In a world that is easily manipulated and corrupted, history teaches us that the Jewish state must look out for itself and Jews across the world — and we Jews must be firmly grateful for it.
I am not Orthodox but I say we must look to Torah to ensure Israel's survival. Which means carving out a different kind of democracy, one that applies Torah law to public affairs and spaces while allowing reasonable freedom of choice in private affairs and spaces. (I submitted a post about this a couple of weeks ago.) One of Israel's "policies" going forward must be the sharp curtailment of non-Jewish immigration and the reduction of Muslim immigrants and workers to pretty much "zero". Not only is this consistent with Torah in keeping Israel a Jewish state (and in assisting the Jews' return to Israel preceding the coming of Moshiach), it's a practical necessity. I am sure there is massive Jewish immigration to Israel happening now because of the growing, worldwide anti-Semitism. We need all of our ancestral land to accommodate this: including Judea/Samaria and Gaza. I believe what we are experiencing now is the "time before" Moshiach's arrival: there is certainly a metaphysical quality about the world's seeming abandonment of reason when it comes to Jews and Israel. Our attempts to copy the secular, hedonistic lifestyles of the West have not ingratiated us to anyone (including the brainless "queers" for Palestine!). I'm not suggesting that we become religious fanatics; just that we look to Torah more for some of the solutions to seemingly impossible socio-political problems.
I find myself in these troubled times reading the Torah for the first time for some guidance. As a typical assimilated successful (professionally) American Jew, I am not at all religious though I have always had a deep faith in G-d. I have never experienced antisemitism personally- though events here in the U.S. since 10/7 have certainly shocked me and opened my eyes- like many of us Jews. I agree with you that everything feels metaphysical right now- it is quite surreal how much hatred is being directed towards Israel and the Jews. It feels biblical which is why I decided to read/ study Torah. Since October 7th, I have had an overwhelming urge to learn Hebrew (I never attended Hebrew school like so many other Jews) which feels strangely familiar and wonderful to me. I hope studying the Torah will give me some answers to some spiritual questions that plague me. I would love to converse with you at some point by phone. Thanks for your comments.
Thanks for writing. My interest in Jewish scriptures started about 15 years ago when I started volunteering for a kosher food bank run by the Chabad. I was having conversations with the rabbi and was intrigued by so much he said that I felt compelled to study on my own. I always had a strong belief in G-d even though my attendance at afternoon "Hebrew school" offered no religious study; just rudimentary Hebrew language instruction, which I quickly forgot. As a young adult I was pretty much apart from the Jewish community. My first (brief) marriage was to a non-Jew. In university I took an introductory course in world religions and over the years, read a number of books about spirituality by non-Jews. What "connected" me to Torah study (along with Talmud) is the brilliance of our legal system and our emphasis on true social justice, which some have dubbed "capitalism with a conscience". I'm also intrigued by Kabballah through reading Tanya. At this point in my life, I no longer eat non-kosher species. I light Shabbat candles and keep two sets of dishes. My next "target" in terms of doing mitzvoth is observing Shabbat properly. No computer or cell phone. No TV. I have a number of Jewish books available for study. At my rabbi's suggestion, I'm taking it slow. In terms of answers to some of your spiritual questions, I recommend you explore Chabad.org. It is a treasure trove of wisdom, with texts in English and Hebrew. It would be nice to chat some time.
I think Rabbi Tovya is FANTASTIC! I've watched many of his videos where he demolishes Xians who take Jewish scriptures out of context because (a) they are reading them from Christian "Old Testaments" which cannot be trusted for Judaic accuracy, or (b) reading them from Jewish bibles but not reading the entire passage so they have no clue what is being said. He is absolutely brilliant. He's explained how Hebrew passages lose meaning when translated to Greek, then English (or whatever). Did you know the word that Christians think means "virgin" (re: the issue of J's mom: Mary) actually means "maiden"? Oh, the list of bloopers goes on and on. What's remarkable is how many Christians have converted to Judaism or at least have become Noahides, because of him. That wasn't his intention at all. It was - and still is - reclaiming Jewish souls who've been misled by the Messianics. What a guy! He's the greatest in my opinion.
The Torah as a source for solutions does not have a good track record. You probably also think that religious boys should study in Toshiba’s while the nonreligious Jews work to support you and die fighting the battles you instigate
To write that I "probably" think this or that shows that you are approaching this with a closed, angry mind. I don't bother debating with someone's emotions. It's like screaming into the wind. If/when you're willing to state the reasons for your opinions without projecting your assumptions and anger on me, I'm here.
G-d promised at the outset that He would never abandon us, but He also said we would lose the land if we stopped observing the commandments of Torah, the mitzvahs.
Since neither diplomacy nor combat have produced a lasting and secure peace in Israel, let us examine the Torah path to peace in the Holy Land. There is clearly something metaphysical about what is happening now. Even I, with my 40 years of professional secular writing, can see this. Read this article:
It is very sad that you religious people give not an ounce of credit to the brave people who devoured their lives to the establishment of the state of Israel. Instead you give all the credit to your imaginary friend in the sky but in real life it is these real, brave people who serve and care for you as you stare upwards and expect god to help you. In my opinion people who are so keen on God are profoundly insecure and need this fantasy of some all powerful force
Nothing makes sense without G-d, IMO, certainly not the miracle that is Israel. And I am not at all religious but I have had profound spiritual experiences - and I have read many books on people who have had Near Death experiences- which leave me with no doubt of G-d's existence and especially His infinite, unconditional Love for ALL people, not just the Jews. But as I see it, the Jews were the first people to believe in and profess monotheism, hence why God appeared to them. The Jews CHOSE God (when the student is ready, the teacher appears!) And I have read many letters from IDF soldiers that show a profound faith in G-d which I believe helps them on the battlefield- though I know many have lost their lives and /or limbs. I also fear that unless Israel comes together united in their Faith and resolve against a common, terrible enemy, winning this war will be more challenging.
You are the sad one; again belittling me instead of presenting some useful argument. But one thing is clear. You are very afraid of what you call my "fantasy". So did 80% of the Jewish slaves in Egypt who didn't follow Moses. That Egypt - and those slaves - are dust now.
