Tribe

60 Days: Israel

TRIBE TAKES ON THE GLOBE WITH THE LAUNCH OF 60 DAYS FOR 60 YEARS: ISRAEL BOOK

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel in 2008, the United Synagogue and Tribe (Young United Synagogue) are building on the success of the widely popular 60 Days book series and launching the 60 Days for 60 Years: Israel edition in Jerusalem on Sunday 9th March. This special ceremony will be attended by the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks and hosted by TRIBE Executive Director Rabbi Andrew Shaw.

From the launch date on March 9th for 60 days, thousands of participants all over the world will read one essay a day from the book to commemorate and celebrate each year of Israel’s establishment, its achievements and also to remember the lives that have been lost there due to war or terror. The final reading will take place on Yom Hazikaron, the day before Israel’s 60th celebrations.

Over 100,000 copies of the book will be distributed worldwide including the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Israel. A complimentary copy of the book will be sent to every United Synagogue household and Tribe members over the age of 11. The project has also been taken on by a number of other communities including ones from Leeds, Glasgow and Newcastle and UK organisations such as Aish and UJS.

The book features short essays covering topics relating to Israel, Jewish medical ethics, Jewish identity and Halacha, and they have been written by authors such as the Chief Rabbi, Sir Martin Gilbert, Alan Dershowitz, and Esther Wachsman.

Guests of honour at the launch on Sunday 9th March are the Ziff family from Leeds who have dedicated the book in honour of Marjorie Ziff and the late Arnold Ziff. Other noted guests will include contributor to the book Yehudah Avner, Aryeh Handler, who witnessed the signing of the declaration of independence of the State of Israel, TRIBE Israel Rabbi, Rabbi Gideon Sylvester, as well as gap year students and TRIBE Israel staff and madrichim.

60 Days for 60 Years: Israel will receive a rolling launch throughout March in UK synagogues and campuses including a Shabbat Breakfast Kiddush featuring Rabbi Shalom Hammer from Jerusalem at Hendon United Synagogue, a dinner presentation at Stanmore United Synagogue and launches across Cambridge, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester University campuses.

The book will also receive prestigious launches in Australia, Canada, and South Africa.

Dina Brawer, 60 Days for 60 Years Project Manager said “This is a very exciting time for the US and TRIBE and the Jewish community and we’re proud to be behind such an inspirational and international project. Tribe is creating an opportunity for Jews around the world to unite and reflect on the miracle of Israel and the meaning of Jewish values by taking just five minutes out of their day. We’re very excited for the launch and hope that this book influences and inspires lives the world over.”

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Editor’s Notes:

For more information on 60 Days for 60 Years: Israel please visit www.60for60israel.com

TRIBE is part of the United Synagogue and works with the young people in the community. TRIBE helps its members feel part of the United Synagogue family by supporting and encouraging communities to run projects for their young people and by providing real benefits directly to its members. TRIBE is split into four age groups Kids, Teens, Campus and Community. Tribe is open to any Jew from the moment they are born until the age of 30. For further information on TRIBE, please visit www.tribeuk.com

For further information, or to receive a copy of the book please contact:

Samantha Paerse Work: 020 7554 5038

Email: spaerse@theproffice.com