Being a Member of Am Yisrael (The people of Israel)

What does it mean to me to be a member of Am Yisrael? This is a question I have discussed in my Jewish History class possibly every did since arriving in the holy land and I am yet to come up with a clear and concise answer. It is hard to answer this question because there is no right answer, there are only ideas, beliefs, and opinions. To me being a member of Am Yisrael means identifying as Jewish and positively contributing to the Jewish community. This can mean many things such as going to services on Shabbat or High Holiday’s, celebrating Jewish Holiday’s, learning about the Holocaust and Jewish History, following Jewish Law and much, much, much more. Being a member of Am Yisrael can mean doing one, some, or all of these things plus more. I think just calling oneself Jewish does not make them a member of Am Yisrael, it is important to actually contribute to Jewish society in any way shape or form to be a part of Am Yisrael. I think living in Israel and being a zionist are great ways to be a part of Am Yisrael because just by living in Israel helps to grow the Jewish people and culture. I also think to be a member of Am Yisrael, we as a society need to be the best people we can possibly be. This can mean doing Tikun O’lam, charity, helping the poor or sick, or just genuinely being a nice person. I think these are all important qualities that a member of Am Yisrael should have. There are many different things a person can do to be a member of Am Yisrael and that’s why I think I will never have a clear answer to this question. But, I think that as long as I continue to explore my Jewish Identity I will continue to be a member of Am Yisrael. 

Jewish Community in the Best City Ever (Los Angeles)

I am extremely fortunate to live in a city with a promenade Jewish community. Growing up in Los  Angeles, California there was always a large Jewish presence in my life whether from my home community or outside influences. Right now in Los Angeles, there are multiple upcoming events through various Jewish organizations including the Los Angeles Jewish Abilities Center, The Jewish Federation, The Los Angeles JCC and more. One of the upcoming events through the Jewish Federation is to observe Yom Ha’shoah. I was happily surprised to see this event and to find out Israeli and American Jews are celebrating the same days within their own communities. While there are many different Jewish organizations in Los Angeles, there are also popular news sources such as the Jewish Journal. This is a resource I know my parents constantly read and my temple has available to congregants. This News source has topics more general and possibly relevant to the general public while also having strong Jewish articles. The current trending headlines include, “trump: Israeli-Palestinian peace deal can be made”, “Real Housewives of New York City Week 4 Recap,” and “Ex-mayor of London suspended from Labour for saying Hitler was Zionist.” This journal is a super cool news source because not only does it have important Jewish news, but it also has news relevant to Los Angeles and American jews. I know I will be able to come home to a strong Jewish community and will be able to find Jewish current events wherever I go. 

Yam L'Yam!!!

Over Passover break, I had the incredible opportunity of going on Yam L’yam. Yam L’Yam or sea to sea is a 5 day hiking excursion EIE takes as its third and final large trip. We started out at the Kineret or Sea of Gallie and finished our journey at the Mediterranean sea. The first day actually only consisted of an incredibly long bus ride up the coast from Jerusalem to the Kineret. I remember feeling anxious to start my Yam L’yam Journey and a sense of relief when I found out we weren't actually hiking the first day. That night, I got my hiking group and materials for the next 4 days which included a relatively light backpack that become exponentially heavier when I added the 4.5 liters of water I had to cary everyday, and one bowl and spoon for all of our meals. That night I slept outside under the stars which I absolutely loved, not being able to fall asleep doesn't really matter when you can look up and sea the stars. I woke up bright and early the next day when the hiking actually began. The first real day was long, uphill, and hard, but I have much more memories of having fun then being tired and in pain. Not to mention where we were hiking was beautiful and climbing mountains was completely worth it for the view. We stopped for lunch and my friend Elle and I made the not so smart decision to take a nap and leave our group to cook lunch. We awoke to uncooked rice and meat spilled on the ground. It is safe to say we took initiative and made the rest of the meals. 

Fast forward to the fourth day of Yam Y’Lam and by far my favorite day; the water hiking day! We started out walking through a narrow pathway and ended up at the most magnificent view I had ever seen. It almost looked like the set of Lost (the most confusing TV show in the world), and I was truly in awe. The day was spent walking short distances to arrive at a couple fresh water streams (filled with fish!). The water was cold but refreshing. On our final day of Yam L’Yam (I’ve almost made it!) we actually road bikes straight into the Mediterranean instead of walking. Biking was so much fun when going downhill as I loved feeling the wind in my face. Seeing the sea was so exhilarating and I felt so accomplished. Yam L’Yam was so fun and an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. 

