For fifteen years I worked in a department where I was the only Jew. The department was a mixture of world religions and cultures, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Croatian, Jamaican, French Canadians and more. Everyday I would discuss/dispel aspects of Judaism and Israel. I hung a map of the Middle East in the lunchroom to highlight the actual size of Israel. I believe that I accomplished a tremendous amount by just sharing and recounting stories and historical context. This is the most effective way to combat antisemitism
I feel so impotent; I am barely mobile ... a myriad of physical issues; the only part of me still working is my schechel (brain, in the event you do not speak the language). Still read, still wonder and amazingly enough, still argue (but then again I am Jewish ... two Jews, three religions ?) But this world, these times and now America ... it is overwhelming. And yes, I do daydream about the past; happier times when those I loved were still on this earth; I have a caring family but there was a sweetness in my childhood (probably due to my age and needs being met). Even my (adult) grandchildren cannot comprehend my environment and my great grandson cannot bring himself to understand the nickel ice cream cone (he is 7 and was totally impressed with this piece of information). I connect through my computer but I do not write as much. For several years I did a film column for the Jewish Journal -- Jewish content ... and I covered a time period that even preceded my movie going period...right back to Hershel Bernardi's first film in the thirties. My long term memory is still very good -- short term, not so much :)
I agree. Great article. I always try to include non Jews to the table.
Meanwhile, the reason for the various denominations was because of anti semitism. Jews wanted to assimilate so they removed the kippah, cut their hair, some even changed their name so they could become American and avoid the hate.
Hello again Joshua, Jewish life needs more Public Relations to show the beauty and ethics, bringing in the light views. How do terrorists like Hamas get their propaganda “out there?” On IG I see Israeli ads about visiting Israel. They show the land and it’s hip people out having good times. This appeals to younger people. My algorithm on IG is only good stuff. For example, I saw 4 young women who were in an armored tank and fully trained to use it. They took out about 50 Hamas terrorists I think on October 7th. I have not seen much about them. Showing the strength and resilience of Israel’s young soldiers, wanting to protect their beloved country would go a long way to fight antisemitism. The love of children and family is something else I admire about Israelis. Visually seeing this is very important for others to see. People in the US need to see the positives and not only read about the need for support. We in US need Israeli technology and medical advances. PR about all of that is important.
And yes, I can give you many negative instances I experienced trying to find my place in Judaism. This was how we lose many people by not being inclusive and welcoming us into the “big tent.” I found my Rabbi on the dance floor at a wedding she performed. She is a great dancer. I love to dance. She was taking a group to Israel and encouraged me and my husband to come along. It was life changing for us. We joined her synagogue which is Reconstructionist and very inclusive and filled with sweet people. I have been taking Torah Study and go to a spiritual class too. Best of all, my grandchildren are involved with Judaism. It makes me very happy to know the next generations are learning about our teachings and also learning Hebrew. My daughter wants to join in too. Many more people are displaying their pride in being Jewish. That will be a good way to fight antisemitism. Maybe you know Rabbi Amy Bernstein. She has come to Hartman for several summers. Thank you for your excellent articles. Stay safe and keep writing. Robbin Burstein Close
OK, but let’s get real here for a second. Being an observant Jew has become more and more of an elitist endeavor to fulfill. Kosher food prices are astronomical, Apartments in any neighborhood with any decent synagogue is completely out of reach for the average, working class class Jew. If Kosher marketplace is selling tunafish sandwiches for $15 and the bodega is selling them for $8, guess which one I’m gonna buy? I get your argument, but let’s talk cheshbones here.
