SHLICHA's CORNER
by our Israeli emissary Noa Marom
The Jewish people around the world have historically looked on to Jerusalem as a point of reference for their religious beliefs. On 28th of Nissan, the 16th of May we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem in the state of Israel. But has this yearning been in tap with the hearts of the Jews around the world, or has it become just another prayer that we can’t relate to?
As the Jewish communities have developed and strengthened around the world, Israel has been a few steps behind with its Jewish identity. Although Israel would like to think that it is the authority for the Jewish religion, I would argue that it has a lot to learn from a Jewish community that has thrived and flourished for 2000 years.
In my eyes Israel has the responsibility to set an example to the Jewish world and the world at large of the Jewish people. A country that defines itself in its declaration of Independence as a Jewish Democratic state has taken upon itself the task of looking deep within itself and asking the hard questions that we tackle on a day to day basis outside of Israel – who is a Jew? How does Judaism tackle modern issues?
Israel has the privilege and responsibility of bringing back to Judaism the discussion on political issues to a blossoming ongoing discussion on moral and religious issues.
Unfortunately, this discussion (if you can even call it as such) is dominated by the Orthodox stream of Judaism in Israel and has not allowed the State of Israel to develop and accommodate the rainbow of thoughts that have developed before its existence and therefore does not tap into the thought of modern non orthodox Jews around the world.
Liberal Judaism is an example of a stream of Judaism that has seen Israel as an important part of its past but not an important part of its future.
I believe that Liberal Judaism should be focusing on educating its congregations on the different aspects of Israeli society – culture, language, traditions as well as standing at the forefront of the support and fight for the Progressive movement in Israel – supporting individual congregations and its endeavours as well as having a strong stand on the change of the face of the religious monopoly in Israel.
Liberal Judaism should educate itself on the history of this conflict within Israeli society and politics and with that knowledge promote change within the country.
I believe that Liberal Judaism should be right in the front line of support as well as demanding for change from those bodies responsible within the country so that Israel will be able to be a relevant and a reflection of the Liberal values.
I call out to those of you, who feel that Israel is a burning topic and would like to see more done in their individual community and in Liberal Judaism as a movement on the topic of Israel, to contact me so we can start working together to see this happen. The forum will be a place where the voices of each community can be heard.
Please contact Liberal Judaism Shlicha Noa Marom if you would like her to come and visit your congregation.
Email: shlicha@liberaljudaism.org or call 07931 592 562.
