A strong, inventive and democratic Israel

By Rabbi Michel Schlesinger

By an invitation of UJA Federation of NY, a group of 24 rabbis representing different sects of Judaism — Reform, Conservative and Orthodox — spent together four days in Israel. The trip’s objective was to show solidarity to the Israelis during a acute constitutional crisis and to learn more about the situation in order to report back to their congregations.

During those days we met with representatives from the government and from the civil society. We spoke with MK Simcha Rothman, one of the principal architects of the judiciary reforms, as well as leaders of the opposition such as MK Gilad Kariv. We also heard from institutions that work to strengthen Jewish-democracy (with all of the challenges of putting these two words together mean) like Israel Democracy Institute, Hartman Institute and The Fourth Quarter.

Personally, I returned from Israel with mixed feelings. On one hand it was difficult to see Israel so polarized. Families were concerned about not being able to share the same Pesach table because of the deep divisions. Friends of a lifetime were worried about not being capable to remain connected due to the tensions that has put them apart. Isaac Herzog, the state of Israel president, used the

By Rabi Cantor Stacy Sokol

This year marks the 75th birthday of Israel, the homeland — not only of Jews, but also Muslims and many sects of Christianity.

As one enters the Holy City, they can see King David’s Citadel, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Arab market. As one further descends into the Holy City on foot, they can see the beautiful skyline of Jerusalem, feel the warm breeze, and pray that someday peace will arise and “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).

peace, love, and joy for all people of all strong wording “milkhemet achim,” meaning “siblings war” or civil war to describe the dangers ahead.

On the other hand, the work of the free press and the manifestations in the streets proved how alive the Israeli democracy is. Only mature democratic systems around the world can allow themselves demonstrations against the government and wide coverage by its media.

As we approach the 75th anniversary of the state of Israel, I reflect upon the special character of this year’s celebration. The number 75 is special, and this spring the celebration meets Israel in an existential moment. I hope and pray that, with the love and support that comes from the Diaspora, Israelis will find a way to transform the severity of the moment into an opportunity of growth.

Happy anniversary state of Israel, and may you remain strong and Jewish, inventive and democratic. Amen.

Michel Schlesinger is the rabbi at Etz Chaim Congregation (Hewlett East Rockaway Jewish Centre) and an adjunct professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary.

The Western Wall, the holiest center and core of Jewish belief, is a wall that surrounded the Temple in the years of yesterday, and it is the holiest place of worship for the Jewish people. However, as one glances over the Temple Wall, there is a lush beauty and sound of different communities. Behind the Kotel wall, one can hear the call to prayer of the Muslim community five times a day, praying at the Dome of the Rock, the Mosque of Omar, and the chimes of many church bells. Together we can all be one.

In Jerusalem, the highest point of view is a trip to the tayelet promenade, where one can see Jerusalem from its highest point. Similarly, the view unmistakably visualizes the tranquility of The Land of Israel, a stillness where all people can live together.

This year marks 75 years of Jewish people being together after a tumultuous war that killed 6 million Jews and millions of other minorities. Israel has become the haven for Jewish, Muslim and Christian refugees. However, Israel — formerly known as Palestine, and prior to that Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel — was the homeland of the Jewish and Abrahamic people for thousands of years.

Every Passover, Jewish people sing at their seders, “next year in Jerusalem.” We are reminded that Elijah the prophet will come and bring peace to the world, and the Jewish people can finally live amongst God’s brethren together in harmony.

This 75th year should be filled with faiths and backgrounds. Israel, this Holy Nation, is a land with a calling of brotherly and sisterly love. We should be reminded that God is the Lord and spirit of us all. We shall celebrate a country that has done so much technologically, medically and pharmaceutically for our country. We celebrate Israel today in the United States and across the world, singing the joy of God’s creation.

The words of Israeli poet Naomi Shemer ring out in Jerusalem of Gold, “We have returned to the cisterns, to the market and to the marketplace. A ram’s horn calls out on the Temple Mount, in the Old City.”

Israel is a country only 75 years old, but it holds the history and traditions of everyone. Let us all have a happy holiday, and perhaps next year I will see you in Jerusalem.