Josh, all of this sounds good theoretically. But I challenge you to get 3 Jews in a room (Reform, Conservative, Orthodox) who won't eventually try to convince the others that his or her way is the right way. Of course, if they get a little drunk and shoot darts at Hamas leaders, that could be a source of good "unifying" fun! <g>
Dec 14, 2023·edited Dec 14, 2023Liked by Joshua Hoffman
I think inclusivity must be tempered with courtesy and common sense. You won't get the Orthodox (even the happy and welcoming Chabadnicks) to recognize same-sex marriages or even tolerate same-sex romantic behavior in one of their venues. A good friend of mine is a Chabad rabbi who told me he welcomes LGBTQ Jews to his Chabad venues as long as they don't exhibit romantic behavior publicly (he wouldn't allow that with heteros either) and as long as they don't proselytize their lifestyle. That seems fair to me. Inclusivity is fine as long as one respects others' beliefs on their own turf. I wouldn't visit the home of a same-sex couple and start quoting from Leviticus. It just wouldn't be polite.
Actually since I am an octogenarian, I didn't even think of that. What I remembered is that even though I was raised by Litvak grandparents and spoke Yiddish and identified as a Jew, I was not always accepted because my father was not Jewish. The marriage did not last, hence my rearing by maternal grandparents which enabled me to have a very happy, safe and secure childhood for which I am eternally grateful. I learned tolerance, compassion (rachmones) and empathy from a woman who came of age in Medieval Lithuania. She could neither read nor write in any language but provided me with a sense of self ... as a child I was not subject to antisemitism (I learned the "polite" form in college) and enjoyed a neighborhood abounding in diversity. I find myself living in an ugly world ... it will not be hard to leave it.
Rosalie, I just became a septuagenarian and find myself doing what I never thought I'd do: daydream about the past and wish, at times, there was a time machine to carry me back to an era that didn't seem so ugly and frightening as the one I occupy now. But despite the aches and pains of advancing age and the socio-political insanity I'm not ready to leave this world. My Jewish community needs me so I try to do what I can to keep it secure. Also, each day I learn something new; perhaps impart some of my knowledge to others and connect with lovely people like you! Stick around Rosalie, I have a feeling G-d still has work for you, too!
For fifteen years I worked in a department where I was the only Jew. The department was a mixture of world religions and cultures, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Croatian, Jamaican, French Canadians and more. Everyday I would discuss/dispel aspects of Judaism and Israel. I hung a map of the Middle East in the lunchroom to highlight the actual size of Israel. I believe that I accomplished a tremendous amount by just sharing and recounting stories and historical context. This is the most effective way to combat antisemitism
That’s pretty darn cool. Love it.
I feel so impotent; I am barely mobile ... a myriad of physical issues; the only part of me still working is my schechel (brain, in the event you do not speak the language). Still read, still wonder and amazingly enough, still argue (but then again I am Jewish ... two Jews, three religions ?) But this world, these times and now America ... it is overwhelming. And yes, I do daydream about the past; happier times when those I loved were still on this earth; I have a caring family but there was a sweetness in my childhood (probably due to my age and needs being met). Even my (adult) grandchildren cannot comprehend my environment and my great grandson cannot bring himself to understand the nickel ice cream cone (he is 7 and was totally impressed with this piece of information). I connect through my computer but I do not write as much. For several years I did a film column for the Jewish Journal -- Jewish content ... and I covered a time period that even preceded my movie going period...right back to Hershel Bernardi's first film in the thirties. My long term memory is still very good -- short term, not so much :)
I hear you and understand you so well. For us, who have lived so long with antisemitism, this world has become exhausting!
I agree. Great article. I always try to include non Jews to the table.
Meanwhile, the reason for the various denominations was because of anti semitism. Jews wanted to assimilate so they removed the kippah, cut their hair, some even changed their name so they could become American and avoid the hate.
Hello again Joshua, Jewish life needs more Public Relations to show the beauty and ethics, bringing in the light views. How do terrorists like Hamas get their propaganda “out there?” On IG I see Israeli ads about visiting Israel. They show the land and it’s hip people out having good times. This appeals to younger people. My algorithm on IG is only good stuff. For example, I saw 4 young women who were in an armored tank and fully trained to use it. They took out about 50 Hamas terrorists I think on October 7th. I have not seen much about them. Showing the strength and resilience of Israel’s young soldiers, wanting to protect their beloved country would go a long way to fight antisemitism. The love of children and family is something else I admire about Israelis. Visually seeing this is very important for others to see. People in the US need to see the positives and not only read about the need for support. We in US need Israeli technology and medical advances. PR about all of that is important.
