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"Bennett was the architect of the current layout, now he needs to take the next step" Israel today

2022-03-04T14:20:17.682Z


Western Wall women, non-Orthodox conversion and confrontations with right-wing and ultra-Orthodox: Presidents of the Reform and Conservative movements in the United States, Rabbis Rick Jacobs and Yaakov Blumenthal, visit Israel to promote the Western Wall outline • "We received a promise from the government, They are harmed by the municipality of Linor, and fear "that Israel will become more extreme and less pluralistic"


They are not always familiar to most Israelis, but the movements they lead arouse social and political turmoil in the country, one of them these days.

The President of the Reform Movement in North America, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, and the President of the Conservative Movement in North America, Rabbi Yaakov Blumenthal, appeared in Israel this week as part of the struggle to renew the layout of the Western Wall.

After being approved by the government in 2016 and shelved under pressure from the ultra-Orthodox parties in 2017, they refuse to settle for the "family plaza," established in 2013 at the initiative of then-Diaspora Minister Naftali Bennett, claiming it is detached and hidden from the Central Wall plaza.

They now demand to expand and connect it to the main plaza, as an additional, egalitarian compound, for joint prayers for women and men, according to their customs, alongside existing women and men aids.

After meeting this week with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and a number of other ministers and MKs on both sides of the political map, generals from non-Orthodox sects are preparing for Rosh Chodesh prayers at the Western Wall today - and in light of ultra-Orthodox opposition, no one will be surprised.

"We are not responsible for the violence," Jacobs says.

"If people come to the Western Wall with hatred and violence it is not us. For us we come to pray for peace for the Ukrainians, and on a day like this we need to connect the parties - not separate. Ask the people in front of us why they behave violently. They tore my clothes. We did nothing to anyone. Someone in the ultra-Orthodox community needs to stand up and take responsibility. People need to understand that words have meaning. In 1997, weeks after a community rabbi in Mevaseret Zion said we were like suicide bombers, someone threw Molotov cocktails into a garden. "Our children. This extremism must stop."

Leaders of the Reform and Conservative Movement in a Meeting with Prime Minister Bennett, Photo: Kobi Gideon / GPO

Blumenthal agrees: "It is difficult for me to understand why it is not possible to assign different areas to different conceptions in Judaism. We simply come to the Western Wall to pray, do not defy in any way, do not want to disturb anyone, just pray."

But it is impossible to ignore the fact that your presence at the Western Wall is perceived as an attempt to impose your position by demonstrative means, even before the political channels have been exhausted.

Here, last November, MK Gilad Karib complied with President Herzog's request, refrained from attending the Western Wall for Rosh Chodesh prayers - and things went relatively smoothly.

Jacobs: "When the president asked Rabbi Krib for this, we were promised that on the quiet side there would be progress on the Western Wall layout, behind the scenes. Months later it turns out that this did not happen. But all the time. "

You met with Prime Minister Bennett after six years of separation from his predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Prime Minister Bennett was the architect of this layout in its original format, and built the current complex located at the Western Wall.

Now he needs to take the next step, "says Blumenthal." This is an opportunity for him to be not only the leader of Israel but of all world Jewry - to convey a message that everyone has a home in the holiest place for the Jewish people.

It will be very disappointing if he does not do that. "

Jacobs: "The fact that this government is hesitant - very disturbing. The Western Wall outline has support all over the world and also in Israel. In fact, the outline is also good for the ultra-Orthodox, many of whom do not understand its details. If the outline is fully implemented "This saga will come to an end. When the outline of the Western Wall was abandoned, a rift broke out in trust with Diaspora Jewry and now we hope to mend the rifts.

The meeting with Bennett is defined as a canine.

"It was amazing to talk to the Prime Minister and see that he understands our concerns. We understand that it will take time, but we believe that there will be progress. We believe that this government encourages the diverse voices in the State of Israel and the Jewish world," Blumenthal says, and Jacobs confirms: "We believe that there will be effective steps on the ground, and he agreed."

The Western Wall is not only a religious site, it is also a national symbol.

Any change in it is perceived as a defiance, and it is no wonder that Israelis are angry.

Why is it urgent for you to fight for the soul bird of so many Israelis?

Blumenthal: "The Western Wall is not of one sector but of the entire Jewish world, and if the Western Wall belongs to the entire Jewish people - we too deserve a place and are allowed to pray in the way we want. It is the holiest place for the Jewish people. The Jewish people deserve a respectful place. "That Grandma would not have to peek beyond the partition to see her grandson ascend to the Torah."

We accept to the community even without circumcision

In Israel, the reformist and conservative movements are small, and almost negligible.

In North America, on the other hand, millions identify with them.

According to a 2020 poll, 37 percent of American Jews identify as Reform, 17 percent as Conservatives, and only 9 percent as Orthodox.

But in the United States, too, the two movements are at a challenging crossroads. Day by day, phenomena such as assimilation and distancing from Judaism are expanding, even the one represented by the liberal movements.

It was recently reported in the Jewish News Agency JTA that one in seven Conservative synagogues is looking for a rabbi for next year, and that distress is also felt in the Reform movement.

