In the summer of 1966, Stephen Carter, who is today a prestigious law professor at Yale, moved with his family to a new neighborhood in Washington, D.C. They were one of the only African-American families in a predominantly white neighborhood.
Carter writes:
My two brothers and two sisters and I sat on the front steps, missing our playmates, as the movers carried in our furniture. Cars passed what was now our house, slowing for a look, as did people on foot. We waited for somebody to say hello, to welcome us. Nobody did….I knew we were not welcome here. I knew we would not be liked here. I knew we would have no friends here. I knew we should not have moved here. I knew…
And all at once, a white woman arriving home from work at the house across the street from ours turned and smiled with obvious delight and waved and called out, ‘Welcome!’ in a booming, confident voice I would come to love. She bustled into her house, only to emerge, minutes later, with a huge tray of cream cheese and jelly sandwiches, which she carried to our porch and offered around with her ready smile, simultaneously feeding and greeting the children of a family she had never met – and a black family at that – with nothing to gain for herself except perhaps the knowledge that she had done the right thing. We were strangers, black strangers, and she went out of her way to make us feel welcome. This woman’s name was Sara Kestenbaum.
Stephen Carter
That generous act permanently shaped the way Carter thought of the Jewish faith and even inspired his 1999 book “Civility: Manners, Morals, and the Etiquette of Democracy.” In it, he notes that it was specifically Sara Kestenbaum’s religion that motivated her to do what she did. Carter states that she since she was an observant Jew, she was raised with this ideal that “Civility creates not merely a negative duty not to do harm, but an affirmative duty to do good.”
The only thing more important than dying for God is living for God.
This is called a “Kiddush Hashem” -- sanctifying the Name of God. As one of the 613 commandments given in the Torah, Kiddush Hashem is a multi-faceted mitzvah based on the verse in Leviticus 22:32 “...I shall be sanctified amidst the children of Israel. I am the Lord Who sanctifies you.” This does not only refer to someone who is forced to die for their religious beliefs, such as the victims of the Holocaust. It also means choosing to act in a dignified way that “sanctifies God” in the eyes of those around you. As my esteemed mother, Dr. Sharona Welton, says, “The only thing more important than dying for God is living for God.”
Marc Firestone
My friend Marc Firestone is a successful businessman who is working hard to encourage people to embrace their roles as “representatives of God”. Additionally, Marc is an Orthodox Jew who has been featured on CNN, KABC-AM and KFI-AM talk radio talking about how the Torah provides wisdom for “sanctifying the Name of God” in small, practical ways ranging from how one talks to their spouse to how they do business.
It was Marc’s kippah that became the catalyst for his extra-vocational passion. “I started noticing how, whether I like it or not, I’ve become an ambassador for the Jewish people just because I’m wearing a kippah on my head. This got me thinking all the different ways I could either be sanctifying Gods Name – by acting like a real mensch, or God forbid doing the opposite.”
The recent story of Sol Werdiger and the former South Korean Ambassador to the United Nation, Oh Joon is a case in point. Werdiger, an Orthodox Jew and CEO of Outerstuff, received a phone call from Mr. Oh Joon, asking to meet him for lunch at a kosher restaurant in Manhattan. Although Sol did not know the purpose of the meeting he agreed to meet with Mr. Joon.
When they met, Mr. Joon told him the following, “I have always heard negative stereotypes about Jews and I took it at face value. Then, my daughter took an internship working in your company. Throughout the year, she has been telling me how wonderful it is to work at your company.”
Mr. Sol Werdiger, ©Hamodia
Mr. Joon continued, “There are four areas which stood out and impressed my daughter. Every day at 1:30 p.m., no matter what was going on at the office, all the men including those from neighboring offices, retreated into a room to pray with sincerity and calm. Every Friday the office shuts down early in the afternoon in preparation for your holy Sabbath and is closed on the Sabbath – this includes all workers no matter which faith or religion they maintain. My daughter observed that each petitioner for charity – and there were many – were treated with respect and left with a check in hand. Lastly, my daughter was treated with the utmost respect and dignity.”
Because of the amazing experience and lessons the company taught his daughter, Mr. Joon took out his checkbook and was ready to write a check returning all his daughter’s earnings. Mr. Werdiger wouldn’t hear from it. “Your daughter worked and earned her salary and rightfully deserves her pay, I will not accept any remuneration.”