the intersection of soccer and shabbat

Shabbat and soccer are two festivities that normally wouldn’t be grouped together. Though, as soccer is growing more popular in Israel, its overlap with shabbat has become a concern for religious Jews. Soccer games in Israel are broadcasted at 3 PM which means they often end after shabbat has started. This is a problem for religious Jews because they are unable to watch the games due to the fact it is against Halacha to use electricity on Shabbat. Religious Jew who attend the games often have to leave at halftime because they are also unable to drive on Shabbat. It is unfair and rude for Religious Jews to have to choose between celebrating shabbat and watching a soccer game. Obviously most will choose to celebrate shabbat, but it is a decision they shouldn't be faced with. Ideally, it would be best to make the game times earlier, but due to scheduling and money that is not an option. I feel, just as I get upset when I go to Tel Aviv on the weekends and all stores are closed, Religious Jews have a right to be upset that they are unable to attend and watch soccer games. I think it is necessary to find a balance between being fair to religious Jews and the rest of Am Yisrael. 

Also, there is a another issue for Religious Jews who are soccer players. They either often have to miss practices or games, or are unable to celebrate Shabbat. The article told the story of one soccer player who sleeps in a separate hotel so he is able to walk to games instead of taking the bus. I found it almost funny how this player was going out his way to not break Jewish law, but just by playing the soccer game, he is breaking one of the biggest rules, working on shabbat. He said being a soccer player is still his job, and his way of making a living. This brings up the question, are we allowed to pick and choose which Jewish Laws we follow? This is a question we have discussed numerous times in class, and I am still eager to finding the answer too.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/25/sports/soccer/as-the-sabbath-nears-in-israel-soccer-becomes-a-test-of-faith.html

Independence Tyul

Today, we went on a tyul to learn about Israel’s Independence from the British. This tyul while long, was incredibly fun for a multitude of reasons. First, we went to Latrun, where we saw tanks some in use, but many out of commission due to the fact they were used in armed battles. The tanks were not only huge, but gave me a glimpse into the dangerous nature of fighting the battles for independence was. We also learned about how the tanks are constructed, unlike most war machines, Israeli tanks engines are in the front. This, gives Israeli soldiers an extra layer of protection, but, in order to do so, the engine will be damaged first in an attack. Although this may put the tanks out of commission, I think it is completely worth it to save potential lives. We also learned that the bullet leaves the tank at a slower rate in order for harmful gas not to be released inside the tank, making it safer for those inside. I loved learning about this because I think it is so important the measures Israel takes to secure its soldiers safety. 

After Latrun we went to Yad Mordechai, which was not only a kibbutz, but a super secret underground bullet factory during the battle for Independence. 45 Residence of the 75 kibbutz members worked in the bullet factory 25 feet underground. They were not allowed to tell anyone of their operations as they were putting not only themselves, but everyone around them in harm. I personally, do not know if I would be able to keep such a big part of my life a secret for so many years. Although this may have been an illegal operation, it saved and helped the lives of many Israeli’s as they fought to their death against surrounding Arab countries for Independence. This factory was not only super cool, but illustrated the lengths taken Israelis would go to to have a Jewish state. I loved hearing about their Jewish nationalism, and hope if I’m ever in a similar situation I will be as brave as those in the bullet factory. 

We then went to Tel Aviv, where we went to Independence Hall. This is the same building   where David Ben Gurion (the first Prime Minister of Israel) first declared Israel’s Independence on May 14th, 1948. Although the piece of land Israel was given basically only included the Negev and unimportant regions without the main settlements that Israelis had previously established, Israel finally had a state! The Jewish people finally had a home after a two thousand year struggle. This was so exciting, and I found myself having so much Jewish pride while hearing Ben Gurion’s speech and singing Hatikva. We also learned that America expressed it was in support of Israel only 11 minutes after the state was established. After learning this, I also found myself feeling proud to be not only Jewish, but also American. After Independence Hall, we went on a high tech scavenger hunt around Tel Aviv and learned about Israel’s numerous start up companies. Israel is home to most of the worlds thriving start ups, and it was so inspiring to learn about how innovate Israel is. Finally, we concluded our day by getting dinner in Tel Aviv, I of course got Sushi, and then headed home to Tzuba. Overall, it was an incredible and interesting day, it is definitely one I will never forget! 

