| Rabbi Gabby Dagan and Rabbi Na’ama Dafni Kellen 55 Arthur Hantke Street Haifa 3460840 ISRAEL Phone: +972-4-834-3905 office@orhh.org.il www.or-hadash-haifa. www.facebook.com/orcha55 |
 |
Or Hadash, Lyons’ Center for Progressive Judaism, is an established, yet cutting edge, Reform congregation in Haifa. Although one of the oldest Reform congregations in Israel, we understand that the world has changed, that new and innovative ways of connecting to Judaism are required for Israelis to feel at home in Jewish life. Drawing on our rich heritage, we are developing and experimenting with music, Torah study, youth activities, pastoral counseling, as well as leadership development and community structure to create an authentic, dynamic Israeli Reform Judaism.
Located in Haifa, the 3rd biggest city in Israel, we see ourselves as a warm home and a shining beacon, a place where people are seen and are encouraged to see others. Our mission is to empower Israelis to reclaim their Judaism and turn their Jewish values into action. We envision Or Hadash as a center that values the pluralism of Haifa and where our Judaism calls us to work toward equality, justice, compassion, commitment, and hope. Our Judaism stands for commitment to shared Jewish-Arab existence in our city, celebrating the LGBTQ communities, talking openly about mental health, and striving to save our planet. We want all Israelis to think of Judaism the same way – a Judaism of which we can all be proud.
Or Hadash holds Shabbat services each Friday evening and our rabbis lead around 90 Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies annually. The congregation celebrates all the Jewish and Israeli holidays, opening our gates to non-members from the neighborhood, drawing hundreds of attendees, including children and families. Regular activities include varied study opportunities, a conversion class, Bar/Bat Mitzvah classes, and many cultural and educational events that take place at our beautiful building. This year we are even going to Jordan in the footsteps of Moses!
Or Hadash was founded in 1964 by Rabbi Reuben Samuels z”l. In 1991, under the leadership of Rabbi Mordecai Rotem, we moved into our new home, The Lyons Center for Progressive Judaism, a beautiful building on Mount Carmel, Haifa. As of September 2021 / Tishrei 5782, our congregation is co-led by Rabbis Gabby Dagan and Na’ama Dafni-Kellen
We invite you to partner with us as we continue to build an Israeli Reform congregation that is meaningful and inspiring for many now and for generations to come.
Reach out for a conversation or come for a visit. Contact us at https://en.or-hadash-haifa.
