Congregation Shaare Emeth will be hosting a weekend with Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Executive Director of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, Dec. 9-11. Throughout the weekend Rabbi Kariv will address topics regarding Reform Judaism in Israel.

At 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 during Shabbat Services, Rabbi Kariv will speak on “The Changing Face of Reform Judaism in Israel.”

On Saturday, Dec. 10, following a continental breakfast at 9 a.m., Kariv will present a lecture entitled, “Can Progressive Judaism Save Israel?” about ways the Reform movement in Israel confronts the many challenging issues of religion and state in Israel today. At 4:30 p.m., he will explore the new battle for social justice that is being waged in Israel, with a particular focus on recent developments in his lecture, “The People Demand Social Justice and Equal Rights in the Jewish State.”

At 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, Kariv discusses “Our Hearts are in the East,” about the ways in which American and Israeli Reform Jews can become more connected and build stronger relationships. This program is designed particularly for parents of religious school age students and others who wish to explore our engagement in Israel.

Kariv has been a leader and advocate on behalf of liberal Judaism in Israel since 1988. He has advanced legal and social activism on behalf of religious pluralism and social justice in Israeli society in diverse capacities. He served in the Israel Defense Force’s Intelligence Corps, in the elite Talpiot Project.

All programs take place at Shaare Emeth, located at the corner of Ladue and Ballas roads. This program was made possible by the Deutsch Scholar-in-Residence Fund at Congregation Shaare Emeth.

All programs are free and open to the public. Call 314-569-0010 for more information.