The initial effort to extend Conservative Judaism’s embrace of Zionism beyond the United States was launched by Rabbi Bernard Segal, who served as executive director of United Synagogue of America (later United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism) from 1953 to 1970. As noted by historian Dr. Pamela Nadell, “Segal envisioned bridges to world Jewry, a vision that enabled Conservative Judaism to gain international stature. In 1957, he and a handful of colleagues founded the World Council of Synagogues to implement…Conservative Judaism in Israel and Jewish communities throughout the world.”

Article | The Global Zionism of Conservative Judaism — the World Council and MERCAZ

With Israeli statehood a reality, Conservative Judaism became a full-fledged Zionist movement. For JTS chancellor Louis Finkelstein, the commitment to Israel was personal as well; his daughter had settled and established a family in Jerusalem, with her father making visits year after year. The chancellor reflected that “when I was her age, I too thought I was going to spend my life in Jerusalem, but I did not.”

Article | Conservative Judaism’s Zionism, 1948-1973

Soon after the outbreak of World War II, Jewish Theological Seminary chancellor Dr. Cyrus Adler passed away, and leadership of the JTS and of Judaism’s Conservative Movement was placed into the hands of Rabbi Louis Finkelstein, a JTS graduate and longtime assistant to Dr. Adler. Like his predecessor, Rabbi Finkelstein was committed not to Political Zionism, but rather to Spiritual Zionism.

Article | Conservative Judaism’s Zionism from World War II Until Israeli Statehood

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MERCAZ Olami represents the interests of the Masorti/Conservative Judaism in the National Institutions, the WZO, KKL, The Jewish Agency for Israel, and Keren HaYesod (UIA) promoting Jewish pluralism, egalitarianism, and equality since 1975.

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MERCAZ Olami remains committed to raising awareness about the 101 hostages, men, women, and children, that are still being held captive in Gaza, and we pray for their immediate and safe return home, and for an end to the suffering of all innocent people.

Upholding Masorti/Conservative Zionist Values & Interests in Israel’s National Institutions

MERCAZ Olami represents the interests of the Masorti/Conservative Judaism in the National Institutions, the WZO, KKL, The Jewish Agency for Israel, and Keren HaYesod (UIA) promoting Jewish pluralism, egalitarianism, and equality since 1975.

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Our vision is to be a strong, influential, and respected agent for Masorti/Conservative Judaism, actively advocating and performing in Israel’s National Institutions.

Our mission is to advocate, advance, promote, and protect Masorti/Conservative values, principles, priorities, and communities through joining the leadership and influencing the policies of Israel’s National Institutions.

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Article | The Global Zionism of Conservative Judaism — the World Council and MERCAZ

October 29th, 2024

Article | Conservative Judaism’s Zionism, 1948-1973

October 29th, 2024

Article | Conservative Judaism’s Zionism from World War II Until Israeli Statehood

October 10th, 2024

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