by Aaron Leibel

Arts Editor

When Israeli-born Haya Laufer and her American husband, Michael, joined Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation five years ago, she found a "warm, welcoming" synagogue, which is very "liberal and egalitarian."

But she also discovered that many of the congregants who had grown up in assimilationist homes knew virtually nothing about the Jewish state.

So, some three years ago, she initiated Israel Connection to fill that Jewish void.

"I wanted to educate them [congregants] intellectually, spiritually and emotionally [about Israel]," says the Rockville resident.

"I wanted them to get a glimpse of Israeli society, the dangers Israel faced every day, as well as the achievements and failures. I wanted them to know what it was like to live in a society being scrutinized constantly by the world.

"I hoped this would open people's minds and hearts and then a connection would form."

Laufer organized a trip to the Jewish state three years ago, in which 72 congregants took part. She believes it was a great success.

She has built on that accomplishment with several arts programs, a speakers' series and a synagogue gift shop that sells Israeli wares.

Now she hopes to duplicate the program's success among Adat Shalom members by actively inviting greater participation from the community.

People have been coming to Israel Connection events from other congregations throughout the three years, Laufer says.

But recently, she continues, "we have heard so many good things from people outside of Adat Shalom who've attended programs that we've been encouraged to try to expand community involvement."

"I truly hope to share with the larger community the creativity and spiritual richness of the Israeli culture that many people don't realize exists," she says.

One Israel Connection program that has stimulated both discussions and further learning by participants is Seret V'Uga (film and dessert), says Laufer.

"Coffee and cakes is an Israeli tradition," she explains, "in which you go to a friend's house or meet at a coffee house for coffee, dessert and lively conversation.

"I wanted to bring this tradition to Adat Shalom. In this way, by making everyone feel welcome and relaxed, we could discuss serious issues without causing a rift among participants."

Seret V'Uga began last August with a showing of Kadosh, a film about the zealously Orthodox community in Jerusalem. So far, four films have been shown at the synagogue and another is slated to be shown on Feb. 22, although no movie has yet been chosen.

"The discussions have focused on the films and Israeli society," Laufer says, "and they have been powerful."

What is most gratifying to her is that the movies have spurred some members to learn more about the films' subjects.

Another Israel Connection program is Chug Sifrut, the Israeli literary club that meets once a month on Thursday evenings in participants' homes. Laufer chooses short stories or poetry to read in Hebrew and immediately translates the pieces into English. Laufer says she chooses the subjects to be "meaningful in terms of life's events." The next Chug Sifrut will be on Feb. 13.

Then, there is the Israeli sing-a-long, Sheera Betizbur. Cantor Sue Roemer leads this program, whose goals are both singing and learning. "Cantor Roemer loves Israeli music," Laufer says. "We teach the audience the words and sit for hours singing Israeli songs." The next Sheera Betzibur is slated for some time in March.

Israel Connection also sponsors a series of guest speakers. Rafi Danziger, director of research and information at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, spoke last month on the Middle East. The next speaker in mid-February has yet to be finalized.

For information on upcoming Israel Connection programs, go to the Adat Shalom Web site (adatshalom.net) and click on Announements. Guests at programs are asked to make a contribution to help cover expenses.