So powerful and true. Jacob’s wrestling may be with an outside force (Esau’s angel, or some being similar), but the episode seems the first time he finds inner strength or resolve. As a parent of smart, committed young Jews both anxious of rising Jew-hate, and frustrated with both Israeli malfeasance and inept American Jewish response to anti-Zionism etc., I sense they, and many of their peers, grasp the current Jewish moment requires a collective resolve (strength) capable of overcoming the injuries we’ve incurred (some self inflicted).
Thank you! Yes - R Sacks writes about this, as a moment in which he really comes to his own strength and stops trying to imitate others. And I agree that its providing for many of us a roadmap of how to respond to this moment. Shabbat Shalom!
Thanks Kevin! I think that very much ties to the Hannukah story. Dr. Malka Z Simkovich says Hannukah was a battle against the Greeks' project of erasue - telling us how to be Jews. It continues to be a battle today..
Amen! Totally agree our weakness is within. I have 2 wonderful grandsons who were brought up with no religion at all. Technically they are Jewish. I want to lock them in a room and try to explain to them why they need to become active Jews. How much they are needed to be. Maybe as they mature.
We have been losing so many to assimilation ( grandsons case in point)and no interest Jewish education beyond Bar/bat mitzvah age. And then the goal is making being Jewish fun. I mean being Jewish is a joy to me, but it isn’t easy. Have some fun but learn the hard stuff along with it.
When we were in Israel this past summer with my family my cousins told me they light Shabbat candles but that’s it. Our family does all the blessings. I told them you have to work harder in the US to be Jewish. 😉
There's so much here, Cindy.. both generational gaps and also differences in Judaism in Israel vs. America.. I was listening to a podcast episode with Scott Galloway at Call me Back and he was also describing his yearning (and challenges) to get his sons to feel as committed as he does to Israel and the Jewish people.
I will take a listen. It is a challenge for sure. I hate to say, 'back in the day" but have to wonder if there is something to requiring your children to pursue their Jewish education. We leave so much up to each child's discretion and say, "they'll decide when they are older if they want a religion" Being Jewish isn't a choice. But owning it is. But if the parents don't make it important, we don't stand a chance. Only 1 of my 2 took it to heart.
When I took my youngest daughter to Israel 2-3 years ago. I asked her did she feel any connection. She said she doesn't feel Jewish at all but likes the food. I responded I wonder if a black person can say they don't feel black but like the food. Just because it is not visible it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
Well, that sure didn't work. Hence religion-less grandsons.
I found what you said about the 3 archetypes as fascinating!
What resonates with me right now is your passage about fighting anti-semitism without being victims. The word victims could also be exhanged with perpetrators as an item for concern. Right now a Jewish academic group gaining attention that has so much important to say about anti-Zionism is led by a true genius who is advocating for fighting back against anti-semitism using language that is abusive and demeaning. You write how important it is that we fight anti-semitism with solid pushack AND through building partnerships of trust. We cannot build trust when our strategy includes demeaning and dehumanizing others even if we think it is deserved
. Its dangerous actually and unJewish. I hope leaders can find a way to elevate the important things this group has to say but stand firm against its strategies, pointing out that its important messages will be lost. Isnt this what our biblical messages teach us? There are almost always infinitely better and stronger ways forward than falling back on using the kind of toxic force that will only take us all down with it.
Thank you! This was actually the first year I noted the archetypes, to be honest.
Right - I think I know what you're referring to in the new movement against antizionism. If I recall correctly, Adam was promoting ridiculing the arguments of antizionists (I don't think I saw something about demeaning or abusive language toward people, but please let me know if I missed that). I understand the core of the argument: if we engage ideologies that dehumanize us as worthy of debate, we've already lost the moral ground. But I also hear what you're saying - that we might ourselves end up engaging in ways of debate and boundary-setting that we don't agree with. I think I'm sympathetic to refusing to give respect to dehumanizing antizionist arguments, but I agree with you that I would be way of extending this indiscriminately to people who espouse antizionism themselves.
100% in agreement that anti-zionism does not deserve respect in any way. And even if the people who spew Jewish libels don't deserve our respect we can always find ways to make our points clearly and forcefully without condescension and direct mocking. (In comedy, that's debatable but grist for another conversation). Those are 2 words he did use. Demeaning and abusive are my interpretations, because that's what I think these terms amount to.
