each year in North America , Israel , and Europe Our membership, which soon became international, provides the funds for our publications and supports halakhic efforts in Israel . Interest in the Institute among colleagues and lay people continues to grow.
Most of the symposia, regularly held since 1989, have been planned jointly. Twelve volumes, the results of the symposia, have been published by the Institute since its founding— in other words a volume each year. The editorial process, setting up, publishing, and distribution, as well as handling the organizational finances, membership, and the associated inquiries proved cumbersome at a distance, even with e-mail, so I have done all of this. Nancy Berkowitz, who copy—edited many volumes, and Barbara Bailey have been helpful. The HalakhaH , which appears three times each year, is also handled by me in Pittsburgh .
Moshe spent considerable effort through the years on his book, Halakhah Shefuyah, which is a fine introduction to Reform halakhah and has received good reviews. Published in Israel in 1993, it was soon translated into German and English (1999). This volume has helped the understanding of Reform halakhah and we are indebted to Moshe for this significant effort. Moshe has published almost a hundred essays on halakhic topics in Israel and North America and has contributed to most of the volumes of the Freehof Institute .
Moshe continues to be active not only with the Institute but also with frequent lectures on halakhic topics for leading institutes in Israel . These presentations published in journals and the Israeli press have helped to establish an intellectual foundation for Reform Judaism in Israel . As we celebrate Moshe Zemer , we hope for his continued involvement in Reform Judaism in Israel and in the Solomon B. Freehof Institute of Progressive Halakhah. May the years ahead be good and productive and be happy for him and his family.