Dr. Ruth Calderon of the Knesset Hosts Special Briefing at Federation

Michael Sonduck, Ruth Calderon and Debbie Kornberg

On Thursday, December 12, Jewish Federation of San Diego County was proud host to Member of Knesset Dr. Ruth Calderon for a special briefing. Calderon, a member of the Yesh Atid Party, is the Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, serving on the State Control Committee, member of the Education and Culture Committee and Acting Chair for the Lobby of Jewish Renewal. 

Calderon’s pioneering work to pave the way in religious pluralism has contributed to the changing nature of Israeli civil society. While most new MK’s discuss their political aspirations in their inaugural address in the Knesset, Calderon chose words of Torah and emphasized the importance of uniting all Jews and showing how all of us --, both secular and religious -- can learn from one another.

During her talk at Federation, Calderon spoke of the Jewish renaissance taking place in Israel. She discussed her efforts as a Knesset member to make the state more democratic, while acknowledging the challenges of navigating religious pluralism in a Jewish state. 

It was an honor to host Calderon, and to hear her discuss her journey from a “nondenominational Jewish” home, to an academic career in Talmudic studies, and finally a to her position in the forefront of Israeli politics as a Knesset member. Her unique perspective on moving Israel forward while staying true to the religious and Zionist values encouraged thoughtful questions and dialogue, as she reminded the audience that each of us has a part in the story of Israel.

Ruth holding her newly English
translated edition, Bride for One Night

It is with deep gratitude that Federation acknowledges and thanks Rabbi Gilad Kariv, the Executive Director for the Israel Movement for Progressive and Reform Judaism (IMPJ) for his efforts in coordinating the morning briefing with MK Ruth Calderon. The Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) is the umbrella organization of all the Reform communities and institutions in Israel. They seek to integrate Jewish tradition with the realities of modern life, and believe in the right of each individual to shape their own Jewish way of life through a process of study and reflection. The Reform movement emphasizes the commandments concerning relations between humans, religious tolerance, and full equality between women and men in the synagogue and in all walks of life.