International “law” is now being used to isolate the Jewish people. International organizations are the tools of autocrats and theocrats who seek to destroy Israel. We should respond accordingly.
To quote a line from one of my favorite movies (Ben Hur), "Balthazar is a good man; but, until all men are like him, we must keep our shields bright and our intentions true."
This International law, is entirely one sided and is not being applied equally. What real hard core evidence does this Court have to lay this charge on Israel. Where is the careful documentation? It usually takes years to gather this evidence. All this court has is rumour and so called evidence from Palestinian’s that say Israel was stopping aid and food. It’s crazy! They would need to gather huge amounts of evidence. Interestingly I read last week that several Israeli Universities had been gathering evidence by truck number plates, that had entered Gaza. There was no evidence that supplies had reduced. All of this must be collated. This case is flimsy and it doesn’t stand up.
Today is “Lag Ba'ormer” commemorating, so I was always taught, the one day in the Bar Kokhba Revolt of 132-135CE on which no-one was killed by the Romans. Israeli kids are taught and sing that Bar Kokhba was a hero. Last night my son and his friends lit a bonfire in celebration. The fact is that he was a false Messiah who led us to what for 1810 years remained the worst disaster in our history (if you start after the destruction of the northern Kingdom of Israel in 720BCE), surpassed only by the Holocaust… and that includes the Spanish Inquisition! We learned from that to keep our heads down, a lesson we remembered up to Zionism, when the world was demanding different answers, though that came too late for the Holocaust.
Today we should remember a different lesson of the Bar Kokhba folly (and that of the northern Israelites and of the Judean city of Lachish which rebelled against and was destroyed by the Assyrians in 701BCE): do not rebel against the hegemon! We must, first and foremost, maintain the American alliance.
I was anti-Zionist once, Ms Steinfeld. But Israel is at war against the Re-Formed Nazi Party and their allies Hamas (and the other Islamist terrorist Militias and Countries of The Middle East): The Nazis are real, Nurit, and we have monitored very high placed Nazis in Alliance with the Muslims, and the Arabs/Palestinians right here in Europe in London. We Jews now have to fight against The Nazi Party sworn to kill us. In War, peacetime Morality changes. This, like The Nazi Party is fact. It is now either The Nazis or us. Do you see this? I think you are what is known as 'Left-Stupid', so I do not think you can, Ms Steinfeld. Or are you in fact a German plant on this site?
Like many Jews, I have a German last name. I live in Jerusalem and my daughter and grandchildren live on the Gaza border. Thankfully they were not hurt during the vicious attack of Hamas. I hate Fundamentalist Islam and love my country. However I do not agree with the attitude that is all in God’s hands and you need to seek guidance from the Torah to know what to do. The Torah contains all sorts of attitudes. I think we need to be rational in our assessment of the situation and act accordingly. The Israeli government at this point is concerned only with staying in power, not the fate and welfare of the Israeli and Jewish people in general , not with rescuing the hostages and not with the safety of our soldiers. Therefore we have no choice but to object to criminal manner in which decisions and policies are made and implemented. You may not be aware of all the facts if you don’t live in Israel. Although of course we must be committed to our survival and safety we must do more and act more carefully. Fundamentalist Islam is awful and our response to it must not be to act as they do and lose our intelligent and humane values, that will certainly not save us. It will bring on the destruction of our state
When I am asked the same question: In a Straight fight between Israel and The UK, whose side are you on, my reply is: Israel. NOTE WELL: This is the question which was asked of me, in effect when the Nazi Elements tried to take over MI6 here in the UK. My question in reply to the British Nazis and them was: Who do you support in a straight fight, Nazi Germany or England? They are Nazis of course and had tried to lie about their Hitler sympathies. But we got the truth out of this Nazi Cohort: They are loyal to Nazi Germany! Their Reply was 'Irving is Six and Six is Irving', loyal to Germany and running cover out to Germany for many years. But this is why I am making Aliyah to Israel. My job for Freedom-loving England, who I will always love, who gave me many great years, is done. So in War you have to choose, Nurit. Anything else does not cut.
When I am asked the same question: In a Straight fight between Israel and The UK, whose side are you on, my reply is: Israel. NOTE WELL: This is the question which was asked of me, in effect when the Nazi Elements tried to take over MI6 here in the UK. My question in reply to the British Nazis and them was: Who do you support in a straight fight, Nazi Germany or England? They are Nazis of course and had tried to lie about their Hitler sympathies. But we got the truth out of this Nazi Cohort: They are loyal to Nazi Germany! Their Reply was 'Irving is Six and Six is Irving', loyal to Germany and running cover out to Germany for many years. But this is why I am making Aliyah to Israel. My job for Freedom-loving England, who I will always love, who gave me many great years, is done. So in War you have to choose, Nurit. Anything else does not cut.
When I am asked the same question: In a Straight fight between Israel and The UK, whose side are you on, my reply is: Israel. NOTE WELL: This is the question which was asked of me, in effect when the Nazi Elements tried to take over MI6 here in the UK. My question in reply to the British Nazis and them was: Who do you support in a straight fight, Nazi Germany or England? They are Nazis of course and had tried to lie about their Hitler sympathies. But we got the truth out of this Nazi Cohort: They are loyal to Nazi Germany! Their Reply was 'Irving is Six and Six is Irving', loyal to Germany and running cover out to Germany for many years. But this is why I am making Aliyah to Israel. My job for Freedom-loving England, who I will always love, who gave me many great years, is done. So in War you have to choose, Nurit. Anything else does not cut.
Ms Steinfeld, you write 'It will bring on the destruction of our state'. Well let me ask you, in a straight fight between Israel and The Arab Palestinians, whose side are you on? It is straight either/or question, and there can be no equivocation (of the sort 'Well, I support both so we don't loose our Values etc etc.',) because we Jews are now at war with an enemy whose stated aim is our destruction through Genocide. This is precisely what we have monitored. Who is it you support then, Nurit, US or THEM?
Ms Steinfeld, you write 'It will bring on the destruction of our state'. Well let me ask you, in a straight fight between Israel and The Arab Palestinians, whose side are you on? It is straight either/or question, and there can be no equivocation (of the sort 'Well, I support both so we don't loose our Values etc etc.',) because we Jews are now at war with an enemy whose stated aim is our destruction through Genocide. This is precisely what we have monitored. Who is it you support then, Nurit, US or THEM?
