In 1997, a dynamic young group of individuals founded TAIR in response to the deteriorating social situation in Israel: Israeli society had become so divided that tolerant discourse between religious and secular Jews was virtually non-existent. The result was lack of understanding, distrust and hostility between the two groups. TAIR's goal is to enable Israelis to reconnect with each other and their Jewish heritage in a non-coercive, pluralistic environment. We believe that Jewish culture is the legacy of all Jews and has the power to unite us.

TAIR is staffed by open-minded, well-educated religious and secular Jews, and is based in Tel Aviv.
TAIR's programs - cultural events, fun learning activities for schools, and award-winning theater - create rich interaction and foster religious tolerance. TAIR is healing the rifts in Israeli society.

Café TAIR

Traditional Jewish texts are explored in trendy Tel Aviv pubs and cafes. The informal setting allows for authentic encounters, has attracted a wide variety of participants and engendered lively discussion.

Cinema TAIR

Film screenings, sponsored in cooperation with the Tel Aviv Cinematheque, are followed by public discussion of moral, ethical, social and religious issues raised by the film. Cinema TAIR enables people to engage with their Jewish heritage in an entertaining and cultural atmosphere.

 

  

Seminars & Lectures

New perspectives on a wide variety of topics, from calendar events to current affairs. Series and one-time events are designed to create an atmosphere of non-threatening discussion of Jewish issues in which all points of view are respected.

Private Study Groups

In response to a growing demand on the part of secular Jews to deepen their understanding of their own roots, TAIR has come up with programming suitable to a wide variety of forums. Businesses, city municipalities, community centers and private groups have turned to TAIR to organize informal education for them on topics ranging from "Couples & Intimacy in Jewish Tradition" to "Issues in Jewish Philosophy". 

Festival and Holiday Events

By popular demand, TAIR sponsors High Holy Days prayers, Passover Seders, Tisha B'Av commemorations and other Jewish calendar events. TAIR's all-inclusive approach has encouraged thousands of people who would never otherwise think of participating in such an event to reclaim their Jewish heritage.

TAIR's award-winning theater troupe has a repertoire of 14 full-length plays tailored to different age groups and mindsets, and produces 3 to 4 original plays every year. TAIR's innovative dramas raise consciousness of Jewish culture and of Jewish approaches to social and moral dilemmas.

  • Interactive theater, which often includes improvisational role playing, on issues such as parent-teen relations and couplehood

  • Street theater and performance art on Jewish themes

  • Plays for children on Jewish holidays and history

  • Serious adult drama dealing with issues of identity and meaning

  • Teen Workshops: over the course of several months, theater professionals study Jewish texts with youth and help them develop and stage dramas based on those texts

  • Annual Jewish Theater Festival: The first of its kind anywhere, TAIR's Annual Jewish Theater Festival encourages people to see their Judaism as a source of creative inspiration and meaning

Thousands of schoolchildren in over 100 schools, religious and secular, have benefited from TAIR's innovative educational programming. Our free-wheeling experiential encounters are led by educational professionals and are accompanied by TAIR-developed manuals that enable teachers to follow up in the classroom. 

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Courses

Study groups meet over the course of several weeks to deepen the significance of this milestone event in Jewish life. Main concepts in Judaism as well as issues of personal  responsibility and maturity are explored in a non-coercive, friendly atmosphere.

 

Experiential Judaism

TAIR offers a wealth of fun educational options for both secular and religious schools. Learning seminars are accompanied by artistic and dramatic activities as well as "happenings" and school outings. Topics available include: Jewish Holidays, Women's Rights, The Meaning of Freedom, and What Does the Bible Have to do with Me?

For a more expansive description of Tair click here.

"Tair"
Tel. 972-3-6205185/4
Fax. 972-3-6205184
e/m tair@tair.org.il
www.tair.org.il