We are a Tel Aviv family – father, mother and five children. Living in the city for 17 years. We did not come to illuminate the city or Judaize it. We came to be part of it. Over the years, we were partners in the establishment of a high school, a large and well-established community, a preparatory school and a beit midrash. We were greatly influenced by the city, and we hope we did. All our activities were always coordinated and coordinated with both representatives of the municipality and the local religious leadership. We are a liberal marker in the city and have always had a place.
But the days are not normal, and all around are people trying to put out the fire with gallons of gasoline.
Prayer is not a demonstration, neither at the Western Wall nor at Dizengoff Square. Let's remove the masks for a moment and try to look the painful truth inside: the struggle is not about separation in one prayer or another, the struggle is about the identity of the city.
Unfortunately, there is a public that, under the auspices of the protest, struggles with anything that smells of Judaism, and to my shame, part of this public struggles with Yom Kippur prayers not only with a "Jewish head" but in many places in the city and even where the prayers were not conducted separately. It is inconceivable for religious people to feel uncomfortable in a liberal city like Tel Aviv.
Woe to a legitimate and justified protest against a failed government that will become fertile ground and a basis for hatred of Jewish identity. This is not what her glory will be. On the other hand, there are people who openly and clearly came to Judaize the city and give it a more traditional character. Not always sensitively and not always out of listening, and often out of condescension for the cultural-identity perception of the various local residents, including the other religious residents of the city.
For years it worked. The big city, which can contain many nuances, is also a place for those who try to "light up the city" and are not perceived as a threat. But from the day the government was formed, the fabric was cut.
Anyone who publicly calls for the religion of the residents of Tel Aviv in one place, when he raises funds in another place and takes care of more and more budgets for intervention in the education of Tel Aviv children, cannot be surprised when the residents of the city are pressured and go out to fight. And in a struggle, people may forget the basic rules of conduct, and deserve all condemnation for it.
Therefore, the flames must be lowered. Local and national public leaders should establish a local charter of activity throughout the city.
In the synagogues, each person will pray as is his custom. In the public space, it is possible to hold minyanim in which they sit separately, but allow a common area at the back where they can sit together. The struggles in Tel Aviv are also a great opportunity for the non-observant public to take responsibility for its Jewish life. Judaism is an essential component of Israeli identity, without which there is no reason to stay here. For too many years, Jewish identity has become something you let someone else take care of for you. Once they give it to the local Chabad branch, sometimes to an organization that comes to talk about the holidays and prayers, and sometimes to a foreign synagogue to hold a bar and bat mitzvah.
Therefore, the flames must be lowered. Local and national public leaders should establish a local charter of city-wide activities
In recent years in the city we have already seen Halloween and Christmas celebrations, and if we want to live in the first Hebrew city, we must find our Jewish way.
In recent days I have been "received" many attacks on my positions.
My friends on the right, who are mostly not residents of the city, are angry at the complex message and ask why I am not strongly condemning; On the other hand, my friends on the left are angry at how I do not understand their concern, and why in times of struggle I am willing to compromise.
To all of them, I will answer that Tel Aviv is my city and home, and we will continue to live here tomorrow as well.
Therefore, arrangements and compromises must be found.
On the eve of Sukkot we must choose, and between Succat Shalom and the Yom Kippur War I look for a compromise.
Our Father blessed us all as one together in the light of Your face.
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