Then the Ambassador relayed the most amazing thing. “As you know, I have voting privileges at the UN. Because of my renewed appreciation of the Jewish people, I abstained from voting on resolutions against Israel on three occasions. At one resolution I was the ninth vote needed to pass the motion and resolution against Israel and because I abstained, it did not pass!”
“Stories like this shouldn’t be the exception,” Marc Firestone tells me. “They should be the norm.” To this end, Firestone partnered with his two sons-in-law, Rabbi Benyamin Moss and Dovid Herzka and launched a grassroots effort they call “Project Light” that produces educational materials to illustrate how Kiddush Hashem can be applied to every aspect of life – even how one drives in traffic.
FRONT SIDE OF A PROJECT LIGHT “KIDDUSH HASHEM” CARD DISTRIBUTED IN SUMMER 2017
Even if some of the ways one makes a Kiddush Hashem seem mundane and trivial, it is crucial to remember the wisdom of Major General Louis H. Wilson who once said, “True genius lies not in doing the extraordinary things, but in doing the ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
(14) Sandra Gorlick, July 21, 2020 3:12 PM
Beautiful story of the Korean Ambassador.
Made my eyes tear up, how one girl's positive work experiences at a Jewish owned business made a difference in the world and for Israel. Thanks for sharing this feel good news. We need more like this!
(13) Anonymous, February 13, 2019 3:40 PM
NIce nice post!!
I think the Jewish neighbor had no reason to be kind other than just being kind but maybe she was like me and took an opportunity to make new freinds, because making new freinds, even in 2019. along with being kind, is all we have and all we need.
(12) Anonymous, October 10, 2018 6:14 PM
Heil!!!!!
Interesting. So very interesting. All these anti- Chaya comments and you all are so blatantly blind to the irony of it all. You all are more interested in spewing defectant words, whether as a Jew or otherwise. The universal language is lovekindness and here you all are, not honoring what the higher power wants of us but instead tearing down anyone who has their own opinions and feelings just like you do as private individuals. My my, if only you knew that the things you try to hide from the public, really are on obvious display. Your ignorance, your hate, your true true selves. So very Ugly ugly ugly. You should be filled with the deepest blackest shame. Who cares who lives where. We are all on this planet and dimension to take care of the place in which we are allowed to live. To take care of one other. The very bottomest line ends up the same. We are all a people. We are all human beings first. And here you are, tearing people from limb to limb figuratively speaking. Creating the very evil in mankind that we all harbor. Giving into the anger and the ego simply because of a few misplaced words. You, anonymous... and you too Penina are essentially Hitler. Look at yourselves!!! This was a beautiful article about beautiful people and here you all are, acting like you’ve been bit and are melting with venom. Unfortunately I know this will only nake you madder. Save your breath folks. Hitler is long dead. Leave him where he is! Or do you not have respect for the dead too???
(11) Anonymous, August 30, 2018 1:25 PM
Zionism Journey from Identity Crisis to Identity Theft
https://www.eichlers.com/the-empty-wagon-zionism-s-journey-from-identity-crisis-to-identity-theft-hardcover.html Just ordered this book, just out, The Empty Wagon by Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro, about how replacing Judaism with Zionism is shaping political parties in Israel today. I want to understand more about Zionism vs Judaism. Given the controversy, probably best not to engage in disrespectful personal attacks. We need to care for one another as the Jewish People, who received Torah at Sinai, regardless of our politics concerning Israel.
(10) Anonymous, August 29, 2018 7:48 PM
Racism is rampant
Would that this attitude were the norm among frum Jews. I’ve been from for over 20 years, and I’m continually disillusioned and repulsed by the rampant racism that seems to be part and parcel of frumkeit. Although it shouldn’t be.
Raymond, August 30, 2018 5:53 AM
What Racism?
I interact a lot with Orthodox Jews, yet haven't noticed them being racist whatsoever. So what are you talking about?
Chasya Bernstein, April 10, 2019 3:00 AM
courage of your convictions?
If you really feel that strongly about it, why aren't you brave enough to come out and identify yourself? 'Anonymous' accusations with no factual evidence provided, just to besmirch frum Jews? Racism, as in 'asher bochar bonu mikol ha'amim'? Racism as in differentiating between the natures of Shem, Cham and Yeffes? Or are you misunderstanding because the general culture's values unfortunately color (y)our perception even of basic concepts in Judaism?
(9) Yechiel Shlipshon, August 28, 2018 10:54 PM
On line Kiddush HaShem
Standing for the truth is the best way. I make this my only priority on line and in person. It works very well.
