Teaneck—Rabbi Yair Silverman, founder of the Israeli organization Moed, visited Keter Torah and Netivot Shalom last Shabbos. Silverman created Moed seven years ago as an organic, grassroots community in Zichron Yaakov, in the north of Israel. It is an open and inclusive kehillah comprised of Jews from a range of nationalities, beliefs, and socio-economic groups. “What unites us is our approach to inquiring with openness, fostering mutual respect, engaging dialogue, and pursuing dreams,” said Silverman.

Last year, Moed hosted over 300 programs, ranging from city-wide holiday events to individual life-cycle celebrations. “When we conceived of this project we were trying to find a way to truly empower kids and their families to do good. We want them to feel ownership and responsibility to the adult world they are about to enter. The goal is not to just instill Jewish values, but teach the children how to act on them so they will carry them throughout their lives,” said Silverman.

Materials and programs that Moed has developed have been used in a wide variety of communities seeking meaning. “The model that we have incubated locally in Zichron Yaakov has the promise to transform Israeli communal society by empowering multiple ways to connect to Jewish life and community,” he said.

His topic at Keter Torah was  “Wine, Purim and Israel: Striving for Excellence.” At Congregation Netivot Shalom, his lecture was about “One People, Divided; The Culture of Controversy: Machlochet in the Talmud.” On Motzei Shabbat, he spoke at the Teaneck home of Shifra and Dani Bendheim. His topic there was “Unity without Uniformity: Building Community in Israel.”

The Moed welcoming committee was comprised of Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot, David (Doodie) Miller, Aliza Neuer-Engel, Rabbi Jacob J. Schachter, Jonathan Schor, Pamela Scheininger, Dr. Lisa Schlaff, and Gail Steckler.