Jews teach Israel as a historical necessity, a geopolitical argument, and an emergency shelter. We rarely teach it as a place overflowing with things that Jews of all kinds might actually enjoy.
As a Christian recently converted to Zionism, I can tell you that I think that, as an outsider looking in, this is a huge issue. A case in point is the fact that so many Jews in New York voted for Zohran Mamdani! Israeli and Jewish politics are really divided. That makes the task of opposing anti-Zionism and antisemitism all the more challenging.
Welcome to the tribe! It's nice to have you. I completely agree with you, George, that Judaism needs an update, beyond Tukon Olom, beyond the Holocaust, and into Jewish Joy. We have some incredible ways of celebrating it. Joshua makes some amazing points. Personalizing Israel is key. It makes it relatable. Many young people are also looking into spirituality, and our faith offers some very moving Kabbalah meditation, books, and physical holy places to visit once you get there. Connecting with people changes you in profound ways.
It should go without saying that students should know Jewish and Israeli history as more than the litany of its travails. But it seems that Hoffman's antidote is a variation on "Look who's Jewish in show business/ sports/ politics, etc." Somewhere between the real need to know how to defend Israel and experience its natural charms and cultural vibrancy lies the vast treasure of Jewish values, ideas, and achievements, that are absent from the lessons our children are taught about every other culture except their own.
Let's face it - we are doing a terrible job of educating our children. A trip to Israel - assuming that happens - is insufficient. A "religious" education that looks mainly to preparing a student to learn the trope for a bar or bat mitzvah ceremony followed by an unrelated secular celebration is unlikely to clothe that child in the knowledge and pride that will be needed to face an indifferent or hostile world. Or to be able to raise another generation with substantive Jewish values .
We need imaginative ways to make alternative education available to almost every Jewish child. In this age of limitless internet options and educational alternatives, it shouldn't cost a fortune to provide broad education to every Jewish child. We don't need a single brick in another structure. Every penny should be invested in the only structures that will assure a strong Jewish future - children.
We have failed spectacularly. We need to massively reallocate our priorities and our resources. We need bold new ways of thinking instead of wringing our hands about what not's working and seek what will
I do agree Joshua. Knowledge is important of course but an emotional attachment of some kind seals the deal! It's not enough to visit just once either and expect to be blown away! There needs to be follow up after the visit and interaction with a young community of like minded Jewish adolescents.
You make fabulous points, as always, Joshua. It’s such a loveable country and we sometimes miss that point. Thank you for mentioning Classical Music, and I’m sure you must have said something about the wonderful writers coming from Israel. As a gift to myself on the occasion of my 80th birthday, I’m headed that way in early January to help celebrate the Israel Philharmonic’s 90th birthday. I am still discovering new writers to love, and enjoying access to the films via ChaiFlicks. Israel truly offers something for everyone.
As a Christian recently converted to Zionism, I can tell you that I think that, as an outsider looking in, this is a huge issue. A case in point is the fact that so many Jews in New York voted for Zohran Mamdani! Israeli and Jewish politics are really divided. That makes the task of opposing anti-Zionism and antisemitism all the more challenging.
Welcome to the tribe! It's nice to have you. I completely agree with you, George, that Judaism needs an update, beyond Tukon Olom, beyond the Holocaust, and into Jewish Joy. We have some incredible ways of celebrating it. Joshua makes some amazing points. Personalizing Israel is key. It makes it relatable. Many young people are also looking into spirituality, and our faith offers some very moving Kabbalah meditation, books, and physical holy places to visit once you get there. Connecting with people changes you in profound ways.
Thanks for the welcome. Good to be here.
Mazal tov! Welcome!
It should go without saying that students should know Jewish and Israeli history as more than the litany of its travails. But it seems that Hoffman's antidote is a variation on "Look who's Jewish in show business/ sports/ politics, etc." Somewhere between the real need to know how to defend Israel and experience its natural charms and cultural vibrancy lies the vast treasure of Jewish values, ideas, and achievements, that are absent from the lessons our children are taught about every other culture except their own.
Let's face it - we are doing a terrible job of educating our children. A trip to Israel - assuming that happens - is insufficient. A "religious" education that looks mainly to preparing a student to learn the trope for a bar or bat mitzvah ceremony followed by an unrelated secular celebration is unlikely to clothe that child in the knowledge and pride that will be needed to face an indifferent or hostile world. Or to be able to raise another generation with substantive Jewish values .
We need imaginative ways to make alternative education available to almost every Jewish child. In this age of limitless internet options and educational alternatives, it shouldn't cost a fortune to provide broad education to every Jewish child. We don't need a single brick in another structure. Every penny should be invested in the only structures that will assure a strong Jewish future - children.
We have failed spectacularly. We need to massively reallocate our priorities and our resources. We need bold new ways of thinking instead of wringing our hands about what not's working and seek what will
I do agree Joshua. Knowledge is important of course but an emotional attachment of some kind seals the deal! It's not enough to visit just once either and expect to be blown away! There needs to be follow up after the visit and interaction with a young community of like minded Jewish adolescents.
Brilliant. Thank you!!!!!!!
You make fabulous points, as always, Joshua. It’s such a loveable country and we sometimes miss that point. Thank you for mentioning Classical Music, and I’m sure you must have said something about the wonderful writers coming from Israel. As a gift to myself on the occasion of my 80th birthday, I’m headed that way in early January to help celebrate the Israel Philharmonic’s 90th birthday. I am still discovering new writers to love, and enjoying access to the films via ChaiFlicks. Israel truly offers something for everyone.
This is true. Someone once tried to convince me to visit Germany; I responded, “Who wants to go there!?”