(8) Anonymous, August 26, 2018 6:07 PM
Education here would be good
For there to be illegal settlements there would have to be borders. As Israel has no borders with either Gaza or the West bank (see unsigned treaties) the land does not belong to country or national entity.
Raymond, August 27, 2018 6:49 PM
Biblical Heartland
It is just so obvious to me that it is we Jews who own Judea and Samaria. As described in our Torah, it forms the Biblical heartland of Israel. For those of a more secular bent, the land was promised to us Jews through the Balfour Declaration of 1917, and then later on, Israel captured the land in a defensive war in June of 1967. The world may not agree with me, but that is because they do not want to even entertain the possibility that Judaism just may be the truest religion on Earth after all.
anonymous, August 28, 2018 10:04 AM
Agree and Disagree
I think Judaism is wonderful.
But, I also think the issue of the occupation in Judea and Samaria, West Bank, Area C, that is under total Israeli military control should be resolved.
Raymond, August 28, 2018 9:38 PM
One Cannot Occupy One's Own Land
The world may say that Israel is merely occupying Judea and Samaria, but they are wrong. For one thing, one by definition cannot illegally occupy one's own land. For another thing, there is nothing illegal about it, even if it has the status of being a no-man's land. Obviously Israel has a military presence there to protect Jewish lives, but it has every right to permanently annex that land to make it its own in a way that the world can understand. Truthfully, they should have done that when they won the Six Day War of June 1967, but thanks to Moshe Dayan, they did not do that. Had they done so, even the world would have to admit that it belongs to Israel. And now it is more than 50 years after that. Due to such inertia, it would be difficult to annex the land now. Israel doesn't do so for several reasons, such as fear of world opinion, plus it would increase too much the population of the followers of Allah in Israel. And yet now that we have such a sympathetic President in the White House, I think it would be a good time to make Judea and Samaria a permanent part of Israel.
anonymous, August 28, 2018 10:43 PM
Differing Voices with the Jewish Community
Well, there is a rift within the Jewish community that I see. I know many Israeli and American activists Rabbis included, college students included who are struggling with issues concerning Israel and are trying to end the devastating daily conditions for the Palestinians. Losses sooo disproportionate. This site clearly has zero compassion. But kids are suffering they are not all terrorists. Israel by the way, made the first hit in '67. It was called pre-emptive and other administrations wanted to go back to pre '67.
Breaking the Silence are ex military, And other groups etc. of Jews have concerns, like IfNotNow. Maybe better to look at it instead of calling everyone self hating. Because there is a rift and are legitimate concerns.
JStreet, Jewish Voice for Peace. These are Jews, too, deeply concerned, devastated, and filled with anguish over Israel. They are part of the Jewish People.
Raymond, August 29, 2018 2:11 AM
Completely Backward
You have it completely backward. The followers of Allah have never had it better, than they do in Israel. The so-called Palestinians are treated FAR better by Jews, then they are by their fellow Palestinians. As for the Six Day War, that was very clearly a defensive war. Israel had zero interest in fighting any wars, but had no choice, since several Arab nations were determined to destroy our Jewish State. And as for J Street, they are clearly self-hating Jews. Just like the kappos during the 1940's, they think that if they bend over backward for those who wish to destroy us, that somehow our murderous enemies will refrain from murdering them. The kappos were wrong, and so is J-Street. Dead wrong.
anonymous, August 29, 2018 3:35 AM
Oh my...
Not enough to stop at self hating, now anyone with a differing viewpoint is a kapos???
I can only imagine what you think of Ilan Pappe, and JVP, they support BDS, where JStreet is for the 2 state solution.
When I was in Mea Sharim in Israel I also saw the Palestinian flag hanging all around.
I was only trying to say, there is much bitterness I see when it comes to Israel, not the land but the government policies between Jews and a lot of hatred, I personally observed appalling behavior from settlers.
L'Shanah Tovah, be kind to one another. The Jewish people are one.
anonymous, August 27, 2018 11:47 PM
Changing
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-brous-hebron-20180826-story.html
This is article out today by a Rabbi who took her daughter to Hebron. She can never say to her Mom she was never told.
Things are changing.
(7) E Shields, August 26, 2018 4:40 PM
More information?
When I go to project-light.org, the website there is all about preventing abuse. Where can I get more information about this Kiddush Hashem project? Thank you.
(6) Raymond, August 24, 2018 11:08 PM
I Know Marc Firestone
I actually know Marc Firestone personally, and in every interaction that I have had with him, he really is a very nice person. So he truly practices what he preaches.