So want to quibble about words? The West Bank is not an integral part of Israel where all residents have equal civil rights, like for instance the Galilee. Up until 1966 the Arabs who lived in the Galilee were also under military law although they did have equality before the law. In 1966 the military rule was ended and the Arabs in the Galilee had full
Equality before the law. The Arabs in the West Bank are subject to military law. They are not judged in Israeli courts but in military court under a different set of laws. If a people are subject to control by the military, they are occupied. The situation is complex because there was an attempt to resolve this situation by Rabin’s labor government but the nice people who disagreed with him killed him, very “Jewish”, huh? After assasinating the one Israeli leader who tried to resolve the issue of occupation the lovely people who disagreed with him and wish to take over this area but want only the land and not the people who live in it continued the status of occupation while the built many Jewish settlements there (which is against international law) and harassed the locals. While these “moderate” settlers enjoy their swimming pools and lush gardens, for instance, their Arab Nieghbors are deprived of water which is necessary for life and agriculture. Sewage is dumped on their lands, they cannot travel freely, they have soldiers all over them all the time, their property is often destroyed as in the lovely pogrom in Hawarra which was celebrated with a party in that burnt village by the vicious settlers. 32 of the 38 brigades from the Gaza border were moved on Oct 6 to protect these Jewish Nazis leaving the Gaza border unprotected. And it took these brigades 7 hours to return to the Gaza border on Oct 7, despite the fact that it is an hour and a half drive which I have made many times. So yea, the West Bank is occupied. Gaza is a more complicated legal status but Gaza too is actually under Israeli responsibility and Israel controls it from the outside but there is also the Egyptian border so that status is more complicated.
It’s not quibbling about words. Words have meaning and power. You can twist them all you want to sleep better at night but you are running in unnecessary circles. If the Arabs put down their weapons we would have peace tomorrow (historically speaking, maybe not with the current government). This has been true with every Arab nation that wanted peace with Israel. Israel is 100% with Arab states that wanted peace with it. That is an indisputable fact. Yet you want to absolve the Palestinians of all responsibility, infantilizing them as if they have no agency, no brain, no ability to think for themselves. They don’t want peace with Israel. Hence all the wars and intifidas. Hence why Israel does what it does (generally, within reason) in the West Bank and the “responsibility” as you call it in Gaza. And I am all for it (except for generally rare cases of true, unprovoked settler violence) not speaking from a place of ideology or righteousness, but from a place of survival. Why in the world would anyone give land to people who just want to kill more of us? See: Gaza. What’s that saying? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results? What’s that called? Insanity?
Actually what you recommend is doing the same thing over and over again when it does not work. It is referred to mental illness by the person who first said this
Actually, many Arab countries who participated in attacks on Israel now have peace agreements with them: Jordan, Egypt, the Emerits, maybe Saudi Arabia soon. I believe that without the Iranian influence we could have peace with Lebanon and maybe even Syria. So referring to all the Arabs as the same is not accurate but peace can be achieved by diplomacy, not by military power. We know that from decades of experience here in Israel and it is what the IDF generals and the Moses has been saying for years
Nurit, I used to try to reason with people like you who are full of righteous anger about the failings of the Jews to do better, to be better, to live up to standards proclaimed by people like you. It's a waste of time. You are a lost cause. Even worse, you have become a frightened hysterical enemy who has been flipped to bear false witness against your own tribe. I will not waste another word on you.
I am not angry, I am afraid of people who think as you do. You refer to me as aggressive but it is you who support mindless aggression, not me. No matter what the facts are the fanatic will interpret them as proving his point
I am angry at those who work to destroy my people and justify themselves by hurling insults to others who are less blind and misguided, such as yourself. Instead of responding to the content I presented you close your mind and hold on to your small minded self righteousness and try to insult me. Sort of kindergarten level response. Maybe one day you will grow out of your diapers and develop the capacity for thought and dialogue
Nutri, I hear what you are saying about the settlers but the fact is that the Arabs and the 'Palestinians' refused to make peace before there was a single settlement. And the Palestinians refused to make peace when Ehud Barak offered to end the settlements. The real barrier to peace is the unwillingness of the Palestinians to accept the existence of a Jewish state ANYWHERE in the area. You must know that.
Many of these international laws were made after Nazism and the Holocaust precisely because such atrocities were committed in an effort to prevent such things happening again
this is a piece of Jewish outrage. I did not have the patience to read the whole article but the beginning part was enough for me to understand that you think that being Jewish makes you automatically morally superior. Being a Jewish citizen of Israel I am sad to inform you that this is not true. LIving in Jerusalem I have personally witness a good bit of immorality among my people. There are, in fact, some Israelis who do wish to get rid of all the Palestinians so that they could get their hands on their real estate. Not all Israelis, certainly, but those who desire to do so are the ones now in charge of our government, are members of the war cabinet and have a huge influence on policies and military activity. Not only do they not care about the Palestinians, they also do not care about those Jews and other residents in Israel, many of whom serve in the IDF. They are willing to sacrifice the hostages and many soldiers for the goal of taking over Gaza and settling it with their messianic, right wing cronies. They unabashedly declare that they would like to do the same in the West Bank, or Judea and Sumaria, as they like to call it. For this purpose they have terrorized the poeple who live in the West Bank, committing actual pogroms there, destroying olive trees and other crops and herds of the local Palestinians, terrorize school children and randomly kill people. All this under the protection and with the aid of the IDF.
Israel is in fact occupying the West Bank. The Palestinians who live there are under military rule and are deprived of basic human rights such as the right to travel wherever they wish, work where they please and conduct economic activity without the approval of the military government. They are presently occupied, as no Israeli would deny. On the other hand, the Jewish settlers in these same areas have full citizen's rights and are protected by the army. Although with in the pre1967 borders, within the Green Line, there is no apartheid, there actually is something like apartheid in the West Bank: separate laws for Jews and Palestinians, Jews get protection from the army while the Palestinians not only are denied protection but are actually often harassed by the military and the laws applied to them.
