This week was the opening of the 2025 World Zionist Congress Elections. On the show, I welcome Rabbi Josh Weinberg to talk about the meaning of this momentous opportunity to support Israel. Rabbi Weinberg is the URJ Vice President for Israel and Reform Zionism and the Executive Director of ARZA. Please listen to have your voice heard and direct more than $1 Billion of funding for Israel.

The World Zionist Organization (WZO) and the World Zionist Congress (WZC) are central nongovernmental institutions in Israel. While not a part of the Israeli government, “The Parliament of the Jewish People” represents a variety of Israeli political parties, their platforms and visions for Israeli society.

The WZO was founded by Theodor Herzl in Basel, Switzerland in 1897 at the first World Zionist Congress. Even though they predate the State of Israel, the country’s founders knew that to succeed it had to be a project of the entire global Jewish People. They baked the WZO and WZC into the Democratic process of Israel as the one way for Diaspora Jews to have a say in the important Issues facing the Jewish People and Jewish State.

Often called “The Parliament of the Jewish People,” the WZC convenes every five years to bring together representatives from Jewish communities around the world to decide on key issues affecting the Jewish people in Israel and globally.

The Congress elects the leadership of the WZO, sets policies, and influences the allocation of significant funding of about $1 billion annually.

VOTE HERE: www.azm.org

LEARN ABOUT THE REFORM MOVEMENT SLATE HERE: https://www.vote4reform.org/

Check out this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGWRp7_vZH8&t=10s

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Edited by: Alex Wolf

Original Music Composed by: Dan Hacker

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In honor of Thanksgiving last weekend, we are talking about food in on the show this week. Today's episode of Waking Up To Life brings Marcia Nodel who is "in a pickle". Her company Marcia's Pickled Munchies has won awards and has been featured in several national media sites. www.marciaspickles.com I am excited to share the story of how her entry into a food competition changed the trajectory of her life. Not only are the pickles tasty...her story is scrumptious. Join me as we hear her story of "waking up to life"!!!

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Temple Israel on social media to stay up to date on Waking Up To Life.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media. Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at josh@temple-israel.org

Jason Plotkin has served as the Executive Director at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield since 2022. In this role, he has helped to manage the business operations of the congregation with a focus on engagement. Outside of his professional work, Jason is a husband and father. In today's episode, we welcome Jason to share the story of his son's adoption and the enlightenment that has brought to the family. Join me as we hear his story of "waking up to life"!

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow Temple Israel on social media to stay up to date on Waking Up To Life.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templeisraelmi

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn9spWvsCBvcQ-o5XLeFLHKcLoj2nBAfM

Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod