At what point do the religious right realize that we are a small people and treating fellow Jews or for that matter anyone is despicable!!!  The argument for Klal Yisrael falls on deaf ears.  The religious right whom are motivating this current round of who is a Jew do not get it. They do not understand what it means to be a Jew- for if they did understand what it means to be a Jew, they would not try to delegitimize other Jews.   I would think they would want to empower less religious Jews to be more actively Jewish. It is so sad that we now have to fight for equality again in our spiritual homeland. Write to Prime Minister Netanyahu and let him know how you feel. The URJ website has a link to do so. We must speak up for ourselves. Now is the time.

As I have read article after article about Monday’s attack on the flotilla trying to break through the naval blockade of Gaza, I have been wondering…what is with all the reaction?  Especially knowing that North Korea sinks a South Korean ship or that Egypt has had a blockade of Gaza in place since 2007, or the atrocities in Darfur, Sudan, it seems bizarre that Israel gets such a reaction when no other country doing things that are horrific get any real reaction at all. And this was an obvious manipulation. It was no “peace operation.” It was intended to break the blockade or to create greater international pressure to end it. A trap was set for Israel and Israel fell into it.   The problem is not the blockade. The problem is why the blockade exists at all. Israel has an obligation to protect itself and Gaza is lead by a terrorist organization that has used brute force in its takeover of Gaza, executes political enemies, and allows the mistreatment of women for the slightest of infractions.  How about Israeli Soldier Gilad Shalit who four years ago was kidnapped by Hamas in Israeli territory and has been held without giving the Red cross any access to him. And does the world say or do anything about these atrocities? NO!  Please read the facts about this issue. Israel has no problem getting aid into Gaza; it does have a problem with weapons being brought in the country. And let us remember Hamas does not believe Israel has a right to exist and most citizens in Israel wish for there to be Israel and Palestine living side by side, working together.

IN 1988, SOME NINE YEARS LATER, I RETURNED TO ISRAEL.  NOT AS A TOURIST.  BUT TO LIVE THERE FOR ONE YEAR WHILE IN RABBINICAL SCHOOL.    I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE IN ISRAEL FOR THAT YEAR.  ISRAEL BECAME HOME AND MY SOUL FELT AT PEACE WITH THE COMFORT AND NURTURING IT RECEIVED FROM BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF KEDUSHAH - HOLINESS, AS I LIVED IN THE CITY OF GOLD... YERUSHALAYIM SHEL ZAHAV. WORDS CAN NOT POSSIBLY DESCRIBE THE INCREDIBLE SPIRITUALITY THAT I FELT WHILE LIVING IN JERUSALEM AND VISITING JUST ABOUT EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY OF THAT LITTLE COUNTRY.  FROM WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF AN ANCESTOR TO RIDING THE BUS. FROM BEING IN THE OLD CITY TO PRAYING AT CONGREGATION KOL HANESHAMA . FROM STUDYING AT THE FOOT OF A SCHOLAR LIKE NECHAMA LEBOWITZ TO STANDING IN THE MIDST OF YAD VASHEM.  FROM THE TASTE OF CHUMAS TO RUNNING AROUND IN THE STREETS ON YOM HAATZMAUT-ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY.  FROM WALKING IN THE MYSTICAL CITY OF SEFAT TO WITNESSING A COUNTRY STAND STILL FOR A MINUTE OF SILENCE ON YOM HAZIKARON-MEMORIAL DAY. FROM THE SIGHT OF JETS FLYING OVERHEAD TO THE BEAUTY AND GRANDEUR OF THE MEDITARRANIAN SEA. FROM THE ART COLONY OF EIN HOD TO THE COOL SCENE IN TEL AVIV. FROM THE DEPTHS OF THE DESERT IN BEERSHEBA TO THE RICHNESS OF THE GOLAN… I COULD GO ON AND ON…

        DURING THAT YEAR OF RABBINIC SCHOOL I EXPERIENCED ISRAEL FROM THE OTHERSIDE… THE ISRAELI SIDE. I KEPT AN APARTMENT, DEALT WITH THE DAY LONG PROCESS OF GOING TO THE BANK.  I WAS ABLE TO GO INTO THE WESTBANK LIKE TO BETHLEHEM AND SING IN OUR RABBINIC CHOIR ON CHRISTMAS, I BECAME A WEEKLY BUYER AT THE SHUK-THE MARKET, I WAS A BIG BROTHER TO AN ISRAELI  BOY (DROR) WHOSE FATHER HAD DIED AND HE SPOKE NO ENGLISH, I EVEN PLAYED TWO SEASONS IN THE JERUSALEM SOFTBALL LEAGUE BATTING .526 FOR MY CAREER! I EMBRACED ISRAELI CULTURE, AS MUCH AS ANY AMERICAN COULD…

        IT WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST YEARS OF MY LIFE… STUDYING FOR A YEAR IN ISRAEL, HOW COULD IT GET BETTER?

        AND SO WITH A PREGNANT WIFE, I RETURNED TO AMERICA. NOT TO RETURN TO ISRAEL UNTIL 2007!

AND UPON RETURNING, ISRAEL WAS A NEW COUNTRY. IT HAD ADVANCED LIGHTYEARS FROM WHEN I WAS THERE LAST…IN EVERY AREA AND IN EVERY WAY… BUT ONE.

        OUR SECOND TEMPLE TRIP LAST SUMMER MEANT THAT I WAS IN ISRAEL TWICE LAST YEAR AND IF YOU FOLLOWED MY BLOG DURING EITHER OF THOSE TRIPS YOU GOT A HANDS ON ACCOUNT OF MY EXPERIENCE.

        AGAIN I WAS IMPRESSED WITH ISRAEL’S GROWTH, BUT NOT IN ONE AREA. THE CHARADI… THE ULTRA RELIGIOUS RIGHT WHO ACT IN THE MOST UNHOLY AND UNJEWISH MANNER…. IN FACT A LARGE GROUP OF THEM ARE MESSIANIC JEWS…. BELIEVING THAT REBBE SHNEERSON IS THE MESSIAH. YES I AM REFERRING TO CHABAD.  THIS PAST TRIP THERE WERE TWO MAJOR ACTS OF CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE WHEN MEMBERS OF THE CHARADI RAMSACKED A GOVERNEMENT OFFICE THAT LEGALLY AND APPROPRIATELY TOOK A CHILD OUT OF THE HOME OF A CHARADI FAMILY THAT WAS ABUSING THEIR CHILD AND THEY BLOCKED A NEWLY BUILD PARKING STRUCTURE BECAUSE IT WAS OPEN ON THE SABBATH.  AND OF COURSE FROM THE JEWISH PERSPECTIVE WE SEE A  LACK OF COMMITMENT TO KLAL ISRAEL.

WHEN I WAS AT MY RABBINIC CONFERENCE IN THE SPRING I MET WITH CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND  TO HEAR STORIES FROM THE BISHOP OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX AND THE BISHOP OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH ABOUT BEING SPAT UPON BY SOME RELIGIOUS RIGHT, WAS HORRIFIC… WE SEE A HUGE LACK OF KEVOD IN THIS CHARADI COMMUNITY. AND FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE NOT FOLLOWING THE BASIC MITZVOT OF HOW WE TREAT THE STRANGER AND OTHER PEOPLE IS AGAINST THE BASIC TENANTS OF JUDASIM

THESE ARE NOT ISOLATED CASES, THIS IS AN EPIDEMIC. IT IS SPREADING THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND LIBERAL JEWS ISRAELI AND FOREIGNER ALIKE NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN SOME MAJOR PUSH BACK!!!

I SADLY FEEL DIFFERENTLY ABOUT JERUSALEM THEN I DID TWO DECADES AGO. I LOVE IT, BUT I FIND IT HARD TO BE IN MANY MANY PARTS OF THE CITY.

NO DOUBT WE NEED TO RECLAIM ISRAEL.

ON THIS 62^ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL WE MUST AS REFORM JEWS, ACT ON OUR ETERNAL COMMITMENT TO ERETZ ISRAEL. BY BEING ENGAGED IN WHAT IS HAPPENING THERE! MAKING VACATION PLANS TO VISIT ISRAEL! JOING ME ON MY NEXT TEMPLE TRIP THAT IS LOOKING LIKE SPRING BREAK OF 2011! 

WE WILL THIS SUMMER HAVE A DISCUSSION AFTER THE CANTOR RETURNS FROM HER TRIP TO SEE HER FAMILY IN HAIFA. AND SHE AND I WILL LEAD A DISCUSSION ON THE ENERGY AND THE FEELING IN THE COUNTRY.

