Ne’emanei Torah Va’Avodah employs a spokesperson to represent a moderate Religious Zionist worldview, so often absent in the mainstream media. In so doing, it ensures that the public has a better understanding of a variety of different Orthodox values and lifestyles. The spokesperson also makes sure to represent a moderate voice within Orthodox media. Moreover, the spokesperson keeps Ne’emanei Torah Va’Avodah on the map, introducing the greater public to its various activities.
Ne’emanei Torah Va’Avodah currently employs a spokesperson whose job it is to ensure that articles that relate to Jewish or religious matters incorporate the views of its community. In addition, he is responsible for enhancing public relations and publicly advertising activities.
Since the department was established, numerous articles on religious services, women’s rights, and Torah teachings have reached the media. There is no doubt that this public exposure has strengthened the ability of Ne’emanei Torah Va’Avodah to acquaint the public with views other than those of the ultra-Orthodox community and to give the more conservative Orthodox community an understanding of the moderate view.
In previous years, our spokesperson also represented a number of other, smaller organizations with similar approaches: Kolech, Mavoi Satum, ITIM, and others. As they grew, most hired their own spokespersons.
It is our hope that the spokesperson’s work fosters greater understanding between the different elements in Israeli society, creating a better integrated, more tolerant state.
At present, Ne’emanei Torah Va’Avodah garners approximately 30 media mentions each month, including articles written by key members. In so doing, Ne’emanei Torah Va’Avodah has been able to bring many issues from the Religious Zionist agenda to the attention of the public.
Cost o
f program: $33,000. In the 2015-7 year, the spokesperson’s salary was covered by a grant from the UJA-Federation of New York.
