Hineini, an initiative designed to promote religious life in Israel was proposed in 2003 by Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President of the Union for Reform Judaism in recognition of the importance of maintaining a connection to Reform Jewish peoplehood and the State of Israel.

The Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation chose to join the Hineini project in 2004 by becoming a “builder congregation” with over 50% of its membership pledging their support. Each family pledges $18 per year. Kehilat Yozma, Southington’s sister congregation is located in Modi’in, Israel. The congregation, led by Israel’s first female rabbi, has 150 members and is one of Israel’s fastest-growing Reform communities. Southington’s members are assisting in raising the funds to help their Israeli sister congregation build a synagogue and are learning about life in Israel through e-mails and sharing websites.

Annual donations are collected in April however we encourage all families to join the effort at any time during the year.