and intend to express this in a way that will not diminish support or love for Israel among the Jews of North America.
As rabbis from different affiliations, we celebrate and experience our Judaism in different ways. Even when we differ or disagree, we affirm that it must be from a position of mutual respect and caring, of love and devotion to each other, and that we take into consideration the different realities of our communities and the impact actions and statements have on each other.
With unconditional love, yet not uncritical support, we are convinced that working together, we can face any challenge. Divided we are weakened and diminished. We recognize that what we say has an impact on those who hear our messages – primarily the American Jewish community. Consequently, we rabbis must be conscious of the impact our words have on the community that hears them. To that end, we invite other rabbis to join us in creating a means to constructively express our concerns directly to appropriate parties in Israel while conveying to our fellow Jews in the Diaspora the importance of continued support for the State of Israel.
We commit to improving our communication, expanding our knowledge of each other, to finding constructive ways to deepen and strengthen the relationship between Israel and our communities and to work constructively and in a cooperative spirit to resolve differences that may arise.