Israel and the Jewish world are filled with contradictions, which is perfectly okay. Holding space for opposites allows us to embrace the complexity of our human experience.
I appreciate your article and its intention. I say that because as a "gentile" it seems a little awkward to comment at all. And I hate saying what I'm about to say, because it will seem as a cheap way to make myself look good (so I'm hoping only you, the author reads this) but I do support several Jewish humanitarian organizations. (I do this because talk is so cheap...as they say, "Put your money where your mouth is!")
Anyway, oddly enough, I could rewrite your article by inserting various "christian" organizations and denominations as well. Each one thinks they are the chosen ones and often the dialogue can be quite judgemental.
And I say that as a committed follower of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah).
I am not here to "convert" anyone but to simply say that while I believe Israel is God's chosen Land for His people, it may get even more confusing and more dangerous before this era ends. We've all witnessed prophecies coming true with the establishment of Israel as a nation. But, I am reminded of that saying "it gets the darkest right before dawn."
Thank you, George, for continuing to support Jewish organizations whose mission speaks to you. Just having you here as a reader of Future of Jewish feels like support and is much appreciated.
Beautifully said, Joshua and you cited so many genuine examples. The political climate has fostered and encouraged much of these contradictions. Of course, there have been differences in all the examples you have given, but never more so than what we are witnessing today. As long as the rhetoric remains, these contradictions will become even more so. Your point on political differences in the US and Israel was so insightful, especially using your own experience after moving to Israel. This article gave me a lot to think about, take apart, and look inward.
Indeed. I have been saying for years that The Jewish People have been on the end of Hatred from both Liberals (and Anti-Semitic Fascists) because Liberals cannot cope with the contradictions of the Freedom-loving values of Peace and Love, and the need for strong borders and immigration policy to keep America and Israel and The West safe and rich and free. We become scapegoats for this confliction, along with the Projection (another term from Freud) of the worst aspects their own character on Jews as the 'Out' Group. Also, these Dichotomies and Dilemmas and Paradoxes were well-known to the ancient Greek Philosophers, where we get the names of these states of mind from.
I am going to aim for these goals, Joshua, especially as I am deliberately moving outside the Jewish community these days as part of my pro-Israel activism. Remembering the humanity of the folks who believe differently will certainly be in my tool kit.
I appreciate your article and its intention. I say that because as a "gentile" it seems a little awkward to comment at all. And I hate saying what I'm about to say, because it will seem as a cheap way to make myself look good (so I'm hoping only you, the author reads this) but I do support several Jewish humanitarian organizations. (I do this because talk is so cheap...as they say, "Put your money where your mouth is!")
Anyway, oddly enough, I could rewrite your article by inserting various "christian" organizations and denominations as well. Each one thinks they are the chosen ones and often the dialogue can be quite judgemental.
And I say that as a committed follower of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah).
I am not here to "convert" anyone but to simply say that while I believe Israel is God's chosen Land for His people, it may get even more confusing and more dangerous before this era ends. We've all witnessed prophecies coming true with the establishment of Israel as a nation. But, I am reminded of that saying "it gets the darkest right before dawn."
"Bahruch ahta Adonai, Ehlohaynu mehlech haolam"
Blessed are you Adonai, King of the Universe
Shalom
Thank you, George, for continuing to support Jewish organizations whose mission speaks to you. Just having you here as a reader of Future of Jewish feels like support and is much appreciated.
Beautifully said, Joshua and you cited so many genuine examples. The political climate has fostered and encouraged much of these contradictions. Of course, there have been differences in all the examples you have given, but never more so than what we are witnessing today. As long as the rhetoric remains, these contradictions will become even more so. Your point on political differences in the US and Israel was so insightful, especially using your own experience after moving to Israel. This article gave me a lot to think about, take apart, and look inward.
Indeed. I have been saying for years that The Jewish People have been on the end of Hatred from both Liberals (and Anti-Semitic Fascists) because Liberals cannot cope with the contradictions of the Freedom-loving values of Peace and Love, and the need for strong borders and immigration policy to keep America and Israel and The West safe and rich and free. We become scapegoats for this confliction, along with the Projection (another term from Freud) of the worst aspects their own character on Jews as the 'Out' Group. Also, these Dichotomies and Dilemmas and Paradoxes were well-known to the ancient Greek Philosophers, where we get the names of these states of mind from.
As a famous Jew once said, "who is not against us is for us."
Excellent article, well said. Seems to pretty much parallel Leviticus 19:15.
I am going to aim for these goals, Joshua, especially as I am deliberately moving outside the Jewish community these days as part of my pro-Israel activism. Remembering the humanity of the folks who believe differently will certainly be in my tool kit.
Unity can only be found in Jesus Christ, the Jewish Messiah and the Saviour of the whole world. We need to seek Him.