Israel is now undergoing a process in which the government is trying to destroy the legal system that provides for checks and balances on the government through the legal system, the courts. If they succeed, there would no check on what the government can do. And believe me, they will make plenty of fascist changes in the government of Israel. For this reason hundred of thousands of Israelis citizens, the best people in this country who are the ones who hold up the country with their economic and cultural contributions, are out in the streets demonstrating against these policies and this government that is largely responsible for the situation we are in today.
so instead of being so self righteous, you should applaud these brave citizens of Israel who are trying to save the country from total ruin.
Among the judges on the international tribunal is a former Holocaust survivor and Israeli American who supports the tribunal's decision.
I do not justify the horrific Hamas attack on our kibbutzim, towns and the festival on the Gaza border and Hamas needs to be removed from control of Gaza, but so does our owb Israeli government that denied protection to these civilians who were attacked and continues to ignore them in favor of their own megalomaniac, suicidal aspirations. There is no justifying them and certainly it is immoral to endanger our children in the army for their goals.
We agree that extremists in our current government are not good for Israel (and neither are they for those on the Left).
Israel is not occupying the West Bank. It is a much-needed security arrangement following the First and Second Intifada. Enough of the Jewish guilt and brainwashed rhetoric. You might be dead if it was not for "the occupation."
Maybe you have another definition of "occupation" than me, but this is not an occupation in the sense of how the world uses it. With that said, *some* Israelis (Jews) have exploited the security situation for their own reasons (most of which I vehemently disagree with) but we should not paint all the settlers with the same brush, for there are many strands of them.
ALL the settlers live in the occupied West Bank which discriminates between the various residents there. You can make up your personal definition of occupation since that seems to make you feel better but the West Bank is occupied territory since its status has not been changed and there is a military government there . These people who you claim to disagree with are presently running the country so you function as their defender by inventing new definitions and saying that these do not happen. It is irritating and not interesting. You are like a child who beats somebody up and then cries out “ I am a good boy”, I just caressed him”
Actually the West Bank is disputed territory. It was previously Jordanian territory which was seized in the 1967 Six-Day War in which Israel was attacked and won. Indeed, that is what happens when you start and lose wars, you surrender land. Israel wanted to give the West Bank back to Jordan and they refused; hence it is DISPUTED territory, not occupied.
See my comment below but I just want to share with you my observation that a discussion with you is like a discussion with a Hamas supporter, you are very similar in your fanaticism, your lack of knowledge about history and facts and your rigid thinking
Hahaha I am the least fanatic and most centrist person. My voting record in Israel proves it. I think you are the (extreme leftist) fanatic, if we’re on the subject of who is actually a fanatic.
I was anti-Zionist once, Ms Steinfeld. But Israel is at war against the Re-Formed Nazi Party and their allies Hamas (and the other Islamist terrorist Militias and Countries of The Middle East): The Nazis are real, Nurit, and we have monitored very high placed Nazis in Alliance with the Muslims, and the Arabs/Palestinians right here in Europe in London. We Jews now have to fight against The Nazi Party sworn to kill us. In War, peacetime Morality changes. This, like The Nazi Party is fact. It is now either The Nazi or us. Do you see this? I think you are what is known as 'Left-Stupid', so I do not think you can, Ms Steinfeld. Or are you in fact a German plant on this site?
What you have written is extreme. You're writing I mean. How you have written sounds like you are completely one-sided yourself. You seem, via your writing, to hold some type of hardline what is either your way or the highway. There do not seem to be any shades of grey. And what you have written makes nearly zero acknowledgement that the 'so-called' 'palestinians' i.e. Arabs, and/or Israeli-Arabs etc have done nothing since the 1920s, for example, to bring about the situations that they themselves have been quite responsible for creating and maintaining. One could easily guess (right or wrongly) that you have a fixed Political Party agenda. The fixed idea in many people becomes an actual type of 'secular religion'.
See my response below. Actually I have very independent opinions whereas you tow the Israeli government line. Seems like you are the one with the ridged agenda which says “we are totally right and everybody else is totally wrong” I would sum
Up this agenda as standard Likud, the most corrupt, unthinking collection of politicians around
It is important to see Israel’s part in the conflict and not just blame the other side. Yes of course the Palestinians have made terrorist attacks but so have we. It is easy and childish to only blame one side and refuse to make the effort to understand the other. In every conflict there are two sides. If you refuse to understand the other side you cannot resolve the conflict. Many people refuse to see the other side and many, especially Israel’s present government do not wish to end the conflict. They believe they can “win” meaning totally destroy the other side. 76 years of Israel’s history have shown that this conflict cannot be resolved militarily. Many Israeli generals clearly state this. Not listening to opinions that are not like yours does not make you right, it just makes you ignorant and foolish. No religion involved here, unless you believe, as many foolish religious people do, that god will insure “our victory”. So far God does not have a very good track record
Please tell us more about “the other.” I am asking genuinely. What are you seeing that so many of us are missing? Please be specific and detailed so we can have a nuanced conversation.
Nurit, you are 'sort of semi correct' about some things. The new normal is to make sure always to 'bash' the 'present government'. Each 'present government' did amazing good things in an unusually complex location and People ('The Us"). Rabbi M.M. Schneerson advised most if not all Prime Ministers and their minions... according to Torah - do not give up one inch of Land. Each 'present government' directly went against that advice i.e. both the Source and it's conduit. I'm SURE you can now outsmart me. Easily. But can you receive the message? A rhetorical question, no reply necessary.
I am not Orthodox but I say we must look to Torah to ensure Israel's survival. Which means carving out a different kind of democracy, one that applies Torah law to public affairs and spaces while allowing reasonable freedom of choice in private affairs and spaces. (I submitted a post about this a couple of weeks ago.) One of Israel's "policies" going forward must be the sharp curtailment of non-Jewish immigration and the reduction of Muslim immigrants and workers to pretty much "zero". Not only is this consistent with Torah in keeping Israel a Jewish state (and in assisting the Jews' return to Israel preceding the coming of Moshiach), it's a practical necessity. I am sure there is massive Jewish immigration to Israel happening now because of the growing, worldwide anti-Semitism. We need all of our ancestral land to accommodate this: including Judea/Samaria and Gaza. I believe what we are experiencing now is the "time before" Moshiach's arrival: there is certainly a metaphysical quality about the world's seeming abandonment of reason when it comes to Jews and Israel. Our attempts to copy the secular, hedonistic lifestyles of the West have not ingratiated us to anyone (including the brainless "queers" for Palestine!). I'm not suggesting that we become religious fanatics; just that we look to Torah more for some of the solutions to seemingly impossible socio-political problems.
