Quite a stir ensued at a recent American Jewish Committee symposium in Washington when Israeli novelist A.B.Yehoshua called the hosting organization's 100-year record "a great failure" and opined that Jews in the United States cannot live genuinely Jewish lives. Only in Israel, the celebrated writer asserted, can a truly Jewish life be expressed, and only the Jewish state can ensure the survival of the Jewish people.
Reaction was quick and spirited. Many of Yehoshua's American listeners were scandalized -- New Republic literary editor Leon Wieseltier accused him of "insist[ing] on narrowing [Jewish religion, culture and literature] down to Israeliness." And Israeli commentators took Yehoshua to task as well for, what the Jerusalem Post's Uri Dan characterized as, "the stupidity" of the novelist's remarks.
Citing the work of Israel Democracy Institute's Professor Aryeh Carmon, Forward editor J.J. Goldberg perceptively framed the brouhaha as the yield of a conceptual divide. With the destruction of Jewish Eastern Europe during the Holocaust, asserts Carmon, Israeli Jews "inherited" the Jewish identity expressed through daily life in an identifiably Jewish environment; and American Jews, the experience of Jewishness as a "way of looking at things."
Writes Goldberg: "It ought to be obvious... that Israelis are not wrong in their way of being Jewish, any more than Americans are wrong in their way -- joining organizations, attending events, giving to charities and trying to live by what they understand as Jewish values. The two ways are merely different."
Different, to be sure, but "merely" may not do justice to the yawning gulf between the two. More critical, though, the suggestion that either expression of Jewishness has lasting power is highly arguable.
Speaking Hebrew, having a Jewish army and living where the winter holiday is Chanuka and the spring one Passover are fine things, but to imagine they have the power to fuel Jewish continuity is to imagine that a shiny car without a motor can get you across town.
It doesn't take rocket science, only social science, to spy the implications of the large and increasing number of Israelis, mostly young, who have chosen in recent decades to emigrate. (New York and Los Angeles have particularly sizable Israeli expatriate communities, but most large American and European cities have their own healthy shares of once-Israeli residents.) Hebrew and army service are apparently insufficient to keep Israeli Jews in Israel; can they be expected to keep them vibrantly Jewish? And if Hebrew fluency is itself somehow the measure of Jewishness, the definition is as meaningless as it is tautological.
Nor is "American-style" Jewish cultural identity a bridge to our people's future. Not only is Hebrew Greek to most American Jews, but so are the most basic Jewish beliefs and concepts. Asked to name a Jewish tenet, the average American Jew is likely to respond "pluralism" or "repairing the world," even though his understandings of those concepts are bizarre expansions of how they are used in the Talmud. The true fundamentals of Jewish belief are books as closed to Joe Q. Jewish as the Talmud itself. Such obliviousness is hardly the stuff of generational continuity.
But continuity is attainable. The key is to recognize that there is a third heir to the Eastern European Jewish world that perished last century. It is neither Israel nor America, yet it resides, in fact thrives, in both countries -- as it does on other continents. It is the world of Jews who live neither Israeliness nor liberal idealism but Judaism – in the word's original sense: Jewish belief and practice as prescribed by the Jewish religious tradition.
Every Jew stood at Mt. Sinai, and every Jew today can return to it.
Not only is affirming and observing Torah and halacha the most authentic expression of Jewish nationhood, it is the one -- and only one -- proven to have empowered Jewish continuity in the past. And it is clearly poised to empower it in the future. The recent American Jewish Committee study showing a steep rise in the Orthodox percentage of young American Jews (and predicting a continuation of Orthodox growth) could not have come as a surprise to anyone remotely familiar with the multi-generational vibrancy of Jewish life in the many Orthodox Jewish enclaves across America.
The truism that Judaism underlies the Jews is often greeted with the blithe retort that observance simply "isn't for everyone." The Tel Avivian needs his nightlife, and the New York Jew his cultural relativism. How easily we turn wants into needs. And how easily we dismiss our past and forfeit our future out of fear that our styles may be cramped.
