We are committed to Israel
We bring our connection to Israel into our worship, our social action, our education and learning programs, our youth engagement, and our philanthropy. We lead and encourage travel to Israel, engagement with its culture, history, and communities, and the building of a personal relationship with the land. We simultaneously welcome questions, respectful disagreement, and an understanding that Israel is and always will be a part of the Jewish world.
VOLUNTEER IN ISRAEL WITH REFORM JUDAISM
This 8-day Birthright Israel Volunteer trip is designed for can-do travelers seeking the opportunity to volunteer, connect, and renew together.
REFORM JUDAISM | BUILDING TOGETHER
In response to October 7th, Israelis united around a collective volunteering effort to fill gaps in society. The work to rebuild and renew is just getting started, and Stephen Wise Free Synagogue's Amplify Israel initiative invites Reform Jews around the world to rally your support for the people of Israel, in the land of Israel while the needs are greatest.
This 8-day Birthright Israel Volunteer trip is designed for can-do travelers seeking the opportunity to volunteer, connect, and renew together.
World Zionist Organization 2025
Resources From The ADL
Talk About What’s Happening:
We Stand with Israel
Hamas Attack on Israel Kills Hundreds of People
Hamas Backgrounder
Hamas Attack Draws Cheers from Extremists, Spurs Antisemitism and Conspiracies Online
Questions, Complexities and Context: Insights into Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
General Resources for Talking with Young People About Injustice:
Empowering Young People in the Aftermath of Hate (English & Spanish)
Helping Students Make Sense of News Stories about Bias and Injustice
Tips for Engaging and Disengaging on Social Media
Resources About Antisemitism & Anti-Zionism:
ADL K-12 Toolkit
10 Ways to Have Conscientious Conversations on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Antisemitism Uncovered / Anti-Zionism
Antisemitism Today (English & Spanish)
Think.Plan.Act. Tools for Dealing with Antisemitic and anti-Israeli Incidents on college campuses
Antisemitic Incidents: Being an Ally, Advocate and Activist (Lesson Plan for Middle and High School)
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.
Temple Emanu-El is proud to be part of the the ADL’s Signature Synagogue Program. ADL’s Signature Synagogue Program ignites congregation-wide commitment to raising awareness of and speaking out against antisemitism and hate. This Program creates a unifying initiative for community education and engagement, connecting dozens of New York/New Jersey synagogues under a common goal of fighting antisemitism.
Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
Resources On How To Talk To Your Children (K-12) About Israel Now
In moments as challenging as these, you may be unsure about how to approach conversations with your children. The YLE teachers, administration, and clergy are readily available to assist you in guiding these discussions and offering insights on how to effectively address any questions or concerns your children may have. Below is a list of resources and tools for parents and caregivers.
How to Talk to Your Children When the News is Scary from Jewish Family Service of MetroWest, NJ.
The Reform Movement has provided many resources for coping with acts of terror and violence as well as this helpful article, How to Talk with Children About the Conflict in Israel.
Jewish Family Services suggests How to Talk to Your Children About Tragic Events.
The Jewish Education Center of Cleveland offers guidelines for helping your child understand and navigate the situation in Israel, as well as action steps for parents and families.
Teens and college students may encounter anti-Israel and ant-semitic sentiments at school and on campus. The American Jewish Committee (AJC) offers a campus library with many resources and this guide from JewishBoston serves as a teen resource to understanding the crisis in Israel.
At each age and grade level, we recognize that children will be exposed to information and possibly raise questions.
It is essential to share that safety and security is of the utmost importance to our Temple Emanu-El Community. We are in regular contact with the Westfield Police Department, county and federal agencies, Federation safety experts and our security company. We are assured that there is no reason to believe of a heightened risk to synagogues like ours. Nonetheless, we will continue to practice our strict security and safety measures and adapt our security when needed.
As always, we are here for you and your entire family. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.