Masorti Olami

Masorti Olami Masorti Olami (World Council of Synagogues, Inc.) builds, renews and strengthens Jewish life throughout the world.

Masorti Olami means Masorti/Conservative Judaism around the world. The organization was founded in 1957 under the name “The World Council of Synagogues, Inc” in New York, and later, Rabbi Joseph Wernik transferred the office to Jerusalem under the name Masorti Olami. The organization was founded with the dream of making Masorti/Conservative Judaism a force in the Jewish world. Today, together with

our partners in Israel and North America, we represent ~2 million Jews around the world. We exist and thrive in six regions, including Latin America, Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia, and the Former Soviet Union. Masorti/Conservative Judaism offers Jews a unique approach to Judaism. We practice a robust and Halachic Judaism firmly rooted in Torah and Mitzvot but fully integrated into our modern-day lives. We distinguish ourselves by examining the values of egalitarianism, pluralism, humanism, tolerance and democracy in the development of Jewish tradition alongside traditional halachic sources. We encourage both women and men to be active in all areas of synagogue and community life. Our NOAM youth movement and camps are transformative experiences. Campers build lifelong friendships while bringing Jewish practice and love of Israel into their daily lives. Our strength also comes from our close partnerships with organizations from all across the Movement including Marom, MERCAZ Olami, NOAM Olami and the Conservative/Masorti institutions throughout Israel and North America. We invite you to visit our Masorti/Conservative congregations and discover new, vibrant egalitarian Jewish communities wherever your travels may take you.

Join the 27th National Masorti Women's Study Day, bringing together women from across Israel and beyond for a day of mea...
02/06/2026

Join the 27th National Masorti Women's Study Day, bringing together women from across Israel and beyond for a day of meaningful learning and conversation centered on the theme: "Renew Ourselves, Our Values, and Our People."

Organized by the Women's League for Conservative Judaism, The Schechter Institutes, and The Masorti Movement In Israel-התנועה המסורתית בישראל, the program will take place both online and in person in Jerusalem on Friday, June 12, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (Israel time), with sessions offered in multiple languages.

Registration and details in English, Hebrew, Russian, and Spanish:
bit.ly/national-masorti-womens-study-day_jun2026

For more than 50 years, Rabbi Mauricio Balter has devoted his life to building communities, strengthening leadership, an...
25/05/2026

For more than 50 years, Rabbi Mauricio Balter has devoted his life to building communities, strengthening leadership, and helping shape the global Masorti/Conservative movement.

Through the Dugma Ish*t campaign, Hebrew for “personal example” or “role model,” we honor his extraordinary legacy and invite our global community to help carry that vision forward.

Your support will help us continue investing in leadership development, strengthening communities worldwide, and inspiring the next generation of Masorti leaders.

Join us in honoring a life of leadership, lived by example.

❱❱ Learn more and support the campaign at masortiolami.org/dugma-ish*t-campaign

For Masorti/Conservative communities and Jews around the world, the Kotel is more than a symbol. It is a sacred place th...
19/05/2026

For Masorti/Conservative communities and Jews around the world, the Kotel is more than a symbol. It is a sacred place that belongs to the entire Jewish people.

This week, the Knesset Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee is scheduled to discuss the dangerous Kotel legislation that threatens egalitarian, pluralistic and non-Orthodox prayer at the Kotel and risks deepening the divide between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

During Rosh Chodesh prayers at the Kotel on Sunday, women peacefully praying in the women’s section once again faced disruption and intimidation. Executive Director Rabbi Mauricio Balter, Dr. Yizhar Hess, WZO Vice Chair and Senior Representative of the Masorti/Conservative faction at the National Institutions, and many other supporters were present in support of the Women of the Wall service, joined by Tammy Gottlieb, MAROM Director and also a MERCAZ representative.

For communities across the global Masorti/Conservative Movement, this is personal. The ability of Jews from every background and denomination to pray safely and openly at the Kotel directly impacts the relationship between Israel and Jewish communities around the world.

We invite our global Masorti/Conservative family to stand together in support of pluralism, equality, and a Kotel that remains open to all Jews.

More than 13,000 people have already signed the global petition opposing the dangerous Kotel Bill. Every signature sends a clear message: pluralistic Jews will not be excluded from Judaism’s shared sacred spaces.