One need only enter almost any Orthodox synagogue to meet Jews from the most unusual backgrounds who, through force of determination and conviction, came to Jewish observance as adults. Every Jew stood at Mt. Sinai, and every Jew today can return to it. And all Jews -- in Israel, America, Europe and elsewhere -- who do so return, will, along with their children and descendents, become pulsating parts of the Jewish future.
(31) Anonymous, May 30, 2006 12:00 AM
An addendum to Mr. Moishe Berg
It's very nice to have an inspiring idea that Israel is our home. However, the Midrash states that G-d created the land and He gives it to whom He decides. Sadly, our nation sinned and we were sent into Galus. Galus is not just the Diaspora, a place outside the borders of the holy land. Galus is a concept; one that will only end when G-d sends His Moshiach. Until then, we are to fulfill the commandments as best we can, and deal with the anti-semitism the best that we can. IT IS THE LAW THAT KEEPS THE PEOPLE, not the land.
(30) Moishe Berg, May 26, 2006 12:00 AM
It's not level of observance, it is the observence itself.
Orthodox Jews are a small part of being a Yid. The Torah is the proper guide to follow and it is simple and not meant to be encumbered with the additional rules the Orthodox put in. This place Israel was given to us for all time and we were meant to be there. It really doesn't matter whether your cumfy in the U.S.A. or elsewhere, Israel is our home. Do we not say every Pesach, next year in Israel. We are the apple of Gd's eye and we will endure as long as we keep the faith and that also means returning home. Throughout history those places that had a free Jewish society flourished well, then they decided to take what was ours. Since then they are existing alright but nowhere near their potential. Look at the U.S.A., how much better would it be if it were not for the large amount of anti-Semitism. How much stronger and better off would we all be if we were home. Then we could remove all that holds us back and truly be a light for the whole world. Gd's people united,canyou imagine?
(29) anonymous, May 25, 2006 12:00 AM
Don't even try to compare America to israel
I have lived half of my life in New york and half of my life in south america. There is so much pritzus here,(as there is in America) yet the orthodox community here is so warm and loving, tznius is tznius and Lubavitch and satmer and sfardim live together peacefully.
Children from different schools spend time together, and all of our children have wonderful midos. None of that in New york where Satmer and Lubavitch don't get along and Sfardim live "over there"
Children are spoiled and materialistic and parents push their kids to be like
them, otherwise "the neighbors will talk"
Jews
have to love each other no matter where
they come from or how frum they are.
Where is ahavas yisroel?
Even more so, we must love and help
non religious people come close to us.
People in their own communities dislike
people in other communities if they are different.
In Israel,however, everyone is your brother and sister and
there is a tremendous love of the land and of the people. I know the religious and non-religious don't get along, but loving your homeland,fighting for your homeland,
is something every Jew in Israel feels.
Davening at the kosel REALLY DAVENING,
and feeling close to Hash-m Yisborach,
can only happen in Israel.
(28) Abraham Grossmann, May 24, 2006 12:00 AM
One more Meshuggener in the Jewish State
There is no lack of arrogance prevailing in our midts People have to learn to choose their words and not with ease insult and abuse. Kamsa and Bar Kamsa That why we lost Jerusalem 2x
(27) Avi, May 24, 2006 12:00 AM
Judaism is our glue but Israel is our home
I agree with Rabbi Shafran that authentic Judaism - Shabbat, halacha and kashrut are essential components to following a true Jewish life - but we as Jews must remember how important eretz yisrael is to our people - it is not only a physical location but a spiritual sanctuary. It is the only place we as Jews can grow as a nation and flourish. I made aliyah here because this land was promised to my people. We have returned to the land of Israel after 2000 years with hashems assistance - take a note from G-d and join us!
(26) Yaakov Hillel, May 24, 2006 12:00 AM
Many in Israel consider A.B. Yehoshua a scourge.
The religious segment of Israel which makes up approximately one third of its population, have no positive regard for Amos Oz or A.B Yehoshua. He is not worth the effort even for a minimal answer. These are the same people who believe that Israel has no distant future, and the Jews will eventually assimilate into an international community.
(25) Daniela, May 24, 2006 12:00 AM
Do people really need to be guilted ??
