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PEOPLE

POWER

AIPAC Policy Conference 2015 1411w4t. 1

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More than 14,000 pro-Israel Americans gather in
Washington, D.C. for the annual AIPAC Policy
Conference to help shape U.S. policy and further
strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Ray, Amanda, Joe and Barbara Buchalter — longtime Bet Chaverim members

Inclusive from page 8

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

day meal shared with the congregation,
and can lead to deeper involvement,
such as leading Shabbat services or
doing Torah study.
Longtime temple members like Ray
and Barbara Buchalter of Canton are
the kind of family Bet Chaverim hopes
to continue to attract. The Buchalters
joined Bet Chaverim in its fledgling days
when the congregation was holding ser-
vices in a community center. They are an
interfaith couple who moved to Canton
for its open suburban settings and good
school system.
As their two children grew, they chose
Bet Chaverim for their religious educa-
tion as well as a sense of belonging to
a community. Ray built the ark used
by the synagogue. Barbara, raised as a
Christian, became involved first by help-
ing plan temple events and going to ser-
vices. Eventually, she began to study with
Gluck and converted to Judaism.
As a convert, the grassroots structure
of Bet Chaverim gave Barbara a sup-
portive community to share in life's
happy and sad occasions. She became a
religious school teacher and enjoys her
own Jewish studies with the rabbi. Her
Hebrew is improving, and she hopes to
reach a level of proficiency to have an
adult bat mitzvah.
"The thing I love most about Torah
study is that there is always room for lots

The AIPAC Policy Conference is the largest gathering of America's pro-Israel

community. Through demonstrations of groundbreaking Israeli innovations, keynote

speeches by American and Israeli leaders, inspiring moments on stage, and

intimate educational sessions, Policy Conference delegates experience the full

scale of pro-Israel activism in three powerful days.

The conference culminates with the opportunity for delegates to lobby their

members of Congress in support of legislation that enhances the relationship

between the United States and Israel.

WHO ATTENDS THE CONFERENCE?

• More than 14,000 pro-Israel Americans

• More than two-thirds of Congress

• More than 2,300 students from 491 campuses

• 260 student government presidents from all 50 states

• More than 275 synagogue delegations

IT'S BEEN SAID...

"The AIPAC Policy Conference...is the Jewish equivalent of the Oscars or the
Grammys—the big, buzzy annual event everyone talks about before it happens
and gossips about afterward."
—TABLET MAGAZINE, STEPHANIE BUTNICK

of differing opinions," she said.
Their daughter Amanda, 19, has
memories as early as age 3 of singing at
Friday night services, Purim carnivals
and her father helping to build the syna-
gogue sukkah.
"I remember looking forward to see-
ing my Jewish friends at synagogue and
making projects at Hebrew school; said
Amanda, who now teaches the youngest
children, ages 5-8, the Hebrew alphabet,
among other Judaic topics. She also has
early childhood memories of making
Easter baskets and hanging Christmas
stockings with the non-Jewish side of her
family, but says her young adult life is
focused around Judaism. She attributes
this to her upbringing at Bet Chaverim.
"It has always been a warm commu-
nity for me she said. "Now I am on the
other side, creating a warm inviting place
for Jewish learning for my students. Bet
Chaverim remains a big part of my life:'
A freshman at Eastern Michigan
University studying communication
and theater arts, Amanda continues to
explore her Jewish identity by attend-
ing programs at Hillel. More than ever,
Amanda said Judaism remains at the
"forefront of my life:' ❑

For more about Bet Chaverim and its Jewish
education program for adults, go to www.
betchaverim.com, or call (734) 480-8880.

"Bipartisanship is a perennial priority for AIPAC, and its policy conference r
egularly draws the attendance of supportive lawmakers from both major
American parties."
—THE HUFFINGTON POST JOSHUA HERSH

REGISTRATION

Registration is $599 per person.

Club Members take an additional $100 off.

For more information contact AIPAC Michig
Area Director Avi Davidoff at
(312) 253- 8975 or at adavidoff@aipac.org

www.aipac.org/pc

All the Jewish elements in the sanctuary, which Bet Chaverim shares with a
Canton church, were lovingly made by synagogue members.

1975600

10 January 22 • 2015

