Pro Zion

We are pleased to announce that this years Mervyn Elliot Memorial Lecture has been confirmed and is taking place on Sunday February 3rd in Leeds from 5.30pm to 7pm at Sinai Synagogue, Leeds.

We have an exciting speaker over from Israel to present the lecture: Rachel Liel, Director of SHATIL, New Israel Fund's empowerment and training centre for social change organisations. As well as being a great speaker other impressive facts about Rachel include:she has held various posts in the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, including Associate Director of Rehabilitation Services. named one of Israel's 50 most influential leaders in 2005 by Globes - Israel's leading business daily. in 2006, named by Ha'aretz as one of 40 Israeli women who most contribute to change. chosen again in September 2007 by Ha'aretz highlighting Israel's 100 most influential people.This will be a fascinating talk, if you are in Leeds or can make it to Leeds that weekend then we hope to see you there. More details will follow in next weeks email. We have a collection of articles for you this week.

First we have an article that reports on the attempt by the Government to clamp down on Rabbis who refuse to recognise state-sponsered conversion. Next we have a piece that refers to a high court ruling against the ultra-orthodox bus-lines. Justice Ribenstein says, 'i t is inconceivable for a driver not to allow a woman on a bus because she is wearing pants.' The next article is about a Jewish-born adoptee, adopted by a devout Catholic family, who has been trying to make aliyah for the year and a half. Finally we have a piece written by Rabbi Michael Marmur who reflects on what it means to him to be a Jerusalemite. We hope you enjoy the articles. If you would like to tell us about any events your community are having or have had, then please let us know. All that's left to say is just a quick reminder about the ZF's parliament lobby on January 23rd.

Shabbat Shalom

Charlie, Daniel and all at Pro Zion