Another point that I wish to make here, is that good behavior of religious Jews, can have positive influence not only on non-Jews, but on one's fellow Jews. Nothing has encouraged me more to be involved in the Torah world, then when religious Jews have been kind to me. Conversely, nothing has turned me off more from being religious myself, than have those supposedly religious Jews who have unfortunately been cruel to me.
(5) Jeff, August 24, 2018 6:31 PM
Deleted comment
This comment has been deleted.
Raymond, August 25, 2018 3:22 AM
I See
I see what you mean. What you are essentially saying, is that we Jews have no right to protect our fellow Jews from being harmed by their very hostile islamoNazi neighbors. It makes me wonder why you want Jews to suffer so much. Is six million dead Jews just not enough dead Jews to satisfy your thirst for Jewish blood?
Anonymous, August 25, 2018 4:42 PM
Harassment is not protection
Harassment is not protection. Tell me, what difference is there between a Jew in Hebron and Sara Kestenbaum in Washington? According to you, the difference is that you see an entire ethnic group as "islamoNazis," every last man, woman and child of them. But, of course, many people in 1966 Washington likewise smeared an entire ethnic group, blacks, as dim-witted murderous rapists. Kestenbaum saw them as individual human beings, not as an enemy abstraction that evoked ancient instincts of "us" and "them." I suggest you try thinking like her just once in your life.
Raymond, August 25, 2018 9:40 PM
antisemitism Once Again Rears Its Ugly Head
I see. So it is perfectly okay if you completely stereotype us Jews, although I suppose i should not be surprised, given how you stereotype all Blacks as somehow being dim-witted murderous rapists. Instead of thinking in terms of You vs Us vastly superior Jews whom you are obviously so jealous of, why don't you start thinking for just once in your life?
(4) Anonymous, August 24, 2018 6:56 AM
All Jews
A very good reminder of how others are to be treated. It's interesting to learn how many individuals have never met anyone Jewish and so they only learn about them from stereotype presentations, good or bad.
Second, it's a good reminder to Jews to be caring about other Jews also, and not just ones in the same social class or religious community. Discrimination happens not only toward Jews but amongst Jews too often.
(3) Gary Allan, August 24, 2018 12:50 AM
wonderful story
I very much liked the story Sol Werdiger, truly an inspiration for Jew and non-Jew, like me.
(2) Pinchus, August 23, 2018 3:11 PM
This is great, but the hatred is overwhelming.
This is truly the best way, and every Jew should take this to heart. However the antisemites keep attacking Kees on the basis of the Rothchilds supposed dominance in banking, and out of context or false quotes supposedly from Talmud and claims of evil supposedly done by Israel like the incident with the USS Libberty in 1967, and false claims that the Jews caused the Russian Holodomor that killed 30 million Russians and secular Jews involved in untznius movies for profit and supposed Jewish control over the Federal reserve, and liberal Jews that promote things like Tovea "marriages" and supposed Jewish control over the slave trade, and the illegal organ trade, and supposed "dancing Israelis" on 9/11 and many other things where they take historical involvement by a tiny % of Jews, or way put of context or outright totally lie about Jews doing evil things they never actually did. No amount of kiddush H-sh-m by the few Jews who will actually need this well written article, will change the millions of antisemitic blogs and posts all over the internet. If every single Jew would do a complete teshuvah and follow Torah, Moshiach would come and the Galus, would end. But realistically, what are the chances of that actually happening in real life?
chaya, August 24, 2018 6:19 AM
That is what Emunah is about.
You said, if every Jew would do Teshuva and repent Moshiach would come and the Exile would end.
Political Zionism was always very controversial. Most Orthodox were against it, for this very reason.
Considerations were for Uganda and Argentina, at first.
Truth is, the land *had* a people.
Hasbara is propaganda.
(1) Chaya, August 21, 2018 9:54 AM
Ambassadors for Truth.
This is a beautiful article; we are all ambassadors of Judaism. The garments of our Soul are our thoughts, words and actions.
But, the mention of abstaining from the U.N. resolutions made me uncomfortable.
Growing up, we learned a total dedication and support for Israel. Right or wrong.
We weren't taught about the settlements or the occupation.
Many of Israel's policies have been making me feel uncomfortable.
And as things are changing, younger Jews speaking out, bill in Congress to protect Palestinian kids, I applaud ambassadors for truth.
CB, August 23, 2018 3:23 PM
What occupation?
