While the eloquence and sentiments expressed in the Parashat Ha-shavua` essay are moving, they are highly aspirational, which, of course, is desirable. But aspiring to something means we don't have it, at least not yet.
I, as an Israeli and American citizen who deeply loves my Jewish Homeland, with deep sorrow do not feel that Israel, as represented by its present government, helps American Jews to reflect on their Jewish values. As is well known, some American Jews have withdrawn from Israel as a source of Jewish identity or values. Many are conflicted about today's Israel as they were not before the last Israeli elections.
While the people are overwhelmingly "the salt of the earth" in the best sense of that phrase, and the country's landscapes and archeological and historical richness are wondrous, these are marred by the anti-democratic and racist expressions of some members of the present ruling coalition. These individuals and parties are also responsible for the divisiveness that pervades Israel today because they support so-called judicial reform, which will severely hobble the Supreme Court, have done little to free the remaining Oct. 7 hostages, and have not resolved the issue of exemption of Haredi men from army service. The last issue has become a last straw matter for most of the Israeli population.
Having said that, a trip to Israel will undo much of the negativity I have expressed. If you have the right tour guide, you will not only see the typical tourist sights, but you will also get to meet some of Israel's amazingly brave, resilient, and, yes, happy people. The sabra--a nickname for native Israelis--is a fruit that has a prickly exterior, but a sweet fruit inside. The sweetness of the average Israeli is the cure for any qualms about the country. It is the "salt of the earth" that will return Israel to the moral light unto the nations it was meant to be.
Oh my Michael Chernick! You will surely not remember me but I remember studying with you and admiring you as absolute "salt of the earth" at HUC!
Your perspective, your knowledge, your gestalt, was so needed and valued. It added such a richness to the learning there and a menschlichkeit in teaching sorely needed there
Your description of the conflicting feelings of an American Jew with deep love for Israel and its present day stark contradictions aligns with mine. Thank you.
What you wrote resonates deeply. Part of what I see as my mission here in America is to ensure an unwavering commitment to the people of Israel—not necessarily to any particular office or ruling party.
Amen to your final words—may this salt of the earth succeed.
I divide my time living in both the U.S. and Israel, and find your observations of Israel true and accurate. But I'm not seeing in my U.S. community an increased understanding of how "Israel anchors us to our shared history and highest values." The American Jewish comfort level seems to be deceptively insulating and isolating. I hope i'm wrong. Thank you for your inspiring writing.
I am wrestling with this one. I nearly weep at your laser point description of generational replenishment, because it reflects so accurately the impoverishment of Jewish values in the US. It reflects the disconnect, divisive and assimilative poverty of my own generational family experience even while it is rich with historical narratives.
Since October 7th more than ever I see the effects of the bedrock of Jewish values that undergirds Israelis and not just from trauma, but a sense of Jewish family, community. Since October 7th I am struck by the lack of unified connection and voice of Jewish values here in the US...the disturbingly few that have the will or ability to truly advocate on behalf of our people., especially among leadership, even while this has been a growing weakness over time.
At the same time Israel has its share of disconnection and divisiveness.
And for my part I have always been inspired by the challenge of learning to assert and create identity, culture, religious richness while living within a diverse multitude. Something tugs at me that God wants us to learn this above all. God wants Jews to teach the value of this. Teach it in Israel. Teach it in the diaspora. Joseph teaches us the importance of both. But how to do that surrounded by hate when military strategies are at all times a necessity?
So I am conflicted. And wondering if resolution is in the dissonance. The dissonance of knowing that Israel is on a very accountable front line for survival and thriving for all of us and also serves as a vital reminder that Judaism everywhere is on its own front line if only we see it.
While the eloquence and sentiments expressed in the Parashat Ha-shavua` essay are moving, they are highly aspirational, which, of course, is desirable. But aspiring to something means we don't have it, at least not yet.