a letter from an Arab to a Jew who supports BDS: Article Response

As a member of Am Yisrael, I find myself only looking at the issues Israel is facing as a Jew. This article opened my eyes and allowed me to explore Israels' issues through the oppositions perspective. As an Arab who supports Jewish nationalism, the writer understands that they will get more out of the binational state solution than Israelis. This struck me because when discussing this topic in class, I always try to look at the positive side and often struggle. There is such a huge power struggle in Israel because from the Jewish perspective, Israel is supposed to be a Jewish State. By giving in to BDS Israel may lose its Jewish majority, while Arabs will gain a state to feel safe in once again. This solution greatly helps the Arabs, but I have yet to hear an Arab talk about their appreciation for the solution until now. This article also raises a crucial question, how much is too much to give up? The Jewish people have gone through extraordinary measures to create Eretz Yisrael, and I don’t think we should be forced to give up the only Jewish state to appeal to Arabs. Just as we talked about in class, is it out of the ordinary to have Am French without France, just like it should not be questioned to have Am Yisrael with out Israel. Although I don’t agree with the BDS movement, I agree with the point this article makes. It is of the upmost importance to be for ones own people, whether Israeli or Arab, than to be against them. Even if we don’t agree with every decision Israel makes as a whole, rooting for our competitor makes us just as bad as the ideology we do not believe in. I believe rather than hurting one nation, we should either root for it, or just leave it alone. 

Oral vs Written Law: Essay

The destruction of the first and second Beit Mikdash, which were at the center of worship for the Jewish people during both the first and second temple period, greatly changed the Jews outlook on the world. Before the destruction, Jews only followed halacha (Jewish Law) based on the Torah because it was all they had even known. Now, after the destruction of the second Beit Mikdash, the Jewish people had to adapt in order to survive. The major adaptation made was in addition to written law, the Jewish people developed the Torah Shebaal Peh, or oral law. Both written and oral law contain traditional aspects that the Reform movement may not agree with. It is immensely important when choosing how to follow halacha to educate oneself on both because although different, they are equally important to the Jewish world. 

Written law is written, which translates to being set in stone and unable to be changed. This can be both positive and negative for many reasons. Some believe that halacha should never be changed, so they appreciate the written law. On the other hand, some believe the law should be able to adapt to modern times, and the fact that it is written down does not allow us to do so. The written law does however have many positive aspects, one huge one is that it is impossible to forget the law due to the fact we have a text to refer back to. The written law is also said to be, “the law given to Moses at Sinai”, this shows that it is the law the Jewish people should follow, because God gave it to them. The downside to written law is that it cannot be adapted or changed. Due to the fact society was drastically different when we received the Torah, the laws are much harder for Am Yisrael to follow. The Reform Movement needs to educate themselves on written law even if they do not choose to follow it because it has in it what God commanded to Moses the day he stood on top of Mount Sinai when he received the Torah. The reform movement cannot disregard what Judaism is based on, but also shouldn’t be forced to follow such outdated rules. 

Unlike written law, oral law has the freedom to change, and be adapted into modern society. This allows room for interpretation along with modernization. Over the years, people have been able to slightly modify oral law since it is not set in stone. Towards the end of the first century, Rabbi Akiva greatly changed the oral law by organizing it into six books. This made following Jewish law easier due to the fact the Jews could find a specific law and determine how to follow it. At around 200CE, Rabbi Akiva’s organization of oral law was finished by Yehudah HaNasi into what we now call the Mishnah. Around 300 years later, Rav Ashi completely the Babylonian Talmud, a combination of Mishna and Gmarah (commentary on the Mishnah.) The Talmud’s main goal is to debate Halacha and interpret its meaning and the means to how to follow it. An example of this is keeping kosher, which can be interpreted into many different ways such as not eating meat and dairy together, only not eating pig and much more. From a positive and more Reform movement perspective, it’s possible that we have the ability to interpret Halacha in multiple ways. This way everyone is able to take what they believe in from the oral law and follow it in a way that helps them most while still maintaining Jewish tradition. For the same reason that Reform Jews have a positive outlook on oral law, Orthodox and Conservative Jews view oral law as negative. This is because the ever changing rules make it possible for the Jewish people to follow one law dozens or even hundreds of different ways. The orthodox see this an issue because it is increasingly difficult to unite the Jewish people when we cannot even follow the same law. Oral law contains both positive and negative aspects as it changes with society. 

I believe as a reform Jew is is perfectly okay to interpret Halacha with our modern society. As long as the Reform movement still acknowledges the law given to Moses at Mount Sinai along with what is written in the Torah, we should be able to adapt Halacha. This way we are able to live in the modern day society while keeping the tradition alive. In Reform Judaism it is important to remember our history, but it is more so crucial to keep the religion alive. If the best way to do so it to interpret laws into modern society, I think by all means we should adapt. Although there are many different types of Judaism, we are still all one people and have the same goal: to see Judaism thrive. Instead of arguing over the modernization of Halacha, we should celebrate that people care so much about Judaism they go to the means necessary to adopt it into their modern lives. As Jews, we have a duty to this world to be the best people we can be, if that means being a reform Jew, then we should celebrate that instead of shun people for not being Jewish enough. Because, we are Reform Jews due to the fact that we reform Halacha.