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 devotion to fostering a love of Israel and the Jewish people among Diaspora Jews of all generations. Our work is focused on promoting unity with the State of Israel and reinforcing the ties between worldwide Jewry and Israel, thereby strengthening the bridge between the Jewish communities of the Diaspora and the homeland of the Jewish people. Lay people are an essential part of the ZRC who help support and facilitate the organization’s pro-Israel work in their local communities by serving as advocates, storytellers, ambassadors, and fundraisers.
Why ZRC?
In light of anti-Zionist sentiments that are so pervasive in our society today, including those espoused by some Jewish organizations and individuals (including other rabbis), many Zionist rabbis feel isolated from their colleagues and/or from other members in their communities. Some Zionist rabbis are reluctant or intimidated to express their love of Israel in public, for fear of sowing discord in their communities. While some rabbis have tried to articulate a Judaism that is separate from Israel, ZRC believes that Israel is an intrinsic part of Jewish identity.
What are the goals of ZRC?
- To create a network of support among pro-Israel rabbis and provide them with encouragement and resources that empower them to publicly advocate for Israel
- To raise the profile of pro-Israel rabbis, ensuring that critics of Israel are not the only voices in the media and elsewhere in the public sphere regarding Israel
- To offer educational programs and resources, as well as to convene meetings, conferences, and trips aimed at strengthening the ties between North American Jewry and the State of Israel, as well as fostering a sense of Jewish peoplehood worldwide
- To facilitate communications between North American rabbis and various leaders in Israel and America, enabling rabbis of varying perspectives to convey messages that express their support of Israel, as well as their concerns, in ways that strengthen the bridges between the Diaspora and Israeli Jewish communities
Who is ZRC for?
ZRC is for North American rabbis, rabbinical students, and lay leaders from all denominational movements and from all political affiliations who are proudly Zionist and who wish to actively support Israel and ZRC’s mission.
How can ZRC serve as a resource to me?
We provide tools that empower you to support and advocate for Israel, including:
- Networking with other pro-Zionist rabbis in a non-denominational non-partisan setting
- Access to engaging with prominent speakers, including government officials in Israel and the United States
- Educational webinars
- Missions to Israel and around the world, aimed at fostering a sense of Jewish peoplehood
- Pro-Israel lobbying, sometimes with clergy members of other faith traditions
How can I get involved with ZRC?
Not yet a member? Become a member. Join the hundreds of rabbis, seminary students, and lay people who are committed to promoting unity, understanding and cooperation among the Jewish communities of Israel and the Diaspora. Annual membership is $250 for rabbis who work in North America and lay people (Friends of the ZRC) and $100 for retired rabbis, rabbis in Israel, and seminary students. Click here to become a ZRC member now.
The benefits of becoming a ZRC member:
View all membership benefits by clicking here
The ZRC is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) classification, ID number 86-3602445, with the Internal Revenue Service.
As a rabbi, why should I attend the 3rd Annual ZRC National Conference, “October 7: Where Do We Go From Here?”, May 20-22, 2024 in Washington, DC, ?
- To network with other pro-Zionist rabbis in a non-denominational non-partisan setting
- To learn from prominent and engaging speakers who will provide you with valuable content to incorporate into your sermons, classes, and other pro-Israel advocacy efforts
- To engage in pro-Israel lobbying on Capitol Hill
- To meet with some funders and other lay leaders who support the mission of the ZRC and consider working with them to create new partnerships and opportunities for pro-Israel engagement in your communities
To register for ZRC’s 3rd Annual ZRC National Conference May 20-22, 2024 in Washington, DC, “October 7: Where Do We Go From Here?”, please click here: https://zionistrabbis.org/conference/ Conference fee is $99 per person (including all sessions, kosher lunches and dinners) before May 1. After May 1, conference fee increases to $139. Fee does not include hotel. If you want to book a room at the St. Gregory Hotel at special conference rate, click here.
Zionist Rabbinic Coalition (ZRC) Lay Person Engagement
Why is there a ZRC lay person engagement component?
Lay people are an essential part of the ZRC who help support and facilitate the organization’s pro-Israel work in their local communities by serving as advocates, storytellers, ambassadors, and fundraisers. Our work together matters more than ever in the wake of the surge in antisemitism after the horrific terrorist attack on Israel and the taking of hostages by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Who is considered a lay person?
All non-rabbis who are committed to supporting Israel, including cantors and Jewish educators, members of synagogue boards and Israel Committees, and individuals who are unaffiliated with synagogues who are involved (or who wish to be involved) in other types of pro-Israel advocacy, are welcome to join ZRC as lay people.
Do I need to be a member of a synagogue to be involved with ZRC?
No, you do not need to be affiliated with a congregation to be involved with ZRC.
What is the role and responsibility of a ZRC lay person?
Our role, as non-rabbis, is to support and help elevate the mission of ZRC and its members.
We do this through our work as advocates, storytellers, ambassadors, and fundraisers. We share and build our networks to help leverage the work of ZRC and develop meaningful partnerships in our local communities. By sharing resources and best practices, we help ZRC rabbis raise awareness and support for the organization in communities across North America.
How can I join ZRC as a lay person?
Not yet a member? Become a member. Join the hundreds of rabbis, rabbinical students, and lay people who are committed to promoting unity, understanding, and cooperation among the Jewish communities of Israel and the Diaspora. Annual membership is $250 for rabbis who work in North America and lay people (Friends of the ZRC) and $100 for retired rabbis, rabbis in Israel, and rabbinical students. Click here to become a ZRC member now.
As a lay person, why should I attend the 3rd Annual ZRC National Conference, “October 7: Where Do We Go From Here?”, May 20-22, 2024 in Washington, DC?
If you are passionate about Israel and are interested in connecting with like-minded individuals in a non-denominational non-partisan setting, join us! If you want to help strengthen the Jewish people’s relationship with Israel and support the mission of ZRC, join us! If you want to make a difference by lobbying on Capitol Hill with other pro-Israel lay leaders and rabbis, join us! If you have a voice and want to use it, join us! If you have ideas and would like to collaborate, join us!
Come network, learn, and engage with fellow lay leaders and rabbis who are committed to supporting Israel and to promoting unity, understanding, and cooperation between Jewish communities in Israel and the Diaspora. Most of the sessions at the conference will be with rabbis, while some will be just for lay leaders, enabling you to build your network of support and explore how to maintain or gain momentum as advocates for Israel in your communities. At the conference, you will have an opportunity to speak with and hear from rabbis around the country, as well as gain great insights from prominent speakers that will enable you to become more educated about Israel issues. On Wednesday, May 22, you will have an opportunity to lobby on Capitol Hill.
To register for ZRC’s 3rd Annual ZRC National Conference, “October 7: Where Do We Go From Here?”, May 20-22, 2024 in Washington, DC, please click here: https://zionistrabbis.org/conference/ Conference fee is $99 per person (including all sessions, kosher lunches and dinners) before May 1. After May 1, conference fee increases to $139. Fee does not include hotel. If you want to book a room at the St. Gregory Hotel at special conference rate, click here.
As a lay person, do I have to be a member of ZRC to attend the 3rd Annual ZRC National Conference in Washington, DC May 20-22, 2024?
No, as a lay person, you do not need to be a member of ZRC to attend the conference. For conference program details and cost, please click here: https://zionistrabbis.org/conference/
Questions? Contact Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt at sweinblatt@zionistrabbis.org
