This blog is for a class assignment, but wasn't really followed properly - it was supposed to be spread out over a semester, but I ended up taking news from over a very short time span. That method, actually, was incredibly fascinating. It was a snapshot of Israel from so many different angles: science and art, politics and economics. There were stories that depressed me and stories that elated me. I think I found out so much about the country in this one long bout of research.
The class was designed to help us understand Israel better, which I think it fully accomplished. I now better understand the professor's desire for us to keep up on current news as well. So much of this I never would have heard in my country's media. I was able to see both the failings and the incredible successes of the country. I hope, and plan to make a genuine effort, to keep up the project of reading and pondering Israeli news. These posts are for the class, but I think I'll respond to certain articles on my regular blog, to encourage discussion from my peers. The experience was ultimately rewarding and informational.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
15th Thought
The article I will be discussing, from the Jerusalem Post:
Here
This article is over Parashat Emor by Shlomo Riskin. Riskin asks why such attention is paid in the passage to the Israelite son of a mixed marriage who is stoned for his blasphemy. Why would a Jew blaspheme G-d who has just delivered them from Egypt, committing a transgression from which he derives no pleasure? From where does his anger and rebellion come from? Riskin cites Rashi's midrash, who argued that this Israelite never felt like a full Jew but was seen by the others as an outsider due to his mixed parentage. "This young man, certainly an Israelite from a halachic legal perspective, yearned for acceptance; instead he was rejected."
The concluding paragraph by Riskin is of such beauty that it deserves a full quote:
"The primary message of our redemption from Egypt is that we must "love the stranger [the other]" because we were strangers in Egypt. Hence this biblical passage emphasizes that the stranger must be treated as a full citizen, and that rejecting any human being is tantamount to smiting his soul. Only when we truly accept the stranger will God truly accept us as His redeemed people! "
This passage brings up two important points. One is the idea of who counts, under halachic, as a true Jew. This is a fraught issue anyone, but especially for Israel, given the Law of Return. I personally think the tent should be as large as possible. This story certainly illustrates the dangers of tying the tent door down. Why should any Jew who yearns for acceptance be rejected? Because they're conversion isn't recognized by another branch, because they're gay or transgendered, because they're female? Isn't that "smiting their soul"?
This is the other point, the love for not just the neighbor, but the stranger. I didn't grow up in a practicing household, and neither did my mother. Our family ties to our heritage were solely in recipies and Yiddish jokes. I really stumbled back into Judaism on accident, researching our family history for a school project. But I fell instantly in love with it, and one of the main reasons (amongst so many) was its ultimate respect for every human being as a shard of the Divine Light. The sentance "only when we truly accept the stranger will God truly accept us as His redeemed people!" makes my heart sing. I wanted to end on this article because I think it really sums up my attitude on Israel. Israel is important, because it protects the Jew who is always the stranger. And Israel must continue to grow and recognize other strangers currently cast out. This is a burden that we all share, while we support each other through our failings. May we reach this goal, may G-d accept us as His redeemed people!
Here
This article is over Parashat Emor by Shlomo Riskin. Riskin asks why such attention is paid in the passage to the Israelite son of a mixed marriage who is stoned for his blasphemy. Why would a Jew blaspheme G-d who has just delivered them from Egypt, committing a transgression from which he derives no pleasure? From where does his anger and rebellion come from? Riskin cites Rashi's midrash, who argued that this Israelite never felt like a full Jew but was seen by the others as an outsider due to his mixed parentage. "This young man, certainly an Israelite from a halachic legal perspective, yearned for acceptance; instead he was rejected."
The concluding paragraph by Riskin is of such beauty that it deserves a full quote:
"The primary message of our redemption from Egypt is that we must "love the stranger [the other]" because we were strangers in Egypt. Hence this biblical passage emphasizes that the stranger must be treated as a full citizen, and that rejecting any human being is tantamount to smiting his soul. Only when we truly accept the stranger will God truly accept us as His redeemed people! "
This passage brings up two important points. One is the idea of who counts, under halachic, as a true Jew. This is a fraught issue anyone, but especially for Israel, given the Law of Return. I personally think the tent should be as large as possible. This story certainly illustrates the dangers of tying the tent door down. Why should any Jew who yearns for acceptance be rejected? Because they're conversion isn't recognized by another branch, because they're gay or transgendered, because they're female? Isn't that "smiting their soul"?