Adam may not agree with me but I strongly believe this kind of moral clarity is just as important as pushing back against anti-zionism, and if we expect moral and intellectual rigor in others, we can demand nothing less from ourselves.
Israel was divided before October 7th, united against external foes since and now is on the verge of peace and a potential peace dividend or back to extreme polarization.
Thanks for sharing, Richard. I have hope in all the people who in the last two years have recommitted themselves to working together. Thanks for sharing the link! Shabbat Shalom!
I don't know where the "hundreds of thousands Israelis contemplate leaving" comes from.
I live in metro Tel Aviv, home to many frustrated, disillusioned Israelis but don't see them leaving. Just because some journalist said it does t make it so. Nor do I think our current disagreements are any worse than other disagreements we've had in the past decades.
What we call things matters. Let's not catastrophize or be so dramatic. We have more important work to do.
Of course, no polling methodology is perfect, but I think there's a genuine concern among people who love Israel and want it to succeed that this is becoming more of an issue. I shared it not because I'm pessimistic about Israel - I'm actually quite optimistic! But it points to important work we need to do, especially to prevent what some call a "brain drain," where the people most likely to keep Israel at the cutting edge of tech and innovation are the ones considering leaving.
I do appreciate the reminder not to catastrophize and to focus on the amazing resilience we've seen. For what it's worth, I visited Israel about a month ago and felt I'd never been more confident in its people. But I also think nothing can be taken for granted, and we have important work to do everywhere.
And also - considering / contemplating leaving is also a way is saying "I really don't like what's going on, I'm tired and I could use a break" and more. It's not necessarily about leaving, at all.
Its weird to read about this, given my mother's mother's side fled Portugal centuries ago ( the name was Diastatniano) and after a period in England were among founders of the Sephardic Synagogue in NYC
I'm sure some are unhappy and frustrated. Life isn't perfect and neither is our (or any government) But between that and leaving (I know Americans relocating to Portugal too) is a huge jump.
Also don't believe anything you hear on the news without further investigation.
Lots of Americans to Portugal. And many looking to other countries. Not great here but now the MAGA people are beginning to see that their unconditional support of the president may not be in their best interests. Perhaps some will finally oppose this outlandish administration. One can only hope and pray.
This is a great article. There must be a reason why the Torah spends vastly more narrative energy on intra-family destruction than on hostile outsiders. Antisemitism can function as a unifying external object that allows internal avoidance. That is true in families, groups, and nations, and it resonates with psychoanalytic group theory.
Internal fracture creates vulnerability, but not external intent. Antisemitism is not merely an “external threat” that Jews can survive while sorting themselves out. Historically, once antisemitism reaches certain thresholds, internal repair becomes irrelevant. No amount of internal cohesion saved Jews from expulsion, pogroms, or genocide. The Torah analogy is sharp and Jacob’s family conflicts mattered, but they were not occurring under modern conditions of mass ideology, weaponisation, and state power.
Nadav Eyal argues that Jewish unity is critical, so the elected majority should give up its program and submit to the program of the influential minority, of which he is a member.
I came upon this post by Sarah K Eisen after listening to your podcast with Sarah Hurwitz about Hanukah, and thought you might find it interesting. I so appreciate your weekly articles and your podcasts. As a senior - my working memory isn’t what it used to be when reading. I highlight, underline, and must revisit - so my Jewish book collection is growing. Somehow hearing seems to ‘stick’ differently. So podcasts are a blessing. Thank you!
"...and what’s non-negotiable...." Thank you for your courage. Everything this side of the Shma has been on the table in the name of survival by capitulation.
Thank you! Yes - that's what struck me this year, how the big problems came as a result of internal crisis. It reminded me of how the rabbis read the destruction of the second temple - they almost ignore the might of Rome and place all agency on the Jews' ability to work together.
So powerful and true. Jacob’s wrestling may be with an outside force (Esau’s angel, or some being similar), but the episode seems the first time he finds inner strength or resolve. As a parent of smart, committed young Jews both anxious of rising Jew-hate, and frustrated with both Israeli malfeasance and inept American Jewish response to anti-Zionism etc., I sense they, and many of their peers, grasp the current Jewish moment requires a collective resolve (strength) capable of overcoming the injuries we’ve incurred (some self inflicted).
Thach you for your voice.
Thank you! Yes - R Sacks writes about this, as a moment in which he really comes to his own strength and stops trying to imitate others. And I agree that its providing for many of us a roadmap of how to respond to this moment. Shabbat Shalom!
