Washington: Six Israeli lawmakers are headed to the United States this weekend to learn more about the American Jewish community.
The visit to Brandeis University and New York City, starting on Sunday, comes amid concerns about a growing gap between American and Israeli Jews.
The six-day Ruderman Fellows Program aims to give the legislators a detailed understanding of the structure and history of the American Jewish community.
The packed schedule includes meetings with American Jewish leaders in areas such as academics, business and philanthropy.
Program officials say Israeli Jews sometimes don't understand the communities' differences, such as the diversity in American Jewish life and practice.
Program founder Jay Ruderman says more understanding among Israeli leaders can ensure differences don't harden into divides. He says that would severely damage the small global Jewish community.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, April 02, 2011, 09:51