This is horrible ! On both sides ! First of all, need I remind everyone here that Jews did just fine with Torah as the center of Jewish existence before May of 1948??? Anyone who says that the *State* of Israel is integral to the *existence* of the Jewish people believes one of two things: either you believe anti-Semitism would be worse if we had no home to run to, which will be true for you whether you're observant or not, or you believe that without Israel we can not survive at all, in which case you're probably a secular Zionist and you don't believe G-d would save you from anything, let alone persecution, so if moving to Israel is the only way you feel you can express your Judaism, more power to ya. But for those of us who are observant, whether we live in Israel or not, following the Mitzvot is of paramount importance no matter where you live - it may be better to follow them in Israel as far as feeling and meaning, but whatever commandment there is to *reside* in Eretz Yisrael, please let me remind you of all those who would be guilty of not living there prior to modern Zionism. Are they all to be considered guilty for breaking Jewish Law?? We have an obligation to live there **if we are able to** - those who believe they cannot now should not be considered any different from those who couldn't while the Land wasn't able handle it at the time. Now the country can't handle it for a lot of people; for others it can. In either case, NO ONE has the right to judge anyone differently now than any person from all the centuries we weren't living there as a people. How dare anyone blame ANYONE for not living there, or discount anyone who does ! Shame on you !!
(24) Anonymous, May 23, 2006 12:00 AM
Aaron, aish.com is pro-Israel
Just take a look at the advertisementsd on the homepage.
1. Touro college in ISRAEL
2. Nefesh b'Nefesh ALIYAH
3. Investing/building across from the KOTEL
Can't get more pro-Israel than that!
(23) Anonymous, May 23, 2006 12:00 AM
A Torah Defense of A.B. Yehoshua
This current generation of American Jews seems to be more concerned with one's right to express oneself as a tenant of Judaism rather than fulfilling the mitzvot that Hashem has placed before every Jew. The choice is ours to choose to live a life of Torah Mitzvot or one of entitlement of expression within a culture that is so alien to Judaism so as to encourage assimilation into a “Hellenistic Ideal”.
The promises of Hashem to the Jewish nation is not just one of personal, communal, and national identity through a system of beliefs and practices, but also one of sovereignty as a nation. An identity that is so intrinsic to the proof of the existence of Hashem that the all of the world is set against the Jew to disprove the existence of the G-d of Israel, the G-d that gave us the land through the patriarchs, the G-d that delivered us from Egypt, the G-d that delivered us from Babylonia, the G-d that delivered us from King Achashverosh of Persia (as we celebrate at Purim), the same G-d that has saved us from complete and total destruction and annihilation time and time again.
The Torah is clear to point out that we are given Eretz Israel as part of Hashem’s covenant with his people to provide us a place to live, worship, and exhibit to the world the existence and character of Hashem. No other nation was chosen for this role. No other nation is worthy of this role. No other nation will steal this role, except with the abandonment of Torah and Hashem through the assimilation of Jews.
Hashem is clear to point out in His Torah that as residents of Eretz Israel, if we perform His mitzvot and live a life of Torah then we are guaranteed happiness in the land, with rain in its proper time and an abundance of food. If, however, we do not live by the Torah, a life of mitzvot, then Hashem has told us that we will be scattered among the nations. Yet, we settle for a life of exile from Eretz Israel a life apart from the very promise that Hashem made to the patriarchs, a life Hashem has promised, a life full of happiness and fulfillment.
(22) Malkah, May 23, 2006 12:00 AM
Nice Try, But Not Torah.
Your article in defense of the Diaspora is a nice try, with a lot of good points, but ultimately you've missed the cruxt of what A.B. Yehoshua was saying.
Your article took a long time to say basically one thing: the Jews can't survive without the Torah. Absolutely, 100% true.
However, I believe that underlying Yehoshua's premise is a deep personal and national understanding that Israel is ALSO fundamental to Jewish existence.
Aside from the "easy out" you get from the ability to disregard Yehoshua as a secular Zionist, you completely ignore the fundamental truth of what he's saying.