It's a pity you've fallen for one sided propaganda. Please do more research.
What occupation?
I do feel bad for children who are raised to hate and fight - but I feel even worse for the victims of the terror and rockets.
Educate yourself.
Shelly, August 23, 2018 3:43 PM
Thank You
Thank you, CB, for saying to Chaya what I was about to say myself. There is no “occupation”. The land belongs to the Jews. We would love to live in peace with our neighbors. Unfortunately they have been taught that we are monsters and hate us or, they are so fearful of what will happen to them if they reach out to us in peace. As Golda Meir said (paraphrasing) “There will be peace when the Arabs love their children more then they hate the Jews”!
Blessing to you, C.B. Please continue to educate those who have been duped!
Jeff, August 24, 2018 6:02 PM
Sorry?
"Educate those who have been duped!" But right before that you yourself say, 'The land belongs to the Jews" -- which means that those "duped" are correct to say you believe you have the right to rob every Palestinian of her house, her pastureland, her farm, everything! And in the very next sentence you say, "We would love to live in peace with our neighbors" -- yet you've just claimed the right to continue robbing your neighbours! Some "peace"! And if "the land belongs to the Jews" and there will never be a fully independent Palestinian state, as even Netanyahu asserts, then what justification do you have to continue denying equal rights to your neighbours? That includes not only the right not to be robbed without recourse by race, but also the right not to be arrested in the middle of the night and be sentenced in a kangaroo military court. Plus, of course, the right of every human being in Judea and Samaria to vote for their rulers in the Knesset, regardless of race.
Anonymous, August 25, 2018 3:25 AM
antisemites Will Never Be Satisfied
antisemites like Jeff will never be satisfied until every single one of us Jews are dead. Since that will never happen, people like Jeff will live out their lives in a constant state of frustration. Oh well,let him suffer, he deserves it.
Jeff, August 25, 2018 4:33 PM
Tell the truth
I lost many Jewish relatives in Hungary in the Holocaust, but I don't think they would have denied democracy and equal rights to their neighbours like Stephen Carter, as "Anonymous" wants to continue doing.
chaya, August 24, 2018 6:06 AM
I was raised Othodox, Shomer Shabbos, Hebrew Day School
So, you will pardon me for ignoring your comment about getting educated.
May I suggest you learn about Deir Yassin, perhaps read The General's Son, by Miko Peled, and the soldiers of Breaking the Silence.
And the Neturei Karta. I am not Hareidi, but Moshiach is to bring us out of exile
There is a military occupation in the West Bank, we were strangers in Egypt, it has to end. We are not permitted to conduct ourselves in this way.
Hopefully the younger generation will continue to shed light with groups like IfNotNow.
The occupation is harming the collective Soul of the Jewish people.
Penina, August 24, 2018 6:03 PM
SJW
Chaya is another social justice warrior who has no idea what she is talking about. Milo Peled and the others she refers to? Pathetic. She is part of the problem; spreading propaganda and nonsense. She has aligned herself with enemies of Israel. Don't be surprised that your stance will not protect you from them. Never Forget.
chaya, August 24, 2018 11:40 PM
Peled lost his niece in a suicide bombing attack.
The ad hominem attacks on this site are a disgrace.
Miko Peled lost a niece, and through a program of Dialoguing with other Jews and Palestinians who also suffered the same, he courageously and fearlessly found the truth.
It has been painful beyond belief, torn at my very Soul to realize that as an American Jew, who trusted Israeli Hasbara, and blindly accepting all of Israel's policies and actions, without question, I was going against our Holy Torah, and dishonoring our past.
Land theft, occupying, humiliating, degrading another people after what we have suffered is not acceptable.
I must speak out, for Torah, for HaShem.
The Palestinians are now the David to the Israeli Goliath.
Don't think their actions are not contributing to the rise of anti-Semitism.
The occupation is destroying a second generation, left with no hope. I won't stay silent.
I support Betty McCullums bill in congress, to withhold money from Israel for its abuses, and I am against the anti-Semitism awareness Act that aims to label legitimate criticism of Israel as anti-Semitic.
Now, I must finish getting ready for Shabbos, the Still Small Voice of HaShem speaks and calls.
Anonymous, August 25, 2018 3:27 AM
What a Shame
What a shame that somebody with such an identifiably Jewish name like Chaya, who apparently grew up Orthodox no less, has decided to become such an ignorant, vile, self-hating Jew. Her parents must be rolling in their graves.
chaya, August 25, 2018 11:35 AM
Spare me the political rhetoric and hatred.
