“An Important Victory,” Rabbi Elaine Zecher’s Shabbat Awakenings

June 6, 2025 | 10 Sivan 5785

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection, as we make our way toward Shabbat.

We need some good news. The Reform votes cast in the World Zionist elections have shown a resounding victory for the Reform movement in Israel. Through the work of our congregation, we helped to contribute to this victory. This happened because of the important and devoted work and willingness of our community. It is a hopeful day.

Here is what we know from Rabbi Josh Weinberg:

Vote Reform won a commanding victory! Our slate received more votes than any of the 22 slates by a wide margin. We got the largest number of votes in the history of the WZC — and we did so by running a fair, honorable campaign and holding up our Reform Jewish values.

We are the largest U.S. voice at the World Zionist Congress. This is a victory for the democratic ideals and Reform Jewish values that we share. This will mean that we will fight for pluralism and democracy; and secure significant funding for Reform causes. Our community showed up and it made a powerful difference…This outcome shows that when we organize and act, our movement leads.

In this time of vulnerability, of increased antisemitism, our victory is an expression of our unwavering commitment to Israel.  We will use our strong showing to continue to push for the release of the hostages and the security of Israel as a Jewish and democratic State.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs emphasized that in a moment of global uncertainty and rising antisemitism, our community stepped forward with clarity and courage to say:

We will lead, we will protect democracy, and we will build a more just and inclusive future for Jews everywhere.

The 2025 election shattered turnout records, with over 230,000 votes cast — an 86% increase from the 2020 WZC election. The 152 U.S. delegates elected will join representatives from across the globe at the 39^th World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem this October, helping shape the allocation of more than $1 billion in annual support for Israel and world Jewry.

Vote Reform’s victory ensures that the Reform Movement will continue to:

• Promote religious pluralism, equality, and justice in Israel

• Secure critical funding for Reform institutions in Israel and worldwide

• Defend democratic values in the face of rising extremism

• Advocate for the safety and dignity of all Jews amid increasing antisemitic threats

• Fight for the release of all hostages still held in Gaza and a peaceful future for the region

In this way, we can be proud of the strength of our voice for Israel.

Shabbat Shalom! שבת שלום

Connect with me with comments and reflections here.

Rabbi Elaine Zecher