Another great post, Mijal. When we Jews allow non-Jews to define us, or we internalize what they think a "good Jew" should be - Judaism dies.
Thanks Kevin! I think that very much ties to the Hannukah story. Dr. Malka Z Simkovich says Hannukah was a battle against the Greeks' project of erasue - telling us how to be Jews. It continues to be a battle today..
Amen! Totally agree our weakness is within. I have 2 wonderful grandsons who were brought up with no religion at all. Technically they are Jewish. I want to lock them in a room and try to explain to them why they need to become active Jews. How much they are needed to be. Maybe as they mature.
We have been losing so many to assimilation ( grandsons case in point)and no interest Jewish education beyond Bar/bat mitzvah age. And then the goal is making being Jewish fun. I mean being Jewish is a joy to me, but it isn’t easy. Have some fun but learn the hard stuff along with it.
When we were in Israel this past summer with my family my cousins told me they light Shabbat candles but that’s it. Our family does all the blessings. I told them you have to work harder in the US to be Jewish. 😉
Shabbat Shalom
There's so much here, Cindy.. both generational gaps and also differences in Judaism in Israel vs. America.. I was listening to a podcast episode with Scott Galloway at Call me Back and he was also describing his yearning (and challenges) to get his sons to feel as committed as he does to Israel and the Jewish people.
I will take a listen. It is a challenge for sure. I hate to say, 'back in the day" but have to wonder if there is something to requiring your children to pursue their Jewish education. We leave so much up to each child's discretion and say, "they'll decide when they are older if they want a religion" Being Jewish isn't a choice. But owning it is. But if the parents don't make it important, we don't stand a chance. Only 1 of my 2 took it to heart.
When I took my youngest daughter to Israel 2-3 years ago. I asked her did she feel any connection. She said she doesn't feel Jewish at all but likes the food. I responded I wonder if a black person can say they don't feel black but like the food. Just because it is not visible it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
Well, that sure didn't work. Hence religion-less grandsons.
Shabbat Shalom
I found what you said about the 3 archetypes as fascinating!
What resonates with me right now is your passage about fighting anti-semitism without being victims. The word victims could also be exhanged with perpetrators as an item for concern. Right now a Jewish academic group gaining attention that has so much important to say about anti-Zionism is led by a true genius who is advocating for fighting back against anti-semitism using language that is abusive and demeaning. You write how important it is that we fight anti-semitism with solid pushack AND through building partnerships of trust. We cannot build trust when our strategy includes demeaning and dehumanizing others even if we think it is deserved
. Its dangerous actually and unJewish. I hope leaders can find a way to elevate the important things this group has to say but stand firm against its strategies, pointing out that its important messages will be lost. Isnt this what our biblical messages teach us? There are almost always infinitely better and stronger ways forward than falling back on using the kind of toxic force that will only take us all down with it.
Thank you! This was actually the first year I noted the archetypes, to be honest.
Right - I think I know what you're referring to in the new movement against antizionism. If I recall correctly, Adam was promoting ridiculing the arguments of antizionists (I don't think I saw something about demeaning or abusive language toward people, but please let me know if I missed that). I understand the core of the argument: if we engage ideologies that dehumanize us as worthy of debate, we've already lost the moral ground. But I also hear what you're saying - that we might ourselves end up engaging in ways of debate and boundary-setting that we don't agree with. I think I'm sympathetic to refusing to give respect to dehumanizing antizionist arguments, but I agree with you that I would be way of extending this indiscriminately to people who espouse antizionism themselves.
100% in agreement that anti-zionism does not deserve respect in any way. And even if the people who spew Jewish libels don't deserve our respect we can always find ways to make our points clearly and forcefully without condescension and direct mocking. (In comedy, that's debatable but grist for another conversation). Those are 2 words he did use. Demeaning and abusive are my interpretations, because that's what I think these terms amount to.
Adam may not agree with me but I strongly believe this kind of moral clarity is just as important as pushing back against anti-zionism, and if we expect moral and intellectual rigor in others, we can demand nothing less from ourselves.
Israel was divided before October 7th, united against external foes since and now is on the verge of peace and a potential peace dividend or back to extreme polarization.
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-israeli-peace-dividend-the-fragility-of-unity/
Thanks for sharing, Richard. I have hope in all the people who in the last two years have recommitted themselves to working together. Thanks for sharing the link! Shabbat Shalom!
Thank you Mijal. Restoring peace and harmony in the Jewish House needs to be a top priority. Your insights are much needed and very welcome.