There are those who are worried that the younger generation will not replace the veteran rabbis who are retiring, but Blumenthal is rather optimistic: "The growing communities demand more rabbis. More rabbis are needed on campuses as well. This is actually evidence of success," he says.

"The outline is also good for the ultra-Orthodox, but many of them do not understand its details."

Prayer of the women of the Western Wall, Photo: Oren Ben Hakon

However, the Reform community is adopting lenient definitions regarding the question of "who is a Jew."

In a 2017 survey, 84 percent of Reform rabbis testified that they would agree to have a mixed marriage.

"Studies show that Judaism appeals to a lot of people," Jacobs explains, "and they see our tradition as a great way to raise a family and promote values ​​like charity and Shabbat. Judaism is very popular because of our way - a beautiful way to live a meaningful life. Push people out. "

Blumenthal: "It is difficult for people in Israel to understand this, because here there is a Jewish majority. But elsewhere we are a small minority. People meet different spouses, and we have a choice - to push them out or hug them. When we open our hands for a hug we see the The next generation of Judaism. "

The question is at what price.

In the United States, there is already a discussion about whether to accept people who have not been circumcised. How far have we come?

Jacobs: "We are committed to circumcision, and circumcision instruments, including surgeons, so that people go through the procedure. At the same time, we also accept people who have not circumcised our community."

Blumenthal adds: "As a movement committed to halakhah, circumcision is a very important mitzvah for us, but we start with people where they are, and do not push them out of Judaism because of one mitzvah or another. They see the values ​​- and then accept the mitzvos."

Our conversion can bring more Jews to Israel

Apart from the outline of the Western Wall, the non-Orthodox movements are also at the forefront of the issue of conversion.

The conversion reform, approved last week by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation, deals only with Orthodox conversion, but includes a clause stating that it does not harm non-Orthodox conversions.

This is the first time such a conversion has been mentioned in law in the State of Israel.

This was done in accordance with the High Court ruling, which stated in March 2021 that Reform or Conservative conversions must also be recognized for the purpose of obtaining citizenship.

They claim that the state discriminates against them, and claim, among other things, that the Ministry of the Interior ignores the ruling and makes it difficult for people who converted through them to immigrate to Israel.

As part of the conversion reform, it was clarified that the status of the Reform and Conservative conversions would not be undermined.

You managed to get your foot in the door.

Blumenthal: "I respect the right of Orthodox communities to decide who is a Jew within their community, but how can there be only one way in the State of Israel to determine who is a citizen? The state should embrace everyone, including people who converted to our standards. , Who converted through a Reform or Conservative rabbi, comes to Israel and is told he is Jewish. The Supreme Court has ruled that his conversion should be accepted, but the Interior Ministry is dragging its feet. Basketball player Jared Armstrong grew up in a Jewish home, He was told he was not really a Jew, even though he had lived as such all his life. We feel like second-class citizens. We can not convert, marry, hold funerals. Our rabbis are not funded by the state, unlike synagogues and yeshivas that receive hundreds of millions. Not a single shekel is allocated to our mikvahs and synagogues. "

Demonstration of reforms in front of the Prime Minister's Residence, 2017, Photo: Oren Ben Hakon

Jacobs: "There are hundreds of thousands who have come from the USSR, and many more from Ukraine will now join them, and they are not Jews according to Jewish law.

They want to feel part of why they came to our conversion program.

This is an opportunity to bring more Jews to us.

The goal of the State of Israel was to redeem all the Jews of the world, not just the Orthodox. "

Your critics say you're getting involved in an argument not yours.

You come here from the United States and try to tell us how to behave and how to conduct religious-state relations in Israel.

"The Conservative movement was the first to adopt Zionism, and we have always been very connected to the State of Israel, without any conditions and regardless of the identity of the government. It is part of the strong alliance that unites us," says Blumenthal.

"I really like the people of Israel, but I am worried that the State of Israel is going in the wrong direction. Sometimes a symbolic change needs to be made, and that is what the Western Wall symbolizes. I see Israel becoming more extreme and less pluralistic. We will always defend the State of Israel Growing".

Jacobs agrees: "I love every Jew, even those who express great hatred towards me and my Judaism. The key to Jewish survival was to express Judaism in different ways - the Hasidim and the opposition, the Mizrahis and the Ashkenazim, Beit Hillel and Beit Shamai. It would be a pity if in the 21st century We will give it up. "

One of the significant debates in recent years concerns the question of Israel's identity: more Jewish or more democratic.

Where do you stand in relation to this?

Blumenthal: "I believe that Israel needs to strengthen its democratic character, and as part of that diversify its Judaism. The more Judaism turns to the center and less to the extremes, the stronger democracy will be."

Jacobs: "I do not know a non-democratic Jewish state, because a Jewish state has democratic values. If the State of Israel is only democratic I will be very sad, and if it is Jewish, what will be its political-fascist system? Things come together."

"Normalize hatred against the Reformers"

To many Israelis, it seems that you no longer represent only a theological controversy, but are interfering in the political divide in Israel.