OUR WORK IS CUT OUT FOR US IN AMERICA AS WELL. WE MUST CONTINUALLY ADVOCATE AND ENGAGE IN DISCUSSION WITH OTHERS ABOUT ISRAEL. WE MUST REASSURE THOSE AROUND US THAT OUR NATIONS LEADERS SUPPORT ISRAEL AND A PEACE PROCESS. OUR REFORM MOVEMENT HAS CONSISTENTLY ADVOCATED FOR A TWO STATE SOLUTION AND STOPPING ALL BUILDING IN THE TERRITORIES. WE MUST CONTINUE TO HOLD ISRAEL TO A STANDARD APPROPRIATE TO MAINTAINING ITS INTEGRITY. BUT WE MUST ALSO COMBAT THOSE FORCES AND PEOPLES WHO DO NOT VALUE OR BELIEVE ISRAEL HAS A RIGHT TO EXIST.

        AND BEFORE I END…

        I WANT TO ANSWER THE QUESTION ABOUT WHY ISRAEL DOES NOT YET HAVE A CONSTITUTION.  DAVID BEN-GURION STATES IN THE DECLARATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL THAT A CONSTITUTION WHILL BE ADOPTED ON OCTOBER 1^ST OF THAT YEAR. WELL THAT DID NOT HAPPEN… HE WANTED TO PLACATE THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT WHO CLAIMED THAT ISRAEL ALREADY HAD A CONSTITUTION…THE TORAH!  THINKING THAT THE CHARADI WILL NEVER BE A BIG ISSUE, HE THOUGHT OF SHALOM BAYIT…. I GUESS THAT DIDN’T WORK!

AND SO…      EXACTLY 62 YEARS AGO TODAY IN TEL AVIV, IN A BUILDING DEDICATED TO TEL AVIV BY MAYOR DIZENGOF, KNOWN NOW AS INDEPENDENCE HALL… DAVID BEN-GURION SPOKE THESE WORDS…

I go on to play his original recording and we looked at the actual English Translation. May the next 62 years be even better for the State of Israel. Happy Birthday Israel!

A beautiful biblical reference to Eretz Israel and it reminds me of the first time I went to Israel as a teenager over thirty years ago. Israel has changed a great deal since the first time I laid my eyes upon her beauty. The energy in the country was vital and exciting. One could not help but to feel energized walking on the beach or in the streets of Tel Aviv. But the ultimate was the first time driving into Jerusalem. It was dusk and the city looked golden, sparkles of light reflected off the buildings and gave the appearance of stars twinkling. It was awesome!  I was transfixed and in awe.  

Have you been to Israel? What was it like the first time you saw Jerusalem?

Israel existing side by side with a Palestinian state is the goal, with Jerusalem and East Jerusalem as their Capitol cities. In the way of such a solution are the Jewish, Moslem, Christian extremists whose views obstruct progress and healthy change in a region that is so uniquely special. And these extremists have a huge impact on the politics of Israel, Palestinian Authority, United States and many other Middle Eastern countries. How I long for centrism and balance in each of these regions.  So what else stands in the way of progress?  Lack of education, negative advertising and prejudice also contribute to this “problem.” What do you think?  What are the possible solutions?  Not why it can’t happen, for we must not accept that as an option!

I often am disappointed at the lack of coverage. But this morning in our local paper there is an article about Prime Minister Netanyahu deciding to cease building in East Jerusalem. Of course little is mentioned of this, but it is a big deal. The timing of Vice President Biden’s visit to Israel and Netanyahu’s announcement of East Jerusalem building was a PR person’s dream or nightmare depending on how you look at it. So I understand why not nearly as much is mentioned about today’s announcement. But this is another example of how the press is usually covering every angle when it is negative about Israel and covering very little when it is positive.

And that is one of the great issues that face’s Israel, but not the only one. The Charadi (ultra religious) in Israel have too much power, the environmental concerns with water, the economy, the lack of a constitution are other issues that Israel must face as well.  The problem often is that most resources go toward defending the country and not toward some of these other issues. I wonder, when you think of Israel what comes to mind. What concerns to you see?  I look forward to discussing issues that you feel need to be discussed.

If so what was your impression?  What was surprising? 

At 62 years of existence, the modern state of Israel has much to be proud of and much to look forward to. These 62 years have not been an easy road and neither will the next 62 years most likely. But would love to hear what you think about Israel.  Over the course of the next couple of weeks I hope to hear from you and I will be expressing some points of view about different elements of Israel on this blog. From politics to food, from culture to the environment, there is much to say about the modern state of Israel.

