Shalom Hartman Institute (SHI) and UJIA (United Jewish Israel Appeal) are pleased to announce the launch of a four-part iEngage study series for select UK-based Jewish organizational professionals, lay leaders, and rabbis convened by UJIA and the Israel Embassy in London.
Led by a team of internationally renowned scholars in the fields of Jewish studies, Middle East politics, and history, such as Hartman Institute president Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman and research fellows Dr. Tal Becker and Rabbi Dr. Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi , who will study with the cohort, the iEngage Project addresses core questions pertaining to the necessity and significance of the Jewish national enterprise; how a Jewish state should exercise power; why a Jew who lives outside of Israel should care about Israel; and what the State of Israel can offer the world.
“The Israeli Embassy is very pleased to support this new partnership between the leading thinkers and teachers of the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and a group of the UK’s most talented and respected communal leaders,” comments Israeli Ambassador to the UK His Excellency Daniel Taub. “The Embassy hopes that this series of encounters will help deepen and strengthen relations between UK Jewry and Israel, and provide an avenue for exploring new and exciting channels of engagement.”
"UJIA is proud and excited to bring top-flight Israeli thinkers for an intense series of encounters with communal leaders. The iEngage programme has proven its ability to inspire and provide space for reflection and debate, and we are confident it will have this impact in our community. The Hartman Institute’s tradition of inclusive Jewish thinking that grapples with even the hardest question is one that UJIA welcomes and feel an affinity towards," says Michael Wegier, UJIA Chief Executive.
“The goal of the iEngage Project is to respond to growing feelings of disenchantment and disinterest toward Israel among an ever-increasing number of Jews worldwide by creating a new narrative regarding the significance of Israel for Jewish life,” explains Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman. “We envision that this narrative will serve as a foundation for a new covenant between Israel and world Jewry, elevating the existing discourse from one with a crisis-based focus to one rooted in Jewish values and ideas. Only a narrative that gives meaning to Jewish statehood and sovereignty and that articulates a vision of Israel that lives up to the highest standard of Jewish values, morality, and democracy can form the basis for a new covenant for Jews around the world.”
The cohort will begin study in March. During their visits to the UK, the iEngage scholars will address other groups of emerging Jewish leaders such as youth groups and Federation professionals.
About the Shalom Hartman Institute
The Shalom Hartman Institute is a center of transformative thinking and teaching that addresses the major challenges facing the Jewish people and elevates the quality of Jewish life in Israel and around the world. A leader in sophisticated, ideas-based Jewish education for community leaders and change agents, SHI is committed to the significance of Jewish ideas, the power of applied scholarship, and the conviction that great teaching contributes to the growth and continual revitalization of the Jewish people.
For additional information on the Shalom Hartman Institute, please see hartman.org.il
Press Contact: Laura Gilinski , Chief Development and Public Relations Officer, +972-2-567-5333.
About UJIA
UJIA supports, loves and engages with Israel and invests in young people in the UK and Israel. In the UK, UJIA strengthens young people’s knowledge, faith and Jewish identity through a meaningful connection with Israel. In northern Israel UJIA supports education, professional training, and academic programs and infrastructure to enable a positive future for all residents of the Galil.
For additional information on UJIA, please see www.ujia.org .
Press Contact: Debbie Joseph , UJIA, Director of Communications, 020 7424 6501
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