Guest Speakers: AJEEC-NISPED Chairman Kher Albez and Co-CEO IIan Amit

As we approach the high holidays and contemplate the immensely challenging reality, hear from Jewish and Palestinian activists working on the ground in Israel for a peaceful, safe, and shared future. They are working to sustain and build a stronger shared society between Jews and Palestinians — a need which has never been greater.
 
During the Erev Shabbat service, hear from Kher Albaz and Dr. Ilan Amit from NIF grantee Arab-Jewish Center for Empowerment, Equality, and Cooperation — Negev Institute for Strategies of Peace and Economic Development (AJEEC-NISPED). Our speakers will share inspiration from their work, empowering tens of thousands of Arab and Bedouin communities in the Negev.

The organization was devastated by Hamas's brutal attack on October 7, during which its beloved co-founder, Vivian Silver (z”l) was murdered. AJEEC mourned the loss of both Jewish and Arab lives that day, and the grief has only deepened with the ongoing war in Gaza. They are currently building the Vivian Silver Center for Shared Society to make her vision come true.

For over two decades, NIF** grantee AJEEC-NISPED has worked to build a shared Arab-Jewish society, strengthen the socio-economic resilience of Arab communities, and empower Arab youth to fully participate in Israeli society.

The Beth Am community gathers each Friday night at 6:15 PM to welcome Shabbat. Our worship services are musical, participatory and informal in spirit; they focus on helping us experience the spiritual renewal, peace, joy and sense of celebration that Shabbat can bring.

After each service this month, gather in the Social Hall for an Oneg Shabbat.

If you attend virtually, please join the livestream starting at 6:15 PM. You may follow along in our texts for the Erev (evening) Shabbat service using the digital version (available for purchase) of the Mishkan T'filah: A Reform Siddur.

To enhance your enjoyment of Shabbat, please visit betham.org/shabbatcorner (including "Social Stories" in the Resource Box to prepare children ahead of time for what to expect during the Shabbat service).

*These services will be live video streamed. By entering the Sanctuary you give Beth Am permission to record you.

**The New Israel Fund is the leading organization advancing and defending democracy in Israel. Widely credited with building Israeli progressive civil society, NIF has provided over $300 million to more than 900 organizations since its inception in 1979. Learn more about NIF at www.nif.org.