Hi Susan,
I find myself in these troubled times reading the Torah for the first time for some guidance. As a typical assimilated successful (professionally) American Jew, I am not at all religious though I have always had a deep faith in G-d. I have never experienced antisemitism personally- though events here in the U.S. since 10/7 have certainly shocked me and opened my eyes- like many of us Jews. I agree with you that everything feels metaphysical right now- it is quite surreal how much hatred is being directed towards Israel and the Jews. It feels biblical which is why I decided to read/ study Torah. Since October 7th, I have had an overwhelming urge to learn Hebrew (I never attended Hebrew school like so many other Jews) which feels strangely familiar and wonderful to me. I hope studying the Torah will give me some answers to some spiritual questions that plague me. I would love to converse with you at some point by phone. Thanks for your comments.
Thanks for writing. My interest in Jewish scriptures started about 15 years ago when I started volunteering for a kosher food bank run by the Chabad. I was having conversations with the rabbi and was intrigued by so much he said that I felt compelled to study on my own. I always had a strong belief in G-d even though my attendance at afternoon "Hebrew school" offered no religious study; just rudimentary Hebrew language instruction, which I quickly forgot. As a young adult I was pretty much apart from the Jewish community. My first (brief) marriage was to a non-Jew. In university I took an introductory course in world religions and over the years, read a number of books about spirituality by non-Jews. What "connected" me to Torah study (along with Talmud) is the brilliance of our legal system and our emphasis on true social justice, which some have dubbed "capitalism with a conscience". I'm also intrigued by Kabballah through reading Tanya. At this point in my life, I no longer eat non-kosher species. I light Shabbat candles and keep two sets of dishes. My next "target" in terms of doing mitzvoth is observing Shabbat properly. No computer or cell phone. No TV. I have a number of Jewish books available for study. At my rabbi's suggestion, I'm taking it slow. In terms of answers to some of your spiritual questions, I recommend you explore Chabad.org. It is a treasure trove of wisdom, with texts in English and Hebrew. It would be nice to chat some time.
Thanks for the info Susan. I will check it out.
I think Rabbi Tovya is FANTASTIC! I've watched many of his videos where he demolishes Xians who take Jewish scriptures out of context because (a) they are reading them from Christian "Old Testaments" which cannot be trusted for Judaic accuracy, or (b) reading them from Jewish bibles but not reading the entire passage so they have no clue what is being said. He is absolutely brilliant. He's explained how Hebrew passages lose meaning when translated to Greek, then English (or whatever). Did you know the word that Christians think means "virgin" (re: the issue of J's mom: Mary) actually means "maiden"? Oh, the list of bloopers goes on and on. What's remarkable is how many Christians have converted to Judaism or at least have become Noahides, because of him. That wasn't his intention at all. It was - and still is - reclaiming Jewish souls who've been misled by the Messianics. What a guy! He's the greatest in my opinion.
The Torah as a source for solutions does not have a good track record. You probably also think that religious boys should study in Toshiba’s while the nonreligious Jews work to support you and die fighting the battles you instigate
"Toshiba's?" That took me a moment. It's spelled "Yeshivas."
Haven't had such a good laugh in a while. :-).
Looks like you are someone whose opinions need to be taken very seriously...
Yes, that is funny. I don’t always notice the auto correct on my phone. You can certainly choose who you want to listen to. That is your choice
To write that I "probably" think this or that shows that you are approaching this with a closed, angry mind. I don't bother debating with someone's emotions. It's like screaming into the wind. If/when you're willing to state the reasons for your opinions without projecting your assumptions and anger on me, I'm here.
You can find all points of view in the Torah as well as in the Koran and the New Testament. What in the Torah guides you?
G-d promised at the outset that He would never abandon us, but He also said we would lose the land if we stopped observing the commandments of Torah, the mitzvahs.
Since neither diplomacy nor combat have produced a lasting and secure peace in Israel, let us examine the Torah path to peace in the Holy Land. There is clearly something metaphysical about what is happening now. Even I, with my 40 years of professional secular writing, can see this. Read this article:
https://jewishjournal.com/judaism/365498/the-torah-path-to-peace-in-israel
It is very sad that you religious people give not an ounce of credit to the brave people who devoured their lives to the establishment of the state of Israel. Instead you give all the credit to your imaginary friend in the sky but in real life it is these real, brave people who serve and care for you as you stare upwards and expect god to help you. In my opinion people who are so keen on God are profoundly insecure and need this fantasy of some all powerful force
Nothing makes sense without G-d, IMO, certainly not the miracle that is Israel. And I am not at all religious but I have had profound spiritual experiences - and I have read many books on people who have had Near Death experiences- which leave me with no doubt of G-d's existence and especially His infinite, unconditional Love for ALL people, not just the Jews. But as I see it, the Jews were the first people to believe in and profess monotheism, hence why God appeared to them. The Jews CHOSE God (when the student is ready, the teacher appears!) And I have read many letters from IDF soldiers that show a profound faith in G-d which I believe helps them on the battlefield- though I know many have lost their lives and /or limbs. I also fear that unless Israel comes together united in their Faith and resolve against a common, terrible enemy, winning this war will be more challenging.
You are the sad one; again belittling me instead of presenting some useful argument. But one thing is clear. You are very afraid of what you call my "fantasy". So did 80% of the Jewish slaves in Egypt who didn't follow Moses. That Egypt - and those slaves - are dust now.
Ok so what do you think?
International “law” is now being used to isolate the Jewish people. International organizations are the tools of autocrats and theocrats who seek to destroy Israel. We should respond accordingly.
To quote a line from one of my favorite movies (Ben Hur), "Balthazar is a good man; but, until all men are like him, we must keep our shields bright and our intentions true."
Indeed!