Let's look at some texts:
"In all times, a Jew should live in the Land of Israel, even in a city where most of the residents are idol worshippers, rather then outside the land, even in a city where most of the residents are Jews." Talmud, Ketubot 110b (also Mishneh Torah, Laws of Kings 5:12)
Here's another one:
"Jews who dwell outside the Land of Israel are idol worshippers in purity." Talmud, Avoda Zara 8
And for good measure, let's add even another:
"In the Diaspora, whoever increases its settlement (by establishing a home, business, etc) adds to the destruction of the worship of G-d. But in the Land of Israel this same work is considered a mitzvah since it settles the land." The Chatam Sofer, on the Talmud Sukka 36a and Yoreh Deah p. 136
A.B. Yehoshua may not be a rabbi, but with all of the religious association to Israel, with the constant mention of the Land of Israel throughout the Torah, throughout Morning, Afternoon, and Evening prayers, in the blessings on food, in the obvious obsession with Israel that religious Jews carry with them, he is right to question religious Jews as to how they can fail to apply this aspect of Torah to their lives.
Religious society is deserving of secular condemnation on this point. It takes quite a bit of rationalization, and I dare say, purposeful misunderstanding and misusing of the Torah, to ignore G-d's continual recommendation and even commandment to settle and protect the Land of Israel.
Don't excuse yourselves from the mitzvah of settling the Land of Israel just because other people do. Don't reject the Land of Israel just because secular Jews have accepted it.
(21) Beverley Pekema, May 22, 2006 12:00 AM
The true key to Jewish continuity
The true key to the successful continuity of any and everything, is not seated in a return to a practice of traditions, but only in a sincere return to G-d and His divine law.
(20) anon., May 22, 2006 12:00 AM
being Jewish
how Jewish Todd Fiedler is depends on his mother's Jewishness (or proper conversion). his observances will, in large part, contribute to how Jewish his children will be!
(19) Rachel Gilad, May 22, 2006 12:00 AM
A.B. Yehoshua is not only wrong, but insensitive, tactless, narrow minded and full of himself. As an Israeli I am thoroughly ashamed of his words as of the place he chose to utter them. I beg American Jewery not to think that his are the convictions of more than few eccentric Israelis. What I know is that most of us here appreciate every American jew who keeps his Judaism at heart and in his social life, not necessarily observing the Jewish practice. Your warmness, constant support in pro-Israeli politics and your enormous contributions throughout Israel's existence are hugely appreciated. You are important to us no less than we are to you, and my regret is that this is not said enough.
I am no politician, just a simple Israeli, but I hope my words count.
(18) Anonymous, May 22, 2006 12:00 AM
In support Rabbi Shafran and in response to some comments. Being Jewish does not depend on how much or little Torah you practice or where you live. Of course the ideal is to live in our Promised Land. But we should aspire to be in the Land to forge our connection to G-d by the guidelines set forth in our Torah. And PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, doing the mitzvot will, with G-d's help bring us all back to Eretz Yisrael.
That having been said, our children will tend to "practice" what we do. If we don't do (mitzvot)what will they do that is Jewish. Why be Jewish? And that is only our children...
Marla
(17) Silvester Kobare, May 22, 2006 12:00 AM
Israel can never be spiritually blessed outside the promised land
I am a gentile and I marvel how Israel does not see that she can never prosper spiritually unless she returns to her God with all her heart. The plan of God for Israel included the promised land.You can prosper materially alright but not spiritually. You will return empty one of these days just like Naomi of the book of Ruth.
(16) Dr. Rafael Boritzer, May 22, 2006 12:00 AM
The Only Jew in the Country
Although certainly conversant with Jewish History, observances, and traditions, I would classify myself as more in tune with "reconstructionism." I am in full agreement with Rabbi Avi Shafran's criticism of A.B. Yehoshua's recent comments. As the only Jew (and certainly the only Israel citizen)residing in several countries, I remember the yearning for sharing Jewish values, holidays and "passages" with other Jews or a Jewish community. I can't imagine that these feelings can be passed on to our children, through Hebrew speech, falafel, or participation in secular events. On the other hand, false piety, public parasitism and misplaced rightiousness of many orthodox practitioners, provide little comfort.