This is the other point, the love for not just the neighbor, but the stranger. I didn't grow up in a practicing household, and neither did my mother. Our family ties to our heritage were solely in recipies and Yiddish jokes. I really stumbled back into Judaism on accident, researching our family history for a school project. But I fell instantly in love with it, and one of the main reasons (amongst so many) was its ultimate respect for every human being as a shard of the Divine Light. The sentance "only when we truly accept the stranger will God truly accept us as His redeemed people!" makes my heart sing. I wanted to end on this article because I think it really sums up my attitude on Israel. Israel is important, because it protects the Jew who is always the stranger. And Israel must continue to grow and recognize other strangers currently cast out. This is a burden that we all share, while we support each other through our failings. May we reach this goal, may G-d accept us as His redeemed people!
14th Thought
The article I will be discussing, from the Jerusalem Post:
Here
The Davka Corporation has put together a software program called the "Torah Notebook", a collection of over 1,200 divrei Torah in English and Hebrew. The program sounds absolutely incredible. The article notes, "they are presented in either Israeli Sephardi or haredi Ashkenazi pronunciation and taken from both classical and modern sources from folk sayings and tales to the midrash, Talmud, Hassidism and even Yemenite and Yiddish sayings. There are more than 100 sources from Abarbanel to the Zohar and many hundreds of subjects from Aaron the Priest to zealotry." You can even compose and add your own divrei Torah. There's a feature to "lock" the original entry, thus perserving it and keeping your own additions clear, or unlocking it to change the entry permenantly. "The disk, which is almost like having a rabbi at your disposal, also boasts the Hebrew and English texts of the full Bible and the Hebrew text of the the Ethics of the Fathers"
I'm impressed by the range of material offered, as well as just the mechanics of the project. I can't imagine the work that went into it! It's good to see both Sephardi and Ashkenazi traditions honored. I also like the idea of having Pirkei Avot right on my desktop, it'd sure save me a lot of Googling. The article does not mention the source of the modern divrei. I would hope they include all ways of practice, from Orthodox to Reform epistemologies. The broad nature of the project leads me to believe this must be true, but I would like that confirmed.
The price is a bit high ($40) but probably worth it. I'm disappointed that it's a Windows-only program, as I'd love to at least try it out. Perhaps they'll have a Mac version in the future.
I think this would be a great source for composing family discussions, easily accesible and full of information. There's just something so appealing to me about mixing modern technology with age-old tradition; I'm learning Hebrew partly through podcasts to read scrolls written thousands of years ago. I think this would encourage participation and education, and would be a good resource for schools.
Here
The Davka Corporation has put together a software program called the "Torah Notebook", a collection of over 1,200 divrei Torah in English and Hebrew. The program sounds absolutely incredible. The article notes, "they are presented in either Israeli Sephardi or haredi Ashkenazi pronunciation and taken from both classical and modern sources from folk sayings and tales to the midrash, Talmud, Hassidism and even Yemenite and Yiddish sayings. There are more than 100 sources from Abarbanel to the Zohar and many hundreds of subjects from Aaron the Priest to zealotry." You can even compose and add your own divrei Torah. There's a feature to "lock" the original entry, thus perserving it and keeping your own additions clear, or unlocking it to change the entry permenantly. "The disk, which is almost like having a rabbi at your disposal, also boasts the Hebrew and English texts of the full Bible and the Hebrew text of the the Ethics of the Fathers"
I'm impressed by the range of material offered, as well as just the mechanics of the project. I can't imagine the work that went into it! It's good to see both Sephardi and Ashkenazi traditions honored. I also like the idea of having Pirkei Avot right on my desktop, it'd sure save me a lot of Googling. The article does not mention the source of the modern divrei. I would hope they include all ways of practice, from Orthodox to Reform epistemologies. The broad nature of the project leads me to believe this must be true, but I would like that confirmed.
The price is a bit high ($40) but probably worth it. I'm disappointed that it's a Windows-only program, as I'd love to at least try it out. Perhaps they'll have a Mac version in the future.
I think this would be a great source for composing family discussions, easily accesible and full of information. There's just something so appealing to me about mixing modern technology with age-old tradition; I'm learning Hebrew partly through podcasts to read scrolls written thousands of years ago. I think this would encourage participation and education, and would be a good resource for schools.
13th Thought
The article I will be discussing, from the Jerusalem Post:
Here
This article is about David Ben-Gurion's blog.
