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

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)

HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR THE RELEASE OF THE HOSTAGES

ONEMINADAY.COM

Take 1 minute a day to support our elected official efforts and the release of hostages. This site was created to generate significant pressure on US elected officials to demand the release of the hostages in Gaza. The website simplifies the process of contacting your elected representative simply by entering your zip code.

5 MINUTES TODAY FOR ISRAEL

Sign up here for emails in your inbox every morning chock full of daily actions to make a difference fighting Antisemitism and supporting Israel. This resource offers simple, single-click ways to access pre-populated emails, sign petitions and scripts for calls.

AIPAC: Text “ISRAEL” to 24722

For immediate action, and to stay up to date on current legislation, AIPAC has set up a 45-second action. Text “ISRAEL” to 24722 to reach out to your member of Congress, Senators, and President Biden with pre-written emails. Once you send the text, you can follow the steps when prompted.  By subscribing, you will continue to receive updates and most current prompts. 

LETTER WRITING

Want to put pen to paper, we urge you and your families to write directly to our elected officials. Click here (see sample below) for a sample letter to help guide your writing, either via mail, email, or phone. If you live outside the Union congressional districts, please find your elected officials here.  

 Sample Letter:  

Dear Representative/Senator ________, I want to thank you for your continued outspoken and unequivocal support for Israel. The horrific terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas must be condemned and America must continue to stand with our ally and partner.  

There is no justification for terrorism and the United States must continue to be resolute in its support for the Jewish state.  [INSERT PERSONAL CONNECTION– “As a member of Temple Emanu-El in Westfield, NJ, this is important to me because the Jewish people have the right to defend the Jewish homeland] 

I want to thank you for being a tremendous leader during this most difficult time and I urge you to continue standing unequivocally with Israel.

 Regards,  

NAME TOWN, STATE 

Senator Cory Booker
717 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3224 

 Senator Menendez
528 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4744 

Tom Kean
251 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-5361

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.


At each age and grade level, we recognize that children will be exposed to information and possibly raise questions. 

Grade Level Responses:

  • K-5th Grade YLE Families
    While we will not be directly discussing these tragic events during YLE programming, we recognize that children may hear information and raise questions that we will address individually and in an age-appropriate manner. During Sunday T’filah we will, as always, pray for peace here, in our Jewish Homeland, and around the world.  

  • 6th & 7th Grade Nisayon YLE Families
    Our plan is to address these tragic events as a staff and clergy team with our 6th-7th Grades at Nisayon tomorrow night on Wednesday, October 11th.

  • 8th-12th Grade YLE Students and Families
    For our 8th-12th Grade students, if they are joining us for the Solidarity Service this evening on Tuesday, October 10th, we invite them to stay and gather with us after the service to debrief and ask questions.

  • TEE College Students
    We are organizing a Zoom meet up for our current college students this coming Sunday, October 15th at 8:00 PM – to gather, share, and discuss what is happening on their college campus. College students please register here.


  • 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.