Working for Intergroup Understanding in Israel

Some of you know the Zionist voice of Galilee Foundation for Value Education director, Rabbi Marc Rosenstein, because he writes a wonderful weekly “Galilee Diary” on the Union for Reform Judaism’s daily 10 Minutes of Torah.  You can learn more about the Galilee Foundation for Value Education and their intergroup understanding peace work in Israel at their website.  In honor of Monday evening-Tuesday’s celebration of Yom Ha-atzme-ut, Israel’s Independence Day, here is a thoughtful piece written by Rabbi Rosenstein:

It turns out that independence is not as simple as we thought.  On the one hand, of course, we are celebrating the 63rd anniversary of the Jewish “emergence from powerlessness,” of the existence of a Jewish state with an army, able to set its own path in the world.  On the other hand, we have learned that that doesn’t mean we are free to do whatever we want.  Rather, the key word is perhaps not independence, but interdependence.Continue reading

Israel Conversations: Reflect on the Discussion and Add Your Voice Here

This past Friday at “Israel Conversations,”  each table at Shabbat dinner engaged with a leader about a different Israel-related topic.  Reflect on the discussion and, whether or not you attended, engage in the conversation here.  Comment on your general perspectives about Israel or go to one of the following links for material that was discussed about specific areas of focus.

Does Israel Still Have a Pioneering Spirit?

Reform Judaism and Pluralism in Israel

Israel’s History

A Two-State Solution

Zionism Then and Now

The Declaration of Independence

Israel Conversations: A Two-State Solution

At this past Friday’s Israel Conversations, Nurit Shein discussed a Two-State Solution.  Nurit poses this question for our comments: “Right now the Arab world is preoccupied with overthrowing autocratic regimes and giving voice to democracy. But once the Arab world gains its freedom, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will definitely be the main issue in the area. How should the Israeli government re-focus its foreign policy agenda and push forward with the Peace Process; and how will a Two-State-Solution fit into that policy?”

Israel Conversations: Reflect on the Discussion and Add Your Voice Here

This past Friday at “Israel Conversations,”  each table at Shabbat dinner engaged with a leader about a different Israel-related topic.  Reflect on the discussion and, whether or not you attended, engage in the conversation here.  Comment on your general perspectives about Israel or go to one of the following links for material that was discussed about specific areas of focus.

Does Israel Still Have a Pioneering Spirit?

Reform Judaism and Pluralism in Israel

Israel’s History

Zionism Then and Now

The Declaration of Independence

Israel Conversations: Zionism Then and Now

At Israel Conversations last Shabbat, Rabbi Howard Bogot lead the discussion, “Zionism Then and Now.”  The group discussed many different definitions of Zionism and found the following statements most resonated with their own feelings.  Have a look and then comment or share your own statement about Zionism.Continue reading

Dangerous Conversion Bill and Attack on Religious Pluralism in Israel

Separation of Church and State in Israel has never been achieved, and more than ever before, religious pluralism is under attack.   

CONVERSION BILL: Leaders of the Reform Movement have been rigorously lobbying in Israel, to stop proposed legislation to turn all Jewish conversion authority over to the Chief Rabbinate (orthodox) in Israel.  This week, Prime Minister Netanyahu opposed the bill and the Kenesset delayed the vote.  The Reform Mvmt urges us to email Netanyahu and to acknowledge and push for more of his support.  Conversion bill update and link to Netanyahu’s email.  

WOMEN OF THE WALL: The arrest of Anat Hoffman, for the crime of carrying a Torah scroll at the Western Wall, was another in a series of attacks on progressive Judaism, feminism and democracy. 

For a reflection on the state of pluralism, read Rabbi David Ellenson’s (president of the Reform Movement’s seminary, Hebrew Union College; Ellenson will speak at RS this fall) Jerusalem Post column, “A Call for State-Sanctioned Tolerance.”

Presbyterian Church and Jewish Community Dialogue on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

JStreet V.P. Rachel Lerner’s remarks to Presbyterian Church video.

JTA article “Facing Confrontation on Israel: Presbyterian Church Manages a Compromise.”

Last week, the Presbyterian Church’s leadership met at their 2010 Assembly.  The Church’s Middle East Study Committee report raised serious concerns in the Jewish community.  The problem with the report was not its opposition to the occupation of the West Bank; many Jews and Jewish organizations share such opposition.  Jewish organizations from both the left and the right assessed the report to be one-sided, holding Israel accountable for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and ignoring Palestinian responsibility.Continue reading