(15) Dovid, May 22, 2006 12:00 AM
appalling
I'm appalled by Rabbi Shafran's response--but not terribly surprised. I agree with ABY's assessment, and have observed how parnassah has overtaken Yahadut as the chief goal of far too many, though not all, Jews in the galut. Community leadership has created it's own self-sufficient world in the land of wealth, and elsewhere, and acts as if Israel isn't needed. The 3 foundations of our survival are the Torah, the people and the land. None of the 3 can be omitted. Those in the Diaspora, however, don't even fulfill the 1st declarations of the grace after meals. The Lubavitcher Rebbe z"l declared that the American galus was a greater loss for Jews than the Shoah itself. Judging by rates of intermarriage and the support for Israel, insufficiently borne by the religious leadership, the rebbe's words have been proven. Orthodox theology requires that Mashiach come to create his Kingdom. It's a pity when inductive reasoning becomes a convenient excuse not to make Aliyah. Then too, those CD's at the bank haven't matured yet. The same rabbis might also go to prepare the land for the Mashiach--and be a model.
Secular Israelis marvel when American Jews are sufficiently persuaded in theri hearts to make Aliyah and give up so much to live in Hashem's land, but they are certainly not inspired to become more observant by watching the community's leadership. Pity.
(14) Anonymous, May 22, 2006 12:00 AM
AB AND THE RABBI S MAKEM GOOD POINTS
Orthodoxy is the way to preserve Jewish continuity but for the vast majority who are not willing to live according to halacha Israel may be at a way to bide time and stay Jewish.Who knows what Israel will look like in 20 years. AB may be on the mark.
(13) Martin Wallack, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM
The author fails to recognize one important point.
I agree Ortodox Jews are the insurance for a Jewish future. However, because of Orthodox intolerance for other life styles, they are a turn off to Jews are not quite ready to make the step. Instead of welcoming exploration, the Ortodox Jew demand all or nothing. Be more inviting & inclusive & you might yet win the war.
(12) B. H. Moore, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM
Is not the Jew to stand as an example and living testimony of Hashim and the power and correctness of his commandments? Might Hashem have scattered the Jew for a reason? Perhaps, to be an example in the face of non-Jews? Might Hashem have scattered the Jews so that his chosen people can never be totally destroyed? Might Hashem have a better plan than mankind? Jews love to bicker, but let us not loose sight of the ultimate goal and get on with the real work.
(11) Janice, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM
A Jew without Torah
is like a fish out of water; he dehydrates, his bones dry out; and Elijah aks, "O Soverign Lords, can these bones live again?" Yes drag the dry bones into my living waters of Torah.
So simple even a goy understands.
(10) Earis Kaplan, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM
Growing up on a non-religious kibbutz in Israel and marring an American Jew who I met on the kibbutz and living in America for more than half of my life, I became a much more observent Jew living in America than I was living in the kibbutz. I appreciate that as a conservative Jewish woman I can sit with my husband and read torah like men. I think Israelis who are not observent most non-orthodox, are very disconnected from Judism and anti the religion. It's sad!
(9) Anonymous, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM
Where can I find a copy of his speech?
(8) Todd Fiedler, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM
Absolutely!
Who gets to determine what it means to be Jewish? I will not bow to the religious fundamentalist in our faith and let them define what it means to be Jewish. Israel is important to me, and were it in my means to make aliyah I would consider it in the future. No zealot will however, determine for me how "jewish" I am based upon my observances or my home.
(7) Joshua Tsirt, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM
Torah future only in our Land
Surely, no complete Jewish life can be led outside of Israel. Vibrancy? I'd call it simply getting used to the graveyard of the diaspora. Remember: the diaspora is a punishment and a tikun! My well- kempt tropical fish tank seems very vibrant and "natural"... but life there is tennuous and artificial. A lake is the natural and promising place for the next generation, wouldn't you agree? Torat Israel and the People of Israel in the Land of Israel. Anything less is not natural and if I may say so: a perversion. No way, in my way of thinking, can we say America, Europe and Israel in the sasme sentence as if they are comparable. And I didn't even bring here what the commentators and various poskim have to say...