It speaks to your own character, or I should say, lack of it... what a fool you are.
Self hatred was a description of Jews who distanced themselves from Judaism, I am immersed in it.
We are in the month of Elul, an acronym for I am to my Beloved, as my Beloved is to Me, our Beloved being HaShem, perhaps you might consider returning to Torah values of Chesed, Rachamim.
What I will not abide, as a Jew, is an apartheid, racist political state, and the deplorable suffering of the Palestinians.
Not in my name...
To the Aish site, it is despicable to permit the level of ad hominem hatred you allow towards others Jews who may disagree... seems like the point of the article was lost on everyone.
That is the true shame.
Penina, August 25, 2018 8:06 PM
Not one word from Chaya
About the murders of innocent Jewish old men, women, and babies who have their throats slit by 'Palestinians.'
'Getting ready for Shabbos' doesn't absolve you of your guilt in perpetrating hatred for Israel and Jews.
Anonymous, August 25, 2018 9:43 PM
A Fraud If I Ever Saw One
Chaya is clearly a fraud, pretending to be religious while clearly being an enemy of her own Jewish people. That is what is a shame, not those of us authentic Jews who come to the aid of our beloved Jewish State of Israel.
chaya, August 26, 2018 6:50 PM
My Last post and Visit to this site.
I first heard the words that Kiddush HaShem is the Mitzvah of our generation from Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashev, May he Rest in Peace, to Sanctify G-d's name, in our actions by Living as a Jew.
It is how I endeavor to live my life, as A Jew.
I lost loved ones in the Holocaust, have taught Torah and Kabbalah more than 35 years and will not be defamed by you or anyone.
I refuse to ignore the humanity and day to day suffering of the Palestinians. There is enough room in my heart to feel the pain and losses, the horrors suffered by both sides.
May this New Year bring Peace and Security to both Israelis and Palestinians, we are all children of HaShem.
Good Luck to You.
Please remember, not all Jews are Zionists, not all Zionists are Jews.
Penina, August 26, 2018 9:36 PM
You're an educator?
How sad for Jews. Why don't you just put on a hijab and call it a day.
Anonymous, August 28, 2018 9:41 PM
Thank You Penina
I agree 100% with Penina. There are hundreds of millions of people out there who want all of us Jews to be dead. We don't need our own Jewish people to oppose our own Jewish land of Israel. Chaya is an embodiment of the idea expressed in the Talmud that "Those who are kind to the cruel, will be cruel to the kind."
Anonymous, August 29, 2018 5:01 PM
Very Wrong
Speaking out to end the occupation *is* to support the State of Israel for a just and lasting peace.
Takes commitment to Torah and Jewish values to speak up.
Anonymous, August 29, 2018 9:07 PM
End to the Occupation
I agree that the way to a just and lasting peace, is for the so-called Palestinians to stop illegally occupying the Jewish State of Israel. For the real truth is, that all of Israel belongs to nobody but our Jewish people. And if you doubt it, just read the Torah. It's all in there.
anonymous, August 29, 2018 11:49 PM
Politics not Torah
Recently, we mourned the destruction of our 2 Temples, reading Lamentations, Eicha. The Shechina fled because of the in-fighting, our conduct. It left us vulnerable to attack.
We are a people in exile.
Messiah is to come and return us when we have repented.
After the Holocaust, Zionism took root in a powerful way. The Jews no longer felt other countries would protect them. Another way, rather than waiting for Messiah was utilized.
But, the Balfour Declaration was clear the population already there was not to be replaced.
Zionism is not Judaism and the Land of Israel is not the State of Israel.
Pinchus, August 23, 2018 6:05 PM
The settlements are Jews on Jewish land.
Chaya what is wrong with Jews setting their Jewish land?
Do you realize that if Isreal were to give that land to the land stealing Jihadists, they would just demand yet more land and then more till they had all of it?
Look at any maps they draw.
Not one map they draw shows any land at all, as belonging to Jews.
Anonymous, August 25, 2018 9:44 PM
Self-Hating Jew
Chaya is clearly a self-hating Jew who has no idea what she is talking about.
anonymous, August 30, 2018 8:44 AM
Chillul HaShem
This post is a Chillul HaShem, and should have been removed. These kinds of venomous unfounded words toward other Jews who legitimately differ with the policies of any government, Israel included, bring disgrace to the Jewish community, and HaShem.