Shlichut is an outreach program that brings shlichim (cultural emissaries) from Israel to live and work in Howard County. The shlicha works with the Federation, as well as with synagogues, preschools, religious schools, youth groups and other organizations, to create and promote Israel-related activities in Howard County.
Through a variety of events, the shlicha promotes increased connections and greater understanding of Israel and our Jewish heritage. The Shlicha is charged with promoting a positive image of Israel, as well as infusing Israeli culture, history, politics and society into Howard County's community, both Jewish and non-Jewish.
Israel Committee: Gary Perolman, Chair, Erica Bergstein, Eitan Fisch, Ora Fisch, Bob Markowitz, Michael Schreibstein
Zikaron BaSalon
Jan 27, 7:00 pm, Finkelstein Home
Originating in Israel, this program, which means "Memories in the Living Room," invites the community to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day at an intimate gathering. Hear from a survivor and participate in a discussion. In collaboration with Hadassah. Registration is now closed; please join us at one of our other events.
January 27 | 7:00 pm
Israel in Its 70th:
Challenges & Opportunties
Feb 22, 7:00 pm, Temple Isaiah
Look back on 70 years with Reuven Azar, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC. Hear about challenges and opportunities the country faces. In collbaroation wtih Temple Isaiah. Registration is now closed; please join us at one of our other events.
Matkon Im Zikaron
March 15, 7:00 pm, Private Home
Known in English as "A Taste of Memories," this program provides a unique memorial for fallen IDF soldiers and victims of hostile acts with a cooking session that features one of their favorite foods. This is a special event for BBYO in Howard County Parents. More information and registration coming soon.
Beera VeNashira
Apr 19, Time and Location TBD
Celebrate Yom Ha'azmaut with song and beer, Israeli style. In collaboration with Columbia Jewish Congregation (CJC). More information and registration coming soon.
Letter from shlicha Ella Haetzni
Not long ago I arrived to the US to serve as a shlicha (Israeli emissary) at the Jewish Federation of Howard County. On the flight from Israel, I noticed volunteers from IsraAID, an Israeli humanitarian aid organization that responds to crises around the world. They were on their way to Huston.
At first thought, it seemed strange that people from little Israel were coming to help the huge United States, as it’s usually the other way around. But on second thought, I realized that it wasn’t so weird. Because Israelis have a long, unfortunate history of dealing with terror attacks, we have become experts at handling disasters and dealing with casualties. And our readiness to send aid to the US is a natural outcome of the strong and unique connection between the countries, and between Israel and the American Jewish community especially. This connection goes both ways, as it’s obvious that the American Jewish community has always been there for Israel to lean on and trust.
Lately, both the Israeli and the American Jewish communities are changing and dealing separately with many challenges. The big question is how we will still grow together as one Jewish nation and not turn to different directions.
As shlicha, I hope to reinforce this relationship between our communities and bring a sense of Israel to the community with discussions about culture, lectures, and community events such as the celebration of Israel’s 70th anniversary. Working with all ages and groups, from kindergarten students to senior citizens, I hope to foster thorough and constructive dialogue, as I too learn from new perspectives about Jewish communal life in the States. Most importantly, I will work to maintain and strengthen our connection as one people.
One might ask, what would inspire a young Israeli to come on the shilchut program? Well, this past year I was a counselor for a pre-army leadership program (which is a gap year for youth after high school). Both Israeli youth and Jewish youth from around the world participate in this program. As a result, I had the opportunity to hear from all different kinds of Jews, learning about their interesting culture and the importance of their connection to the Israeli community. My conclusion was the wish to add my own humble effort to this connection and today I am grateful for the opportunity to be an emissary here.
Please join us at one of our events this year or reach out to me at Shlichut@JewishHowardCounty.org I look forward to meeting you in Howard County and continuing to build the bonds between us.
Israel Cafe
11:30 am-1:00 pm
Second Wednesdays of the month
10630 Little Patxuent Pkwy, # 121
Come along with Ella as she recounts the different communities she encountered across Israel on the Israel National Trail, a hiking path that crosses the entire country of Israel. Bring a brown bag lunch—we’ll provide the dessert and drinks. This program is free of charge, but RSVP is requested.
Keep in touch with Ella!
Want to stay in touch about programs, have a question, or just want to chat? Keep in touch with Ella:
The Shlichut program is in collaboration with our partner agency, The Jewish Agency for Israel.