Rabbi Moshe Zemer (z’’l) held a vision of Progressive Judaism in modern Israel. In 1963 he made Aliyah and in 1968 he established Congregation Kedem in Tel-Aviv, which came to be the Beit Daniel Centers for Progressive Judaism which he headed for the following twenty years.
Ruth (z”l) and Gerald (z”l) Daniel shared his vision. Their passion for Israel and dedication to advocating for a pluralistic and inclusive Jewish Israeli society – rich in tradition and grounded in egalitarianism; brought individuals and organizations from Israel and abroad to the founding of The Daniel Centers for Progressive Judaism.
The Daniel family has been instrumental in bringing their parents’ vision to fruition. Their family moved to the United States and they continued to be very involved in their synagogue and Jewish community. Gerald served as President and Ruth was Secretary of Larchmont Temple in Westchester County, New York. He and Ruth also served on many Boards of Jewish Organizations and Jewish Federation Boards in the U.S.
Gerald went on to serve as President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. Because of his leadership in Israel, the Mayor of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Ron Huldai, gave him the title of Honorary Citizen, in 2010.
Their legacy continues through the work of their children Ralph and Miriam, and son-in-law Larry Wolff. They formed the Friends of the Daniel Centers for Progressive Judaism to provide opportunities for American Jews to be connected to Israel, to advocate for pluralism and support programs for individuals and families in Tel Aviv – Yafo.
“And they said: Let us rise and build, they strengthened their hands for the good work.”
Nehmiah 2:18