And yes, I can give you many negative instances I experienced trying to find my place in Judaism. This was how we lose many people by not being inclusive and welcoming us into the “big tent.” I found my Rabbi on the dance floor at a wedding she performed. She is a great dancer. I love to dance. She was taking a group to Israel and encouraged me and my husband to come along. It was life changing for us. We joined her synagogue which is Reconstructionist and very inclusive and filled with sweet people. I have been taking Torah Study and go to a spiritual class too. Best of all, my grandchildren are involved with Judaism. It makes me very happy to know the next generations are learning about our teachings and also learning Hebrew. My daughter wants to join in too. Many more people are displaying their pride in being Jewish. That will be a good way to fight antisemitism. Maybe you know Rabbi Amy Bernstein. She has come to Hartman for several summers. Thank you for your excellent articles. Stay safe and keep writing. Robbin Burstein Close
California
A very powerful argument
OK, but let’s get real here for a second. Being an observant Jew has become more and more of an elitist endeavor to fulfill. Kosher food prices are astronomical, Apartments in any neighborhood with any decent synagogue is completely out of reach for the average, working class class Jew. If Kosher marketplace is selling tunafish sandwiches for $15 and the bodega is selling them for $8, guess which one I’m gonna buy? I get your argument, but let’s talk cheshbones here.
Josh, all of this sounds good theoretically. But I challenge you to get 3 Jews in a room (Reform, Conservative, Orthodox) who won't eventually try to convince the others that his or her way is the right way. Of course, if they get a little drunk and shoot darts at Hamas leaders, that could be a source of good "unifying" fun! <g>
Ha! That’d be quite the challenge, especially if they’re Israelis 😁
inclusivity is the key.
I think inclusivity must be tempered with courtesy and common sense. You won't get the Orthodox (even the happy and welcoming Chabadnicks) to recognize same-sex marriages or even tolerate same-sex romantic behavior in one of their venues. A good friend of mine is a Chabad rabbi who told me he welcomes LGBTQ Jews to his Chabad venues as long as they don't exhibit romantic behavior publicly (he wouldn't allow that with heteros either) and as long as they don't proselytize their lifestyle. That seems fair to me. Inclusivity is fine as long as one respects others' beliefs on their own turf. I wouldn't visit the home of a same-sex couple and start quoting from Leviticus. It just wouldn't be polite.
Actually since I am an octogenarian, I didn't even think of that. What I remembered is that even though I was raised by Litvak grandparents and spoke Yiddish and identified as a Jew, I was not always accepted because my father was not Jewish. The marriage did not last, hence my rearing by maternal grandparents which enabled me to have a very happy, safe and secure childhood for which I am eternally grateful. I learned tolerance, compassion (rachmones) and empathy from a woman who came of age in Medieval Lithuania. She could neither read nor write in any language but provided me with a sense of self ... as a child I was not subject to antisemitism (I learned the "polite" form in college) and enjoyed a neighborhood abounding in diversity. I find myself living in an ugly world ... it will not be hard to leave it.
Rosalie, I just became a septuagenarian and find myself doing what I never thought I'd do: daydream about the past and wish, at times, there was a time machine to carry me back to an era that didn't seem so ugly and frightening as the one I occupy now. But despite the aches and pains of advancing age and the socio-political insanity I'm not ready to leave this world. My Jewish community needs me so I try to do what I can to keep it secure. Also, each day I learn something new; perhaps impart some of my knowledge to others and connect with lovely people like you! Stick around Rosalie, I have a feeling G-d still has work for you, too!
Chabadnicks are generally nicer. That’s certainly progress though. I like it.
Very sweet, Joshua. Loved it and I think you made very solid points.
Also Joshua, you’re in Israel, I believe- I feel like you never sleep.