After days of preparing, cleaning, kashering, and cooking… our first Seder is upon us this evening. Pesach is such a powerful holy day as it brings together rich traditions and flavors over a festive table. Gathered with loved ones we embark on a journey, from slavery to freedom, we reenact what our ancestors went through over thousands of years ago, but so too we are reminded that freedom is not truly achieved until every human being is free. We must think about those in our own community who are disconnected and not accepted like Gays and Lesbians, disabled, veterans of life (aged), to those throughout the world like in Darfur, Sudan who are not free. I invite you at your Seder table this evening to add a fourth Matzah to remind everyone at your table of the importance of understanding our responsibility that comes with our freedom.  May this be a joyous, spiritual and loving Pesach to you and your family!

The day began with our annual HUC breakfast. The big difference this year was that the HUC breakfast has become the Reform Movement Breakfast and thus URJ, CCAR and HUC-JIR have joined forces. There is no doubt that this is part of the exciting future which my colleagues Rabbi Ellen Dreyfus, President of the CCAR, Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President of the URJ,  David Ellenson, President of HUC-JIR and Steven Fox, Executive Vice-President of the CCAR all discussed during the breakfast. There is no doubt that the economics of our time have given us a wonderful opportunity. Everyone spoke from the heart and they were concise in their comments making this a very enjoyable session. Of course the highlight each year for me is Roll Call! This is when each year is called out and members of that class stand and cheer. There is something about my class sitting together and jumping up yelping our “YEAH”. The feeling that each year we wait longer to hear our class year being called out is balanced with the sense of awe that I feel toward my colleagues who have been rabbis for so long. The annual standing ovation for those who were ordained 50 years ago is heartwarming.  There is a sense of Kesher, nof connection that we share with each other that seems to be so present at this session each year. Then we had the first part of our Professional Development Day as we attended the first of two sessions dedicated to improving our rabbinate. I took the session titled, “The Well Connected Rabbi – Having an Online Rabbinic Presence,” I thought it was a great session with lots of wonderful and practical ideas for getting our vision, our teaching to our congregants. I have a lot to learn about blogging!!!  Then I had lunch with some of my friends at House of Nan King, thanks Jonathan Hirshon for the suggestion! It was some of the best Chinese food I have had. And so with a happy belly, I attended the afternoon session. I attended the session titled “visual T’filah – using digital media in the Sanctuary.” This is the idea of projecting images and videos on the screen instead of holding a prayerbook in one’s hand. It is a whole new world and no doubt change can be intimidating but I think when used in the right situation and setting it can be an incredibly wonderful way to make worship assessable. I was impressed with the level of creativity and I look forward to seeing how our congregation can integrate this technology. Well after a fast shower I had dinner at another lovely restaurant. Then our evening program concluding with none other than eating Ice Cream while overlooking  the beautiful city of San Francisco. What a great last snap shot of this terrific convention. Now off to the room to pack and get some sleep.

The day began with an excellent presentation from Marc Dollinger, a professor at San Francisco State University. He spoke on the topic “Seeing Opportunities in Innovation.”  He was not only humorous and kept our attention, he spoke honestly and thoughtfully. He set the San Francisco Jewish scene for us brilliantly as he did a sweep of the last four generations of Jews living in San Francisco.  He said many wonderful things, but one of my favorite quotes was that “no generation is more authentic than another.”   Professor Dollinger helped frame for us the various adventures we would experience on our day out of the hotel and into the San Francisco Community. I attended the site learning session on “friends, foes, or somewhere in Between? Jewish-Muslim relations in the US: challenges to confront, ways to move forward”. The session was lead by the co-Executive directors of Abraham’s vision Aaron Hahn Tapper and Huda Abu Arqoub. It was held at the Islamic Society of San Francisco and we learned about their two major programs, the unity program and the vision program.  Although it was a long session, I felt it was incredibly valuable to hear about a successful program that brings Jews and Muslims together in the hopes of giving them a vision of the future that is just and fair. I look forward to sharing some of these ideas with our local Iman.  After that program a few of us went out and had some wonderful San Francisco cuisine and then off to an evening program!!!

Our day began at 7am with our Ayelet breakfast and discussion on the next “potential” High Holy Day prayerbook. A very interesting discussion took place. After that program we had our convention service which not only was the shortest one in recent history but more importantly was filled with a great sense of spirit, of Kavanah. The energy in the room with colleagues praying and engaged in worship was as close to the energy of Shabbat services at camp!  It was very cool!

