Our events

🎉 Yom HaAtzma’ut 2025 – We Celebrated Israel’s Independence! 🇮🇱

Arzenu Austria warmly invited everyone to celebrate the 77th Independence Day of the State of Israel – Yom HaAtzma’ut!

The evening began with a moving Yom HaZikaron Havdalah ceremony, marking the transition from remembrance to celebration. Together, we offered a prayer for Israel and sang Hatikva.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a festive Israeli buffet, meaningful conversations, and the spirit of a vibrant, pluralistic Jewish community.

We celebrated together – Jewish, inclusive, connected!

Webinar: Progressive Zionism – Sharing Diverse Perspectives & Facilitating Debates

On March 3rd, the second session of the Progressive Zionism Webinar Series, organized by Arzenu and dedicated to the memory of Dr. Michael Livni z”l, took place. Together, participants worked toward building a common language for identity, dialogue, and advocacy.

In two insightful sessions, international experts explored the challenges and perspectives of Progressive Zionism. Discussions centered on fostering respectful debate amid differing opinions and balancing Jewish values with diverse global perspectives.

🔹 Session 1

💬 Panelists:

• Susan Borofsky – Düsseldorf Jewish Community, Egalitarian Minyan

“My Zionism: A Strong, Secure Israel”

• Matthew de Lange – Bromley Reform, UK, Member of the WUPJ International Leadership Council

“My Support for Israel: Drop the Word Zionism”

🔹 Session 2

💬 Panelists:

• Robert Meyer – Co-Founder of The United Jewish Congregation of Hong Kong, Director of United Israel Appeal Hong Kong

• Avishai Conyer – Tamar Australia, Member of the WUPJ International Leadership Council

“My Zionism: Where Jewish and Palestinian Liberation Meet”

The webinar was led by Rabbi Stacey Blank, Director of the WUPJ Center for Education and Leadership Development.

📢 This thought-provoking conversation provided an opportunity to engage with and reflect on the future of Progressive Zionism.

Tu BiShvat Seder

A Special Event by Arzenu Austria and Or Chadasch

On February 13, 2025, Arzenu Austria and the Or Chadasch community came together to celebrate Tu BiShvat, the New Year of the Trees. Under the inspiring leadership of Rabbi Tobias Moss, a special Seder was held in the Or Chadasch Synagogue.

Tu BiShvat was not only an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of fruits and trees but also a moment to reflect on our responsibility for the environment and sustainable living. Together, we explored the significance of this festival in Jewish tradition and its relevance in today’s world.

📍 Location: Or Chadasch Synagogue, Vienna

📺 Live Broadcast: The event was also streamed on the Or Chadasch YouTube channel.

It was an inspiring evening filled with spirituality, community, and a deep connection to nature.

Let’s Get in the Weeds: WZC in Depth

The elections for the World Zionist Congress (WZC) play a crucial role in shaping the future of progressive Zionism. Why? Because they determine how resources are allocated, which values are strengthened within Israel’s national institutions, and how our movement positions itself for the long term.

The webinar “Let’s Get in the Weeds: WZC in Depth” was organized and moderated by Rabbi Josh Weinberg, Vice President for Israel and Reform Zionism at the Union for Reform Judaism and Executive Director of ARZA. Alongside key leaders of our movement—including Yaron Shavit (JAFI), Yair Lootsteen (KKL), David Bernstein (IMPJ), Gidi Aizen (KKL), Shoshana Dweck (ARZENU), and Daryl Messinger (ARZA)—this event provided in-depth insights into the latest developments and challenges surrounding the WZC.

📺 The webinar recording is available to our members. Please contact office@arzenu.at.

📅 Date & Time: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 7:00 PM

Zionism Evolved: Progressive Zionism in Israel – Between Hope and Struggle

Israel stands at a crossroads: Progressive voices advocate for democracy and pluralism but face significant challenges. Why is their influence so crucial? And what role do the elections for the World Zionist Congress (WZC) play in shaping the future of progressive Zionism?

Rabbi Lea Mühlstein, Chair of the European Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ) and former President of Arzenu, spoke about the developments in Israel, the importance of progressive forces, and the opportunities to help shape change.

📅 Date & Time: Sunday, January 26, 2025, 8:00 PM

📍 Location: Zoom

Following the talk, there was space for questions and discussion.