שבת שלום
Shabbat shalom!
I don't know where the "hundreds of thousands Israelis contemplate leaving" comes from.
I live in metro Tel Aviv, home to many frustrated, disillusioned Israelis but don't see them leaving. Just because some journalist said it does t make it so. Nor do I think our current disagreements are any worse than other disagreements we've had in the past decades.
What we call things matters. Let's not catastrophize or be so dramatic. We have more important work to do.
Hey Malka - I was basing this on reports I've heard across multiple platforms in recent weeks. Here's one: https://www.timesofisrael.com/some-1-in-4-israelis-considering-leaving-the-country-poll-finds/?_gl=1*wruh32*_ga*MTk3OTAwNDU0Ny4xNzMyMDM0NzY2*_ga_RJR2XWQR34*czE3NjQ5NTIwNjIkbzUxNyRnMSR0MTc2NDk1MjExMSRqNjAkbDAkaDA.
Of course, no polling methodology is perfect, but I think there's a genuine concern among people who love Israel and want it to succeed that this is becoming more of an issue. I shared it not because I'm pessimistic about Israel - I'm actually quite optimistic! But it points to important work we need to do, especially to prevent what some call a "brain drain," where the people most likely to keep Israel at the cutting edge of tech and innovation are the ones considering leaving.
I do appreciate the reminder not to catastrophize and to focus on the amazing resilience we've seen. For what it's worth, I visited Israel about a month ago and felt I'd never been more confident in its people. But I also think nothing can be taken for granted, and we have important work to do everywhere.
Shabbat Shalom!
And also - considering / contemplating leaving is also a way is saying "I really don't like what's going on, I'm tired and I could use a break" and more. It's not necessarily about leaving, at all.
Thanks! For sure we have plenty to do, wherever we are. News agencies make a living off bad news. We have to look past what they push us.
I saw a news report of Israelis lining up at the Portuguese embassy for visas. I was hoping it wasn’t accurate. It was heartbreaking.
Israelis probably feel much the same as we Americans do. So frustrated and unhappy but not packing up just yet.
Its weird to read about this, given my mother's mother's side fled Portugal centuries ago ( the name was Diastatniano) and after a period in England were among founders of the Sephardic Synagogue in NYC
Wow! And yes, weird we want to go back to where we were less than loved.
Exactly!
I'm sure some are unhappy and frustrated. Life isn't perfect and neither is our (or any government) But between that and leaving (I know Americans relocating to Portugal too) is a huge jump.
Also don't believe anything you hear on the news without further investigation.
Lots of Americans to Portugal. And many looking to other countries. Not great here but now the MAGA people are beginning to see that their unconditional support of the president may not be in their best interests. Perhaps some will finally oppose this outlandish administration. One can only hope and pray.
Shabbat Shalom
This is a great article. There must be a reason why the Torah spends vastly more narrative energy on intra-family destruction than on hostile outsiders. Antisemitism can function as a unifying external object that allows internal avoidance. That is true in families, groups, and nations, and it resonates with psychoanalytic group theory.
Internal fracture creates vulnerability, but not external intent. Antisemitism is not merely an “external threat” that Jews can survive while sorting themselves out. Historically, once antisemitism reaches certain thresholds, internal repair becomes irrelevant. No amount of internal cohesion saved Jews from expulsion, pogroms, or genocide. The Torah analogy is sharp and Jacob’s family conflicts mattered, but they were not occurring under modern conditions of mass ideology, weaponisation, and state power.
Nadav Eyal argues that Jewish unity is critical, so the elected majority should give up its program and submit to the program of the influential minority, of which he is a member.
In particular this is so of judicial reform.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16Fpn4uZK5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
I came upon this post by Sarah K Eisen after listening to your podcast with Sarah Hurwitz about Hanukah, and thought you might find it interesting. I so appreciate your weekly articles and your podcasts. As a senior - my working memory isn’t what it used to be when reading. I highlight, underline, and must revisit - so my Jewish book collection is growing. Somehow hearing seems to ‘stick’ differently. So podcasts are a blessing. Thank you!
"...and what’s non-negotiable...." Thank you for your courage. Everything this side of the Shma has been on the table in the name of survival by capitulation.
Thank you! Yes - that's what struck me this year, how the big problems came as a result of internal crisis. It reminded me of how the rabbis read the destruction of the second temple - they almost ignore the might of Rome and place all agency on the Jews' ability to work together.