Dear Joshua,
Good essay. There is a small typo. I think you wanted to cite Justice Learned Hand -- rather than "Rand" Hand. Best wishes,
Mark
Good catch, fixed!
This International law, is entirely one sided and is not being applied equally. What real hard core evidence does this Court have to lay this charge on Israel. Where is the careful documentation? It usually takes years to gather this evidence. All this court has is rumour and so called evidence from Palestinian’s that say Israel was stopping aid and food. It’s crazy! They would need to gather huge amounts of evidence. Interestingly I read last week that several Israeli Universities had been gathering evidence by truck number plates, that had entered Gaza. There was no evidence that supplies had reduced. All of this must be collated. This case is flimsy and it doesn’t stand up.
Terrificly said! As I read recently, the Palestinians and/or pro-Palestinians’ case is essentially: “Because we said so.”
Today is “Lag Ba'ormer” commemorating, so I was always taught, the one day in the Bar Kokhba Revolt of 132-135CE on which no-one was killed by the Romans. Israeli kids are taught and sing that Bar Kokhba was a hero. Last night my son and his friends lit a bonfire in celebration. The fact is that he was a false Messiah who led us to what for 1810 years remained the worst disaster in our history (if you start after the destruction of the northern Kingdom of Israel in 720BCE), surpassed only by the Holocaust… and that includes the Spanish Inquisition! We learned from that to keep our heads down, a lesson we remembered up to Zionism, when the world was demanding different answers, though that came too late for the Holocaust.
Today we should remember a different lesson of the Bar Kokhba folly (and that of the northern Israelites and of the Judean city of Lachish which rebelled against and was destroyed by the Assyrians in 701BCE): do not rebel against the hegemon! We must, first and foremost, maintain the American alliance.
Amazing, thank you for sharing Udi!
International law is an oxymoron.
Geniusly said.
I was anti-Zionist once, Ms Steinfeld. But Israel is at war against the Re-Formed Nazi Party and their allies Hamas (and the other Islamist terrorist Militias and Countries of The Middle East): The Nazis are real, Nurit, and we have monitored very high placed Nazis in Alliance with the Muslims, and the Arabs/Palestinians right here in Europe in London. We Jews now have to fight against The Nazi Party sworn to kill us. In War, peacetime Morality changes. This, like The Nazi Party is fact. It is now either The Nazis or us. Do you see this? I think you are what is known as 'Left-Stupid', so I do not think you can, Ms Steinfeld. Or are you in fact a German plant on this site?
Like many Jews, I have a German last name. I live in Jerusalem and my daughter and grandchildren live on the Gaza border. Thankfully they were not hurt during the vicious attack of Hamas. I hate Fundamentalist Islam and love my country. However I do not agree with the attitude that is all in God’s hands and you need to seek guidance from the Torah to know what to do. The Torah contains all sorts of attitudes. I think we need to be rational in our assessment of the situation and act accordingly. The Israeli government at this point is concerned only with staying in power, not the fate and welfare of the Israeli and Jewish people in general , not with rescuing the hostages and not with the safety of our soldiers. Therefore we have no choice but to object to criminal manner in which decisions and policies are made and implemented. You may not be aware of all the facts if you don’t live in Israel. Although of course we must be committed to our survival and safety we must do more and act more carefully. Fundamentalist Islam is awful and our response to it must not be to act as they do and lose our intelligent and humane values, that will certainly not save us. It will bring on the destruction of our state
When I am asked the same question: In a Straight fight between Israel and The UK, whose side are you on, my reply is: Israel. NOTE WELL: This is the question which was asked of me, in effect when the Nazi Elements tried to take over MI6 here in the UK. My question in reply to the British Nazis and them was: Who do you support in a straight fight, Nazi Germany or England? They are Nazis of course and had tried to lie about their Hitler sympathies. But we got the truth out of this Nazi Cohort: They are loyal to Nazi Germany! Their Reply was 'Irving is Six and Six is Irving', loyal to Germany and running cover out to Germany for many years. But this is why I am making Aliyah to Israel. My job for Freedom-loving England, who I will always love, who gave me many great years, is done. So in War you have to choose, Nurit. Anything else does not cut.
When I am asked the same question: In a Straight fight between Israel and The UK, whose side are you on, my reply is: Israel. NOTE WELL: This is the question which was asked of me, in effect when the Nazi Elements tried to take over MI6 here in the UK. My question in reply to the British Nazis and them was: Who do you support in a straight fight, Nazi Germany or England? They are Nazis of course and had tried to lie about their Hitler sympathies. But we got the truth out of this Nazi Cohort: They are loyal to Nazi Germany! Their Reply was 'Irving is Six and Six is Irving', loyal to Germany and running cover out to Germany for many years. But this is why I am making Aliyah to Israel. My job for Freedom-loving England, who I will always love, who gave me many great years, is done. So in War you have to choose, Nurit. Anything else does not cut.
When I am asked the same question: In a Straight fight between Israel and The UK, whose side are you on, my reply is: Israel. NOTE WELL: This is the question which was asked of me, in effect when the Nazi Elements tried to take over MI6 here in the UK. My question in reply to the British Nazis and them was: Who do you support in a straight fight, Nazi Germany or England? They are Nazis of course and had tried to lie about their Hitler sympathies. But we got the truth out of this Nazi Cohort: They are loyal to Nazi Germany! Their Reply was 'Irving is Six and Six is Irving', loyal to Germany and running cover out to Germany for many years. But this is why I am making Aliyah to Israel. My job for Freedom-loving England, who I will always love, who gave me many great years, is done. So in War you have to choose, Nurit. Anything else does not cut.
Ms Steinfeld, you write 'It will bring on the destruction of our state'. Well let me ask you, in a straight fight between Israel and The Arab Palestinians, whose side are you on? It is straight either/or question, and there can be no equivocation (of the sort 'Well, I support both so we don't loose our Values etc etc.',) because we Jews are now at war with an enemy whose stated aim is our destruction through Genocide. This is precisely what we have monitored. Who is it you support then, Nurit, US or THEM?
