Judaism, Israel, and Refugees

Judaism, Israel, and Refugees | a special lesson plan

Caring for the stranger lies at the heart of Jewish ethics, memory and soul. The mitzvah (imperative) to protect the stranger is repeated more than any other, as in last week’s Torah portion Mishpatim: “Do not oppress a stranger for you know the soul of the stranger, since you were strangers in the Land of Egypt.” (Exodus 23:9)

For BINA, the Jewish-democratic State of Israel must embrace the Jewish people AND Jewish values, including those that call upon us to welcome the stranger as well as take care of our own. These principles guide us in all the work that we do, from south Tel Aviv to across Israel and beyond

Explore this topic in this lesson plan which includes ancient and modern sources and guiding questions.

Parashat Vayechi – Jacob’s New Angel | Ran Oron

09/01/2025

Who is “the angel who has redeemed me”? Is it the same angel with whom Jacob wrestled, before earning the name Israel? Did he miss or remember him? How will the angel bless the boys from all evil? And why the Divine Presence does not allow Israel to foresee the future of his loved ones? […]

קרא עוד…

Study Guide: Limmud to Commemorate October 7

07/10/2024

As we commemorate October 7, we hope this study guide will provide you with some helpful tools (to use on your own or in a group) for learning, exploration, reflection, connection and peace. […]

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Oct 7th Reflections

06/10/2024

Oct 7th Reflections Ayala Dekel, Nir Braudo, Marcie Yoselevsky and Avi Austin Bierman share their reflections as we approach this […]

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Like a Flute Accompanying the Singing – Parshat Va’etchanan | Ran Oron

14/08/2024

At the beginning of the parasha Moses tells the nation how God refused to hear him. Later he will ask them to hear and listen to him, he will repeat the Ten Commandments to them and remind the people in front of him how their hearts did not have enough faith and love to hear and listen to God. Their disbelief, causing him to be a mediator before God for forty years in the desert, exhausted him. […]

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Perseverance and Endurance – Marcie Yoselevsky

12/08/2024

The long days of summer have somehow added up to short months and we are approaching a year since the events of October 7. In the midst of this time of tension and pain, we encounter Tisha B’Av. Marcie shares her reflections on Tisha B’Av and how the day feels this year. […]

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Sorrow & Hope: A Study Guide for Tisha B’Av and Tu B’Av

12/08/2024

In this complicated time, we hope this study guide will provide you with some helpful tools (to use on your own or in a group) for learning, exploration, reflection, connection and peace. […]

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Judaism, Israel, and Refugees