Ilan Ben-Yaacov is the ghost writer, who uses the Ben-Gurion Heritage Institute's online archive of the Prime Minister's letters and thoughts. Ben-Yaacov said, "He is a modern thinker, and I think he designed many of the values and things we believe in today in the Israeli state." The blog has a twofold purpose: to give the audience a better understanding of Ben-Gurion, and to use his ideas to comment on modern events. For instance, a letter he wrote about polio is used to discuss current media coverage of the swine flu.
There were concerns that the project could be construed as disrespectful. The article notes, ""When I suggested the blog, Edna was afraid about the conservatives saying it's rude and it's not appropriate for his memory," Ben-Yaacov recalled. "I think we've done it right. We don't want to hurt his heritage; we want to spread it out."" I see also the potential problem of putting words into his mouth; he can't exactly protest how the discussions are framed, after all. But I think Ben-Yaacov's point is a good one. The blog will surely introduce many young google-searchers, Israeli or no, to his writings and ideas.
The internet is a powerful new media. We've seen in these travels through Israeli news how it can be used to spread anti-Semitism, yet also providing a new way for Jews to connect and discuss their lives. I think this blog idea is a fascinating one. It definitely appeals to my age-group as an audience; as Ben-Yaacov notes, "The dream I have is that everyone who will search google for terms like leadership, Israel, Zionism or Negev and other subjects will get to the blog and find that Ben-Gurion had something to say about things happening right now." I've learned about Ben-Gurion through this course, but there's a lot more to find out about, and I think this blog is a good way of doing so. The project is an encouraging one, both for Israeli history, and as a fun idea for other historical figures!
His blog can be read here. I plan to do so in the future.
Here
This article is about David Ben-Gurion's blog.
Ilan Ben-Yaacov is the ghost writer, who uses the Ben-Gurion Heritage Institute's online archive of the Prime Minister's letters and thoughts. Ben-Yaacov said, "He is a modern thinker, and I think he designed many of the values and things we believe in today in the Israeli state." The blog has a twofold purpose: to give the audience a better understanding of Ben-Gurion, and to use his ideas to comment on modern events. For instance, a letter he wrote about polio is used to discuss current media coverage of the swine flu.
There were concerns that the project could be construed as disrespectful. The article notes, ""When I suggested the blog, Edna was afraid about the conservatives saying it's rude and it's not appropriate for his memory," Ben-Yaacov recalled. "I think we've done it right. We don't want to hurt his heritage; we want to spread it out."" I see also the potential problem of putting words into his mouth; he can't exactly protest how the discussions are framed, after all. But I think Ben-Yaacov's point is a good one. The blog will surely introduce many young google-searchers, Israeli or no, to his writings and ideas.
The internet is a powerful new media. We've seen in these travels through Israeli news how it can be used to spread anti-Semitism, yet also providing a new way for Jews to connect and discuss their lives. I think this blog idea is a fascinating one. It definitely appeals to my age-group as an audience; as Ben-Yaacov notes, "The dream I have is that everyone who will search google for terms like leadership, Israel, Zionism or Negev and other subjects will get to the blog and find that Ben-Gurion had something to say about things happening right now." I've learned about Ben-Gurion through this course, but there's a lot more to find out about, and I think this blog is a good way of doing so. The project is an encouraging one, both for Israeli history, and as a fun idea for other historical figures!
His blog can be read here. I plan to do so in the future.
12th Thought
The article I will be discussing, from the Jerusalem Post:
Here
The article discusses Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov views on his profession. Due to the threat of violence and economic pressures, tourism has dropped 25% this year. It's evidently a big part of Israeli economy; each 100,000 tourists brings in 200 million and 4,000 jobs. ""We have to invest in the engines of growth in the economy - which tourism is - to get out of the recession and spur jobs and growth," he says. "Tourism brings us both.""
Misezhnikov argues that the way to bring in more tourism is by 'marketing the Holy Land'. Evangelical Christians and Catholics, he states, are untapped markets. These groups have a huge religious interest in exploring Jerusalem and other holy sites, like Bethelhem. The Pope's visit, for instance, brought in thousands of pilgrims. He hopes to meet with key Christian leaders to encourage this method, focusing especially on Russia and Brazil. "Misezhnikov is essentially courting faith-based tourism," the article concludes.
Any aid to Israeli commerece is beneficial - perhaps this can end the budget cuts of the last post. Still, there seems something a little odd about this plan. Why just Christians - are Muslims and Jews already a tapped market? I'm sure Misezhnikov's idea is sound, but it seems a little strange to sell a holy visit. Surely the places exist to be studied and prayed at, not to be commercialized and marketed.