Ms Steinfeld, you write 'It will bring on the destruction of our state'. Well let me ask you, in a straight fight between Israel and The Arab Palestinians, whose side are you on? It is straight either/or question, and there can be no equivocation (of the sort 'Well, I support both so we don't loose our Values etc etc.',) because we Jews are now at war with an enemy whose stated aim is our destruction through Genocide. This is precisely what we have monitored. Who is it you support then, Nurit, US or THEM?
Further to my post about Israel looking to Torah to ensure our survival, here's an article from someone quite articulate who shares this view. https://jewishjournal.com/judaism/365498/the-torah-path-to-peace-in-israel
This is a great source, thanks!
SUPERB!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!
So want to quibble about words? The West Bank is not an integral part of Israel where all residents have equal civil rights, like for instance the Galilee. Up until 1966 the Arabs who lived in the Galilee were also under military law although they did have equality before the law. In 1966 the military rule was ended and the Arabs in the Galilee had full
Equality before the law. The Arabs in the West Bank are subject to military law. They are not judged in Israeli courts but in military court under a different set of laws. If a people are subject to control by the military, they are occupied. The situation is complex because there was an attempt to resolve this situation by Rabin’s labor government but the nice people who disagreed with him killed him, very “Jewish”, huh? After assasinating the one Israeli leader who tried to resolve the issue of occupation the lovely people who disagreed with him and wish to take over this area but want only the land and not the people who live in it continued the status of occupation while the built many Jewish settlements there (which is against international law) and harassed the locals. While these “moderate” settlers enjoy their swimming pools and lush gardens, for instance, their Arab Nieghbors are deprived of water which is necessary for life and agriculture. Sewage is dumped on their lands, they cannot travel freely, they have soldiers all over them all the time, their property is often destroyed as in the lovely pogrom in Hawarra which was celebrated with a party in that burnt village by the vicious settlers. 32 of the 38 brigades from the Gaza border were moved on Oct 6 to protect these Jewish Nazis leaving the Gaza border unprotected. And it took these brigades 7 hours to return to the Gaza border on Oct 7, despite the fact that it is an hour and a half drive which I have made many times. So yea, the West Bank is occupied. Gaza is a more complicated legal status but Gaza too is actually under Israeli responsibility and Israel controls it from the outside but there is also the Egyptian border so that status is more complicated.
It’s not quibbling about words. Words have meaning and power. You can twist them all you want to sleep better at night but you are running in unnecessary circles. If the Arabs put down their weapons we would have peace tomorrow (historically speaking, maybe not with the current government). This has been true with every Arab nation that wanted peace with Israel. Israel is 100% with Arab states that wanted peace with it. That is an indisputable fact. Yet you want to absolve the Palestinians of all responsibility, infantilizing them as if they have no agency, no brain, no ability to think for themselves. They don’t want peace with Israel. Hence all the wars and intifidas. Hence why Israel does what it does (generally, within reason) in the West Bank and the “responsibility” as you call it in Gaza. And I am all for it (except for generally rare cases of true, unprovoked settler violence) not speaking from a place of ideology or righteousness, but from a place of survival. Why in the world would anyone give land to people who just want to kill more of us? See: Gaza. What’s that saying? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results? What’s that called? Insanity?
Actually what you recommend is doing the same thing over and over again when it does not work. It is referred to mental illness by the person who first said this
The settler violence is not rare snd at this point is supported by the IDF
Actually, many Arab countries who participated in attacks on Israel now have peace agreements with them: Jordan, Egypt, the Emerits, maybe Saudi Arabia soon. I believe that without the Iranian influence we could have peace with Lebanon and maybe even Syria. So referring to all the Arabs as the same is not accurate but peace can be achieved by diplomacy, not by military power. We know that from decades of experience here in Israel and it is what the IDF generals and the Moses has been saying for years
Nurit, I used to try to reason with people like you who are full of righteous anger about the failings of the Jews to do better, to be better, to live up to standards proclaimed by people like you. It's a waste of time. You are a lost cause. Even worse, you have become a frightened hysterical enemy who has been flipped to bear false witness against your own tribe. I will not waste another word on you.
Thanks Sam. Her fear, anger and self-hatred as a Jew is palpable.
I am not angry, I am afraid of people who think as you do. You refer to me as aggressive but it is you who support mindless aggression, not me. No matter what the facts are the fanatic will interpret them as proving his point
I am angry at those who work to destroy my people and justify themselves by hurling insults to others who are less blind and misguided, such as yourself. Instead of responding to the content I presented you close your mind and hold on to your small minded self righteousness and try to insult me. Sort of kindergarten level response. Maybe one day you will grow out of your diapers and develop the capacity for thought and dialogue
Nutri, I hear what you are saying about the settlers but the fact is that the Arabs and the 'Palestinians' refused to make peace before there was a single settlement. And the Palestinians refused to make peace when Ehud Barak offered to end the settlements. The real barrier to peace is the unwillingness of the Palestinians to accept the existence of a Jewish state ANYWHERE in the area. You must know that.
Precisely.
Where were the advocates of international law during the rise of Nazism and Communism and especially during the Holocaust?
Many of these international laws were made after Nazism and the Holocaust precisely because such atrocities were committed in an effort to prevent such things happening again
this is a piece of Jewish outrage. I did not have the patience to read the whole article but the beginning part was enough for me to understand that you think that being Jewish makes you automatically morally superior. Being a Jewish citizen of Israel I am sad to inform you that this is not true. LIving in Jerusalem I have personally witness a good bit of immorality among my people. There are, in fact, some Israelis who do wish to get rid of all the Palestinians so that they could get their hands on their real estate. Not all Israelis, certainly, but those who desire to do so are the ones now in charge of our government, are members of the war cabinet and have a huge influence on policies and military activity. Not only do they not care about the Palestinians, they also do not care about those Jews and other residents in Israel, many of whom serve in the IDF. They are willing to sacrifice the hostages and many soldiers for the goal of taking over Gaza and settling it with their messianic, right wing cronies. They unabashedly declare that they would like to do the same in the West Bank, or Judea and Sumaria, as they like to call it. For this purpose they have terrorized the poeple who live in the West Bank, committing actual pogroms there, destroying olive trees and other crops and herds of the local Palestinians, terrorize school children and randomly kill people. All this under the protection and with the aid of the IDF.
