Description: In Israel, schools and communities are divided into religious and secular sectors, creating social divisions and religious tensions that can present obstacles to democracy. The framework is often seen as a struggle between Haredim (the ultra Orthodox) and the secular, but this polarization is only a partial view of the complex socio economic and political trends within Israeli society. The program works to strengthen Israels democracy by creating a cadre of leaders to spread the message of Jewish pluralism to ever widening circles of Israelis. We aim to recruit 15 professionals and lay leaders from Netanya, representing every religious and economic sector of Israeli society, to participate. The program will culminate with a visit to Cincinnati, where participants will be introduced to the diverse expressions of Jewish religion and culture. When looking at American Jewry, the Jewish landscape is much more pluralistic and diverse. Thats not to say that members of different congregations have experienced different Jewish practices but the one in their own synagogue, nor understand the difference between the movements, and moreover what Jewish pluralism looks like in Israel, the renascence movement in Israel and the reasons that led to the Jewish reality in Israel today. That is why, In Cincinnati, a similar group will have a shorter study program, and the participants will host their Israeli counterparts on their visit to Cincinnati, and visit Israel the following that visit. Gvanim redefines pluralism for modern Israel through an 8 month action oriented fellowship program that: Engages key local leaders from across the religious and social spectrum in a deep examination of personal Jewish identity related challenges. Empowers / with the expectation participants to initiate, plan and implement social action programs to promote Jewish pluralism in Netanya. Engages young leaders in Cincinnati with Jewish learning and Jewish Peoplehood.