The targeting of the Evangelical market specifically makes me a bit nervous. Of course, I would encourage Christian visitation to any place they deem sacred. However, there seems to be an attitude among many conservative Evangelicals that is deeply anti-Jewish. The brilliant Christian Fred Clarke deconstructs this attitude in his slacktivist blog; Daniel Rodesh's Rapture Ready book is good, as is Chris Hedges' American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America. What I've surmized from these texts is the Christian belief (in these branches) that they need Israel to exist in order to bring about the Apocalypse. This will entail the suffering and death of all Jews save for a few who convert in time. Clarke describes how this means that while the sect supports Israel, it also desires violence in the Middle East. Only an attack on Israel will invoke the events of Revelations, so its safety and peace are not desired. Jesus will then come to earth and bring all Christians to Jerusalem, who are its rightful owerns. Given this attitude, it strikes me as dubious to encourage a feeling of ownership.
All that said, though, tourism is an important business. And while the commerical aspects are not ones I'm really comfortable with, I hope everyone who desires to gets the chance to visit the sacred places in the Holy Land.
Here
The article discusses Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov views on his profession. Due to the threat of violence and economic pressures, tourism has dropped 25% this year. It's evidently a big part of Israeli economy; each 100,000 tourists brings in 200 million and 4,000 jobs. ""We have to invest in the engines of growth in the economy - which tourism is - to get out of the recession and spur jobs and growth," he says. "Tourism brings us both.""
Misezhnikov argues that the way to bring in more tourism is by 'marketing the Holy Land'. Evangelical Christians and Catholics, he states, are untapped markets. These groups have a huge religious interest in exploring Jerusalem and other holy sites, like Bethelhem. The Pope's visit, for instance, brought in thousands of pilgrims. He hopes to meet with key Christian leaders to encourage this method, focusing especially on Russia and Brazil. "Misezhnikov is essentially courting faith-based tourism," the article concludes.
Any aid to Israeli commerece is beneficial - perhaps this can end the budget cuts of the last post. Still, there seems something a little odd about this plan. Why just Christians - are Muslims and Jews already a tapped market? I'm sure Misezhnikov's idea is sound, but it seems a little strange to sell a holy visit. Surely the places exist to be studied and prayed at, not to be commercialized and marketed.
The targeting of the Evangelical market specifically makes me a bit nervous. Of course, I would encourage Christian visitation to any place they deem sacred. However, there seems to be an attitude among many conservative Evangelicals that is deeply anti-Jewish. The brilliant Christian Fred Clarke deconstructs this attitude in his slacktivist blog; Daniel Rodesh's Rapture Ready book is good, as is Chris Hedges' American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America. What I've surmized from these texts is the Christian belief (in these branches) that they need Israel to exist in order to bring about the Apocalypse. This will entail the suffering and death of all Jews save for a few who convert in time. Clarke describes how this means that while the sect supports Israel, it also desires violence in the Middle East. Only an attack on Israel will invoke the events of Revelations, so its safety and peace are not desired. Jesus will then come to earth and bring all Christians to Jerusalem, who are its rightful owerns. Given this attitude, it strikes me as dubious to encourage a feeling of ownership.
All that said, though, tourism is an important business. And while the commerical aspects are not ones I'm really comfortable with, I hope everyone who desires to gets the chance to visit the sacred places in the Holy Land.
11th Thought
The article I will be discussing, from the Jerusalem Post:
Here
This article describes student protests taking place over a reduction of funding to the tune of 75o million. Education Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that "at "times like these Israel should be investing in education." He added that cuts would mean teachers would inevitably be fired."
Currently all governments are facing economic difficulties. Something has to be cut, of course, but education seems like a terrible choice. It's so important for a country to be well educated. It improves the economy, raises its standing in the world, and instills a moral bedrock in its students. In Israel's case, history (especially Jewish history) is so fundamental to its well-being that I can't imagine arguing for tuition hikes and the firing of teachers.
Education is incredibly important in Judaism, which is one of the things I admire most about my religion. Despite this decision by the government, that value certainly seems to have held. I really can't imagine a bunch of American teachers and students vocally protesting a cut in the budget. I'm impressed that Israeli citizens felt that empowered and dedicated to do so. It's nice, too, that they rearranged exams to give room to the protest.
Hopefully, the importance and power of education will continue to be recognized, and the budget redone. That's such a massive cut, but Sa'ar did note that Netanyahu "wants to help on education." That desire should be carried through. I also hope the students do well on their exams; I have three finals coming up and appreciate their pain.