I, as an Israeli and American citizen who deeply loves my Jewish Homeland, with deep sorrow do not feel that Israel, as represented by its present government, helps American Jews to reflect on their Jewish values. As is well known, some American Jews have withdrawn from Israel as a source of Jewish identity or values. Many are conflicted about today's Israel as they were not before the last Israeli elections.
While the people are overwhelmingly "the salt of the earth" in the best sense of that phrase, and the country's landscapes and archeological and historical richness are wondrous, these are marred by the anti-democratic and racist expressions of some members of the present ruling coalition. These individuals and parties are also responsible for the divisiveness that pervades Israel today because they support so-called judicial reform, which will severely hobble the Supreme Court, have done little to free the remaining Oct. 7 hostages, and have not resolved the issue of exemption of Haredi men from army service. The last issue has become a last straw matter for most of the Israeli population.
Having said that, a trip to Israel will undo much of the negativity I have expressed. If you have the right tour guide, you will not only see the typical tourist sights, but you will also get to meet some of Israel's amazingly brave, resilient, and, yes, happy people. The sabra--a nickname for native Israelis--is a fruit that has a prickly exterior, but a sweet fruit inside. The sweetness of the average Israeli is the cure for any qualms about the country. It is the "salt of the earth" that will return Israel to the moral light unto the nations it was meant to be.
Oh my Michael Chernick! You will surely not remember me but I remember studying with you and admiring you as absolute "salt of the earth" at HUC!
Your perspective, your knowledge, your gestalt, was so needed and valued. It added such a richness to the learning there and a menschlichkeit in teaching sorely needed there
Your description of the conflicting feelings of an American Jew with deep love for Israel and its present day stark contradictions aligns with mine. Thank you.
Just makes me happy to see this conversation :)
Michael,
What you wrote resonates deeply. Part of what I see as my mission here in America is to ensure an unwavering commitment to the people of Israel—not necessarily to any particular office or ruling party.
Amen to your final words—may this salt of the earth succeed.
I divide my time living in both the U.S. and Israel, and find your observations of Israel true and accurate. But I'm not seeing in my U.S. community an increased understanding of how "Israel anchors us to our shared history and highest values." The American Jewish comfort level seems to be deceptively insulating and isolating. I hope i'm wrong. Thank you for your inspiring writing.
Thank you, Bruce. I think there’s a lot of complacency, but also a surge of renewed idealism. I’m deeply moved by the bright spots. :)
I am wrestling with this one. I nearly weep at your laser point description of generational replenishment, because it reflects so accurately the impoverishment of Jewish values in the US. It reflects the disconnect, divisive and assimilative poverty of my own generational family experience even while it is rich with historical narratives.
Since October 7th more than ever I see the effects of the bedrock of Jewish values that undergirds Israelis and not just from trauma, but a sense of Jewish family, community. Since October 7th I am struck by the lack of unified connection and voice of Jewish values here in the US...the disturbingly few that have the will or ability to truly advocate on behalf of our people., especially among leadership, even while this has been a growing weakness over time.
At the same time Israel has its share of disconnection and divisiveness.
And for my part I have always been inspired by the challenge of learning to assert and create identity, culture, religious richness while living within a diverse multitude. Something tugs at me that God wants us to learn this above all. God wants Jews to teach the value of this. Teach it in Israel. Teach it in the diaspora. Joseph teaches us the importance of both. But how to do that surrounded by hate when military strategies are at all times a necessity?
So I am conflicted. And wondering if resolution is in the dissonance. The dissonance of knowing that Israel is on a very accountable front line for survival and thriving for all of us and also serves as a vital reminder that Judaism everywhere is on its own front line if only we see it.
This is very lovely.
What a beautiful essay.someone sent it to me and I’ve been sending it to others.
I became aware of you only after 10/7/23. You are an inspiration to me .,
חזק חזק
Thank you so much, Disa - means a lot to me!!
“I miss the version of myself that exists there…” so very true ❤️