Member Highlight: Ina Bauman
Ina and Steve Bauman joined NTHC in 2011 after seeing an invitation in the Sierra Sun to attend a summer concert at Ernie Grossman & Margaret Lewicki’s home. She talks about creating community in Tahoe and why she thinks it is important to vote in the upcoming World Zionist Congress (WZC) election.
We were warmly welcomed into a crowd of about 50 people, most members of the congregation. Being we hoped we’d spend about 35-40% of our time in Truckee, we wanted a Jewish life in the mountains. I served on the board for seven years and was membership chair for eight. Now, more than ever in our lifetime, is the time to belong and support Jewish identity.
We started visiting Israel in the late 1980’s. It was love at first visit although the inequity between Reform and Conservative people vs Ultra Orthodox was startling. As we returned on future trips over the next several decades we had the honor and pleasure of being at the groundbreaking of two Reform Synagogues and a Community Center. All three are now thriving with Reform Jewish life and people practicing their religion, and not merely “being Jewish “ in the land where Hebrew is the language and every holiday, no matter how minor, is celebrated passionately.
When a Rabbi in our Temple in Los Altos Hills asked if I would co-chair the World Zionist Congress (WZC) election campaign at Beth Am, I knew I had to say yes. Everything we believe in for progressive, egalitarian, equality and security for Israel is determined by how many seats we have at the 39th WZC congress. Please vote Reform, #3 on the ballot, and help the Reform movement survive in Israel and help Reform congregations and causes get a significant share of the 1 billion dollars to be distributed by the elected congress this coming October.
The WZC election empowers voices shaping Israeli society. It oversees key institutions in Israel encompassing land, welfare and identity.
From March 10 to May 4, 2025, American Jews have the unique opportunity to vote for their representatives to the 39th World Zionist Congress. This is the most powerful way to have your voice heard in Israel, make an impact on Jewish communities worldwide, and stand up for Zionism.
For more information on the 21 slates running, their platforms and candidates, and how to vote, please visit azm.org/elections or www.vote4reform.org.