Israel is in fact occupying the West Bank. The Palestinians who live there are under military rule and are deprived of basic human rights such as the right to travel wherever they wish, work where they please and conduct economic activity without the approval of the military government. They are presently occupied, as no Israeli would deny. On the other hand, the Jewish settlers in these same areas have full citizen's rights and are protected by the army. Although with in the pre1967 borders, within the Green Line, there is no apartheid, there actually is something like apartheid in the West Bank: separate laws for Jews and Palestinians, Jews get protection from the army while the Palestinians not only are denied protection but are actually often harassed by the military and the laws applied to them.
Israel is now undergoing a process in which the government is trying to destroy the legal system that provides for checks and balances on the government through the legal system, the courts. If they succeed, there would no check on what the government can do. And believe me, they will make plenty of fascist changes in the government of Israel. For this reason hundred of thousands of Israelis citizens, the best people in this country who are the ones who hold up the country with their economic and cultural contributions, are out in the streets demonstrating against these policies and this government that is largely responsible for the situation we are in today.
so instead of being so self righteous, you should applaud these brave citizens of Israel who are trying to save the country from total ruin.
Among the judges on the international tribunal is a former Holocaust survivor and Israeli American who supports the tribunal's decision.
I do not justify the horrific Hamas attack on our kibbutzim, towns and the festival on the Gaza border and Hamas needs to be removed from control of Gaza, but so does our owb Israeli government that denied protection to these civilians who were attacked and continues to ignore them in favor of their own megalomaniac, suicidal aspirations. There is no justifying them and certainly it is immoral to endanger our children in the army for their goals.
We agree that extremists in our current government are not good for Israel (and neither are they for those on the Left).
Israel is not occupying the West Bank. It is a much-needed security arrangement following the First and Second Intifada. Enough of the Jewish guilt and brainwashed rhetoric. You might be dead if it was not for "the occupation."
Maybe you have another definition of "occupation" than me, but this is not an occupation in the sense of how the world uses it. With that said, *some* Israelis (Jews) have exploited the security situation for their own reasons (most of which I vehemently disagree with) but we should not paint all the settlers with the same brush, for there are many strands of them.
I don't regard the current Israeli government as "extremist" at all.
Clearly you do not know what they do and what their plans are if you don’t think they are extremists
ALL the settlers live in the occupied West Bank which discriminates between the various residents there. You can make up your personal definition of occupation since that seems to make you feel better but the West Bank is occupied territory since its status has not been changed and there is a military government there . These people who you claim to disagree with are presently running the country so you function as their defender by inventing new definitions and saying that these do not happen. It is irritating and not interesting. You are like a child who beats somebody up and then cries out “ I am a good boy”, I just caressed him”
Actually the West Bank is disputed territory. It was previously Jordanian territory which was seized in the 1967 Six-Day War in which Israel was attacked and won. Indeed, that is what happens when you start and lose wars, you surrender land. Israel wanted to give the West Bank back to Jordan and they refused; hence it is DISPUTED territory, not occupied.
See my comment below but I just want to share with you my observation that a discussion with you is like a discussion with a Hamas supporter, you are very similar in your fanaticism, your lack of knowledge about history and facts and your rigid thinking
Hahaha I am the least fanatic and most centrist person. My voting record in Israel proves it. I think you are the (extreme leftist) fanatic, if we’re on the subject of who is actually a fanatic.
I was anti-Zionist once, Ms Steinfeld. But Israel is at war against the Re-Formed Nazi Party and their allies Hamas (and the other Islamist terrorist Militias and Countries of The Middle East): The Nazis are real, Nurit, and we have monitored very high placed Nazis in Alliance with the Muslims, and the Arabs/Palestinians right here in Europe in London. We Jews now have to fight against The Nazi Party sworn to kill us. In War, peacetime Morality changes. This, like The Nazi Party is fact. It is now either The Nazi or us. Do you see this? I think you are what is known as 'Left-Stupid', so I do not think you can, Ms Steinfeld. Or are you in fact a German plant on this site?
What you have written is extreme. You're writing I mean. How you have written sounds like you are completely one-sided yourself. You seem, via your writing, to hold some type of hardline what is either your way or the highway. There do not seem to be any shades of grey. And what you have written makes nearly zero acknowledgement that the 'so-called' 'palestinians' i.e. Arabs, and/or Israeli-Arabs etc have done nothing since the 1920s, for example, to bring about the situations that they themselves have been quite responsible for creating and maintaining. One could easily guess (right or wrongly) that you have a fixed Political Party agenda. The fixed idea in many people becomes an actual type of 'secular religion'.
See my response below. Actually I have very independent opinions whereas you tow the Israeli government line. Seems like you are the one with the ridged agenda which says “we are totally right and everybody else is totally wrong” I would sum
Up this agenda as standard Likud, the most corrupt, unthinking collection of politicians around
It is important to see Israel’s part in the conflict and not just blame the other side. Yes of course the Palestinians have made terrorist attacks but so have we. It is easy and childish to only blame one side and refuse to make the effort to understand the other. In every conflict there are two sides. If you refuse to understand the other side you cannot resolve the conflict. Many people refuse to see the other side and many, especially Israel’s present government do not wish to end the conflict. They believe they can “win” meaning totally destroy the other side. 76 years of Israel’s history have shown that this conflict cannot be resolved militarily. Many Israeli generals clearly state this. Not listening to opinions that are not like yours does not make you right, it just makes you ignorant and foolish. No religion involved here, unless you believe, as many foolish religious people do, that god will insure “our victory”. So far God does not have a very good track record
Please tell us more about “the other.” I am asking genuinely. What are you seeing that so many of us are missing? Please be specific and detailed so we can have a nuanced conversation.
Nurit, you are 'sort of semi correct' about some things. The new normal is to make sure always to 'bash' the 'present government'. Each 'present government' did amazing good things in an unusually complex location and People ('The Us"). Rabbi M.M. Schneerson advised most if not all Prime Ministers and their minions... according to Torah - do not give up one inch of Land. Each 'present government' directly went against that advice i.e. both the Source and it's conduit. I'm SURE you can now outsmart me. Easily. But can you receive the message? A rhetorical question, no reply necessary.
Very well said.