(6) aaron fox, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM
rebuttal
i've been to the aish yeshiva, there is no emphasis on making aliyah. it is not a pro-aliyah organization.
i did not miss the point, i argued to the point. israel is thriving not just continuing. it's population has increased many times over, meanwhile america has lost millions (millions!!!_) of jews. judaism can not claim this renaisance, israel can!!!
look at the facts and admit that if you are a jew your only home is israel. everything else is temporary and only tolerable.
as far as traditional judaism goes. for over 2,000 years we have been practicing a broken religon. god commanded us to be whole!!! israel is the only place that the jews have to be whole again.
so american jews, stop getting so insulted from the truth. get your groove on, and get over here, where you belong.
aaron fox
(5) aaron fox, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM
vitality not continuity is the measure!
does any one remember reading in the torha that jewish continuity is guaranteed by god, said so in last week's parsha to be exact. god may make us small in numbers but we are an am hanetzach, an eternal people, there is no form of judaism that can claim responsibility for this, it is one of god's miracles.
efforts concentrating on just jewish survival are wasted ones. what we need to be focusing on is jewish vitality, which system is going to help the jewish people flourish, not just chug along. i invite the aish readers to investigate the blossoming of the jewish people in israel and compare it with the decadence with the american jews (i.e. millions of jews lost due to assimilation).
just as the penguin flourishes in the antartic and not so in the amazon jungle so do the jews flourish in israel. israel and speaking hebrew is not so much shine to a car (interesting that an american jew uses the car as a metaphor) it is our natural habitat. yes we must keep the commandments but even this can be done better in israel. jews have no chance on being whole in america but in israel is where that hope exsists.
and not only hope but over the last hundred years, results! there was much truth in what a.b. yehoshua said, it's probably what got the american jews in such a fuss.
a.b. yehoshua is not wrong, aish is. aish would do itself a service by converting itself into a pro-aliyah organization. not as in just favoring but as in fascilitating. or at least as in not printing redicules articles as this one.
aaron fox
(4) Anonymous, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM
aaron fox is wrong
Did aaron read aish.com the week of yom haatzmaut? there were many articles about the importance of making aliyah --something i haven't seen in mainstream media. Living in Israel is a tremendous mitzvah, and no question it's the ideal place to live a religious life. But Avi Shafran is pointing out that living in israel ALONE is not the solution to Jewish continuity -- or vitality. It is only with Torah that will enable the jewish people to thrive. Aaron is missing the picture, just as AB yehoshua is.
(3) Anonymous, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM
rebuttal
i have also been to aish, and have a close relationship with rabbi weinberg the head of the organization. there is no question that he believes Israel is the home for Jews, encourages students to live here [as hundreds have, and those who don;t yearn to but are temporarily sacrificing their dream in order to reach out and revitalize the Jewish people. after all we can't just close our eyes to the terrible predicament of jews in the diaspora as aaron so correctly describes -- it's our responsibility to reach out to them, and yes eventually inspire them to move to israel. but that won't happen until they first care about being Jewish and believe in God and Torah] Rabbi Weinberg would agree fully with your comment about the importance of living in israel and the future of Jews in diaspora. Don't believe me; make a meeting with Rabbi Weinberg and ask him.
(2) Anonymous, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM
Why Avi Shafran is Wrong
Deep sigh...oh if only it were clear to us all...Avi Shafran IS WRONG...
Ve'techezenah enenu beshuvecha le'Tzion Berachamim. Amen.
(1) Joshua, May 21, 2006 12:00 AM
Belief has to be real
I enjoyed your article immensely. However I would like to caution that Jewish individuals should not return to Orthodoxy merely for the sake of "Jewish continuity." Torah Judaism doesn, indeed, recognize the importance of Am Yisrael, but that importance exists within a religious context. That is to say, the idea of "Am Yisrael" is inextricably tied to HaKadosh Baruch Hu. As I see it, therefore, a person should (re)take up Jewish observance primarily out of love and fear of G-d, and only secondarily out of concern for the Jewish people. (Otherwise, when that person davens morning, afternoon, and evening, his words will ring hollow -- a malaise that already afflicts the Orthodox Jewish community, unfortunately.)