A report from the Masorti Europe Board Meeting in Madrid
Last weekend, Masorti Europe held its first in-person board meeting in over two years. This long-awaited gathering brought together fifty delegates from across Europe, the Americas, and Israel, hosted by the wonderful Bet El community in their new synagogue in the suburbs of Madrid. Brenda, Ariel, Anna, Noam Madrid and the entire Bet-El community worked hard to make us feel at home.
The event welcomed 40 Masorti Jews representing 35 communities, 12 Noam branches, seven Marom centers, eight Mercaz chapters, and one Rabbinical school. Despite the diversity of our origins — from Sweden, Ukraine, the UK, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Germany, Hungary, France, Israel, Venezuela, Chile, Canada, and the USA — it was moving to see how much we share.
Throughout the weekend, the connection to our shared tradition was palpable. During Kabbalat Shabbat, Shabbat morning services, and Havdalah, familiar melodies filled the room. Even when the tunes occasionally varied, it was the same meaningful shul experience for all of us, as we davened and leyned together. Divrei Torah were given in both Spanish and English, and over shared meals, we exchanged stories and insights from our home communities.
On Sunday morning, we turned to the important work of strengthening our organization. The assembly approved modernized articles of association, and new leadership appointments were confirmed: Bruce Rigal was named Vice President of Masorti Europe, Laurence Combet of France was appointed Treasurer, and Wanda Teplitsky continues in her role as President.
We received updates from Masorti communities, Noam, and Marom, as well as from invited guests. Shoshi Bassan from Noam Olami shared one of the year’s most inspiring moments — a special Chanukah program inspired by Keith Siegel’s gratitude circle while he was held hostage in Gaza for 484 days. Other reports shed light on the challenging circumstances of the students from the Masorti Rabbinical school in Berlin, who spoke about their struggle with limited support and resources.
We also heard about small but vibrant Masorti-style communities in cities like Puglia and Genoa, eager to grow, and about the dissolution of a small community in Holland. These discussions highlighted the importance of supporting emerging communities and helping them thrive.
We also focused on Mercaz, the political wing of Masorti, and of the importance of getting our community members to vote in the upcoming World Zionist Conference elections. It was a significant part of the conversation and remains one of our top priorities coming up.
A group activity led by Carmen McPherson focused on the complex task of defining Masorti Judaism. By the end of the conference, there was no doubt: across the Jewish world, we share a love for our tradition, a spirit of energetic dialogue, and a deep commitment to Israel and to community life.
We came back from the conference reassured that across Europe, we are growing vital local Jewish communities of shared meaning. The delegates shared moments of reflection and enriching conversations. and reaffirmed our commitment to the development of our communities back home.