Then our Torah Lishmah sessions, focusing on various subjects that have at the core of their learning some element of text study.   After my session, I was part of a regional meeting with URJ leadership that was informative and thoughtful. The goal of our session was to give us an update of our region (Northern California) and to exchange some thoughts and ideas.   The afternoon session titled “The Challenges of Intermarriage for the Reform Rabbi” was divided into a couple key components. A well put together presentation from the Task Force and small discussion groups. It is always a wonderful experience to build new relationships and to have times to share with colleagues. Then it was time for dinner! This evening I had a wonderful dinner at “Scala’s Bistro” with members of my ordination class (it is our custom to have a “class dinner” at all conventions) we attend. Then we had a wonderful treat. An evening with Peter Sagal, host of NPR’s “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me.”  He was terrific, highly entertaining and hilarious! After that conference highlight we experienced a special evening service commemorating the twentieth year of the inclusion of Openly Gay and Lesbian Rabbis. It was a beautiful service and I especially appreciated the personal stories that were woven into the actual liturgy. Then of course we had a reception on the top of the hotel looking out to see the beautiful late night sky line. Well time for some sleep and then off to our all day look at San Francisco innovations of Jewish life program.

The weather is gorgeous!  And luckily so too is the hotel. For as you may or may not know one is more indoors than outdoors at a convention.

The morning program that I participating in “Why Israeli Arabs Are a Jewish Issue” with Brian Lurie was excellent.  Participants experienced a thoughtful presentation and provocative discussion. The session’s theme was on how the Arab Israeli is treated, how they may feel and what our responsibility is towards them. We talked about the majority of Israeli-Arabs who wish to live in Israel and whether they understand their responsibility towards the State of Israel. Brian Lurie is a fantastic resource and his organization which I believe he said was the Inter-agency task force on Israeli Arabs seems like an organization worth learning more about. I think their website would be worth checking out. Then off to a walk around the hotel to enjoy some of the beautiful weather. I was able to spend some time enjoying the company of one of my close friends and classmates as we had a wonderful lunch. Now it is time to watch the Oscars!!!

It may be raining, snowing, blowing and yucky outside, but that will not stop us from experiencing the fullness of Purim. Purim is a minor holiday that reminds us that we need to not take ourselves too seriously.  The tradition of giving gifts (mishloach Manot) hearing the Megillah of Esther and dressing up for a party are part of the wonderful catharsis that makes up the celebration of Purim. For us at Temple Emanu-El we will begin our festivities this Saturday evening, as we will have a Swing era costume party with a swing band, with lots of craziness surrounding the reading of the Megillah. After that party we will have our Purim Shpiel (play) the day after at 11:00 am in the sanctuary, titled: Monty Python and the Holy Shpiel. Then we have our annual Purim Carnival, rain or shine we will be enjoying ourselves! I invite you to join us for some or all of our activities.  May you have a Purim Sameach, a good and happy Purim!

And although we should be proud of the response the United States, Israel and other countries have had to the devastating aftermath in Haiti, to still hear reports that food, medicine and other supplies have not reached everyone in need is disheartening. It is also interesting to note that although it was the topic of the media when it first happened, we can see how it is already taking a back seat to other “news worthy” items.  It is our obligation to stay aware and involved in what Haiti is going through and if you have not sent any financial assistance, please think about doing so. The Union for Reform Judaism has a link as well as our local Federation.

And as hard as it is to believe, Chanukah is actually a minor festival. The theme of Chanukah is what is most important, as we celebrate our religious freedom. Chanukah is a time for us to reflect on our identity as Jews. Lighting the Chanukah candles, eating Latkes and Sufganiyot (Jelly donuts), playing with dreidels and giving gelt are traditional activities during Chanukah. So too doing acts of Tzedahkah (righteousness) are wonderful ways to experience Chanukah. For example, we visited the San Jose Family Shelter as well as Chai House lighting candles and singing songs. How do you experience Chanukah? In the midst of contemplating our freedom from oppression how do we deal with Christmas being the center of our American society this time of the year? 

I have grown increasingly frustrated at how every problem or negative issue that occurs in our country is used as an opportunity to point fingers.  Ft. Hood is one of the latest examples. We blame the fact that the FBI should have done more. We blame the religion of the criminal. We blame our government, gun shops, the psychiatric profession… you name it we will blame it! At what point do we take responsibility for such actions. Maybe we need to reflect on whether a decade long state of war for our military may have some negative outcomes. Maybe we need to take responsibility for the level of prejudice and intolerance in our country. When do we look in the mirror as a country and stop the blaming!  There are those in our leadership who use these moments as opportunities to create greater fear or animosity toward the other side (politically).  Enough is enough!!!