America, we should care this much about our schools too.
Here
This article describes student protests taking place over a reduction of funding to the tune of 75o million. Education Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that "at "times like these Israel should be investing in education." He added that cuts would mean teachers would inevitably be fired."
Currently all governments are facing economic difficulties. Something has to be cut, of course, but education seems like a terrible choice. It's so important for a country to be well educated. It improves the economy, raises its standing in the world, and instills a moral bedrock in its students. In Israel's case, history (especially Jewish history) is so fundamental to its well-being that I can't imagine arguing for tuition hikes and the firing of teachers.
Education is incredibly important in Judaism, which is one of the things I admire most about my religion. Despite this decision by the government, that value certainly seems to have held. I really can't imagine a bunch of American teachers and students vocally protesting a cut in the budget. I'm impressed that Israeli citizens felt that empowered and dedicated to do so. It's nice, too, that they rearranged exams to give room to the protest.
Hopefully, the importance and power of education will continue to be recognized, and the budget redone. That's such a massive cut, but Sa'ar did note that Netanyahu "wants to help on education." That desire should be carried through. I also hope the students do well on their exams; I have three finals coming up and appreciate their pain.
America, we should care this much about our schools too.
10th Thought
The article I will be discussing, from the Jerusalem Post:
Here
I proudly voted for Obama in my first ever Presidential election. So far I haven't been disappointed. I was thus delighted by the article, which described Pres. Obama's decision to declare May Jewish American Heritage Month. How exciting! Next May will be the first with our imminent baby, I'll have to think of activities to plan around this idea. (Okay, maybe not next May when he's still learning to crawl, but soon.)
Jewish American history is a really fascinating topic, given how the country offered more freedom and opportunities than most others. Obama detailed this history in his proclamation, citing the specific contributions American Jews have made. What I found most interesting was this statement:
"Among the greatest contributions of the Jewish American community, however, is the example they have set for all Americans. They have demonstrated that Americans can choose to maintain cultural traditions while honoring the principles and beliefs that bind them together as Americans. Jewish American history demonstrates how America's diversity enriches and strengthens us all. "
I think this is such an important idea. On the one hand, we are called to participate in our day and age, changing our views based on new evidence and new freedoms. On the other hand, we are called to participate in the walk of our ancestors, based on tradition and study. The balance between being a Jew and being a person out in a secular country can be a dificult one; I'm not always sure I do it right. (I'll be driving all over town this Sabbath because that's the day we graduate, but in modest dress.) The important thing is too keep striving to that goal.
I also liked his comment on diversity. It's a powerful thing to have a black President (with a kippot on!), and I hope it heralds the coming of the day when everyone is equally free to fully participate in all ways of life. Perhaps the mesmerizing diversity within Jewish culture, coexisting peacefully with a recognition of community, is one way we can be a light to the nations.
Here
I proudly voted for Obama in my first ever Presidential election. So far I haven't been disappointed. I was thus delighted by the article, which described Pres. Obama's decision to declare May Jewish American Heritage Month. How exciting! Next May will be the first with our imminent baby, I'll have to think of activities to plan around this idea. (Okay, maybe not next May when he's still learning to crawl, but soon.)
Jewish American history is a really fascinating topic, given how the country offered more freedom and opportunities than most others. Obama detailed this history in his proclamation, citing the specific contributions American Jews have made. What I found most interesting was this statement:
"Among the greatest contributions of the Jewish American community, however, is the example they have set for all Americans. They have demonstrated that Americans can choose to maintain cultural traditions while honoring the principles and beliefs that bind them together as Americans. Jewish American history demonstrates how America's diversity enriches and strengthens us all. "
I think this is such an important idea. On the one hand, we are called to participate in our day and age, changing our views based on new evidence and new freedoms. On the other hand, we are called to participate in the walk of our ancestors, based on tradition and study. The balance between being a Jew and being a person out in a secular country can be a dificult one; I'm not always sure I do it right. (I'll be driving all over town this Sabbath because that's the day we graduate, but in modest dress.) The important thing is too keep striving to that goal.
I also liked his comment on diversity. It's a powerful thing to have a black President (with a kippot on!), and I hope it heralds the coming of the day when everyone is equally free to fully participate in all ways of life. Perhaps the mesmerizing diversity within Jewish culture, coexisting peacefully with a recognition of community, is one way we can be a light to the nations.
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