❱❱ Sign the petition at bit.ly/JewishPluralismAtTheKotel

Share it with your community, and help us defend religious pluralism, equality, and the unity of the Jewish people.

Photos by Kobi Wolf and Hila Shiloni Rosner

As we celebrate Shavuot, a holiday rooted in learning, connection, and shared responsibility, we invite you to explore t...
19/05/2026

As we celebrate Shavuot, a holiday rooted in learning, connection, and shared responsibility, we invite you to explore the latest stories from across our global Masorti/Conservative family.

This edition of our newsletter highlights communities building Jewish life through education, leadership, youth engagement, and meaningful action around the world.

Chag Shavuot Sameach from all of us at Masorti Olami.

→ conta.cc/4wHl81J

14/05/2026

Jerusalem stands at the heart of Jewish life and memory, a city that carries history, faith, and hope in every corner.

On this Yom Yerushalayim, we mark 59 years since the reunification of this remarkable city. Known as the Eternal City, Jerusalem is home to people of all faiths, cultures, and traditions who share its streets, its stories, and its future.

May this day be a reminder of our deep connection to Jerusalem and of the importance of continuing to build a city that belongs to all who call it home, rooted in dignity, coexistence, and shared belonging.

Happy Jerusalem Day!

Dive deeper into Jerusalem’s story across the centuries. Visit timeline.cityofdavid.org.il and explore an interactive timeline on the of David Foundation website.

With deep gratitude, we thank Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz for her years of partnership and dedicated leadership at the Jewi...
05/05/2026

With deep gratitude, we thank Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz for her years of partnership and dedicated leadership at the Jewish Theological Seminary, and for the meaningful collaboration we have shared over this time.

After years of dedicated service, Dr. Schwartz, the first female Chancellor in JTS’s 140-year history, will conclude her tenure at the end of the 2025–26 academic year, transitioning to the role of Chancellor Emerita while remaining part of the faculty. Her leadership came at a time of significant complexity, and she helped guide JTS with steadiness and purpose. Throughout her tenure, she strengthened core academic programs, expanded opportunities for Jewish learning, and deepened the institution’s engagement with communities navigating a rapidly changing reality.

Looking ahead, JTS has appointed Rabbi Mike Uram as its next Chancellor, beginning July 1, 2026. A graduate of JTS and an influential voice in contemporary Jewish education, Rabbi Uram brings extensive experience in building and leading innovative educational initiatives, alongside a strong commitment to engaging a broad and diverse Jewish community. His appointment reflects a forward-looking vision that builds on JTS’s legacy while expanding its reach and relevance.

As a valued partner in our global Masorti/Conservative network, JTS continues to play a critical role in cultivating the scholars, educators, and leaders who shape our communities worldwide. We thank Chancellor Schwartz for her outstanding leadership and look forward to working closely with Rabbi Uram as he steps into this role.

You can read more about the transition at jtsa.edu/news/jts-names-rabbi-mike-uram-next-chancellor

Lag BaOmer, observed on the 33rd day of the Omer (18th of Iyar), brings a pause to the semi-mourning period between Pesa...
04/05/2026

Lag BaOmer, observed on the 33rd day of the Omer (18th of Iyar), brings a pause to the semi-mourning period between Pesach and Shavuot, marking a shift from reflection to joy within the Jewish calendar.

Rooted in Jewish tradition, the day commemorates the moment when a devastating plague among Rabbi Akiva’s students came to an end, and is also associated with the spiritual legacy of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Across generations, it has become a symbol of resilience, renewal, and light.

Marked by bonfires, gatherings, and celebration, Lag BaOmer reminds us of the enduring strength of Jewish life and the importance of continuing to nurture vibrant Jewish communities today.

Masorti and MERCAZ Olami wish you a meaningful and uplifting Lag BaOmer.

Learn more about the festival at the KKL (קק״ל - קרן קימת לישראל) special page: kkl-jnf.org/people-and-environment/israeli-and-jewish-festivals/lag-baomer/lag-baomer-jewish-tradition

Address

32 General Pierre Koenig Street
Jerusalem
93469

Telephone

+97226247106

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Masorti Olami posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category