Blumenthal: "Abroad, religion is many times more separate from the state, but in Israel politics and government are closely linked to Jewish life - marriage, divorce, Shabbat, holidays. This is the deal Ben-Gurion made with the small ultra-Orthodox community in Israel with the establishment of the state. Re-establish that balance. "

Jacobs: "We should not dedicate ourselves to activity in the political field, but it is a way of expressing our commitment. In the United States, too, there are members of Congress who are committed to our path and I do not think the movement here is more political.

The idea that if you are a member of your Knesset is only political is wrong.

Look at the ultra-Orthodox - they believe they are leading the way of Torah.

I do not necessarily agree with them, but it is not wrong for them to bring their values ​​to the Knesset. "

But you seem to be turning your side in the public debate, sometimes in a contrasting way.

Only recently did you demand the removal from the radio of Irit Linor, who has a column in this newspaper, after claiming that you are irrelevant because you were not assimilated in Israel.

Jacobs: "Lack of love and disagreement can be expressed, but there is a normalization of hatred against reforms and there are people who encourage it. It is not fair to accuse the victim of being too harsh."

Blumenthal reinforces his words: "We were very hurt by her remarks, they reflected the extreme way that is sometimes perceived as part of the legitimate Israeli public. Our goal is to act against extreme voices. Sometimes you have to defend yourself."

It is impossible to say that there is no truth in her words.

In the end, the Reform and Conservative community in Israel is not very large.

53 Reform congregations in front of tens of thousands of Orthodox synagogues.

"According to several surveys, there are hundreds of thousands of Israelis who support our views when asked what Judaism is closest to their hearts," says Jacobs.

"Nearly 15 percent of Israelis support the Conservative and Reform movement. We must also remember that there is a religious monopoly in Israel and a government that funds millions in Orthodoxy. The state is against us and we are still growing. "Against the current of Orthodoxy, and still thriving. Why would anyone come and pay money to a Reform community when they can go to a free Orthodox synagogue courtesy of the government? If the budget is equal - support will increase."

Blumenthal: "We have been discriminated against for more than 70 years. The state should also fund us together with the religious and the ultra-Orthodox."

"Support for Israel has weakened during Trump's tenure"

Simultaneously with the struggle for the Western Wall and the status of non-Orthodox sects in Israel, the Reform and Conservative movements are also facing domestic changes.

For many years American Jewry has been more identified with the Democratic wing on the political map, but in recent years it seems that polarization is deepening: liberal movements are identified with Democrats, while Orthodox are identified with Republicans.

Things also have implications for the attitude toward Israel.

"For decades there has been uncompromising and cross-party support, but this has been greatly weakened during Trump's tenure, where it has been said that if you are not a Republican you cannot support Israel," Jacobs claims.

"This is one of the things that most of all destroyed the connection between our countries - and also the communities."

"Support for Israel has weakened during Trump's term" // Photo: Reuters,

Blumenthal: "When there is extremism, left or right, it is never good and strengthens anti-Semitism. Social networks encourage extremism and it is dangerous for democracy and dangerous for Jews. Brave leadership is needed to fight it and create pluralism."

But it is impossible to ignore the fact that even within the Democratic Party there are factors that are on the verge of anti-Semitism, such as the famous "squad" - Ilhan Omar and her friends.

"These are four Senate members out of 400. The Democrats are very pro-Israel, although there are some extremists. On the other side, there are Republicans who use Holocaust denial to fight the Corona vaccines," says Jacobs.

"Everywhere there are extremists, but to paint the Democratic Party in the colors that the extremists lead - misses the story. Even in the current Knesset there are very extremist people - do you want the entire Knesset to be identified by those individuals?"

Still, there is growing support among some American Jews for the BDS movement. About 16 percent of young Jews said they support the boycott movement in a poll published last week.

Jacobs: "True, there are people like that, but some do not understand what BDS is. They oppose some of what Israel does, but they too need to understand that they do not throw everything away. We work a lot among these people, show them the truth. The beauty of the State of Israel. "

Blumenthal: "Events like the Ben & Jerry's boycott are a distraction, making headlines and nothing more. The best response to BDS is to talk more about Israel, to bring more people here. To fall in love with Israel as we love it - people, the land. "Show how successful Israel is. The war in Ukraine proves how important Israel is, that it is home. There is no substitute for that. We must constantly tell the story of Israel, mention the history that sometimes the younger generation does not remember - and be honest about the challenges Israel faces."

Many Israelis now feel, in light of the war in Ukraine, that we have no one to rely on in the event of an attack by Iran, for example.

The US will not necessarily come to our aid.

"The cooperation between the United States and Israel is strong and unbreakable, even though it has been challenged in recent years.

"I would not look at the situation in Ukraine as an example of weakness," says Jacobs. "This is not a rift, and this connection can be trusted."

Blumenthal: "Zionism's attitude has always been that it will defend itself and not be required to defend it. However, in today's world we are dependent on each other, and the only way to deal with the situation is to strengthen ties between countries - so we can come to each other's help." 

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Source: israelhayom

All news articles on 2022-03-04

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