Today we travel to Israel. The guiding question of our journey is, "What is Zionism Today?" This trip has been in the planning phases for over a year, and 20 of us now turn ayin leTzion our eyes to Zion and look to both the past and the future in order to understand the present.
With all proper precautions, we go to Jerusalem and recognize that peace is still elusive. But the story of Jerusalem must be understood in the scope of our history, not just the past century. We will journey through the centuries and be reminded of what is truly at stake in our own life times.
We will go south and visit our sister community in Arad, meeting and davening with the leaders of Shira Hadashah there. Mayor Tali Ploskov will meet with us as we learn about the Ethiopian aliyah in that area. We will grow our relationships and form new friendships. We will turn to Beersheva and meet the mayor of the jewel of the south along with the history of our ancestors long before diaspora became a part of Jewish history.
In the south we hope to meet those who face the lack of peace most regularly, and learn how they live in such times. We will also see the work of the Jewish National Fund on the ground. We will visit a special needs center, a kibbutz and tour the desert by jeep.
And in the end, we will return to the modern beginning in Tel Aviv, visiting the Hall of Independence, Rabin Square and more.
Each day we will post reflections and images of our journey here, in hopes that all of B'nai Shalom can join us in our congregational mission. Look back each day with us, and post your comments. Knowing that you are with us helps us to fly on eagles' wings.
I look forward, with God's help, to showing you who we meet and sharing their stories with you, and to seeing you again soon at the end of our journey.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Justice you shall pursue
This past shabbat, July 5, I spoke to my community against the value of vengeance and for the value of Justice. After the murder of 3 Israeli teens was discovered this week, it became clear that Israel's security forces have been hot on the heals of the killers since the abduction 3 weeks ago. The fact that the tree boys were murdered the first night of their capture broke the hearts of the nation, and Jewish people everywhere. Hamas preaches that abduction is legitimate and calls upon its followers to do this. The world should see them for who they are.
Across the internet a movement spread, "ha Am Doreish Nekamah," meaning "the Nation Seeks Vengeance." Vengeance, however, belongs to the Lord and is removed from human beings by the Torah over and over. In the cities of refuge, the blood avenger is blocked from their goal of retribution. An Eye for an Eye is immediately interpreted as financial obligation, not corporal punishment. Our people have never sought vengeance. Rather, "tzedek tzedek tridof," - "Justice, Justice you shall pursue." The calls for vengeance, though understandable, are unacceptable.
This past week a Palestinian teen was abducted, bludgeoned and burned alive. This murder is heinous and evil. It appears that this was done in retribution, though other theories have been advanced. The Israeli heart is betrayed by this cowardly and willful act of murder against an innocent Israel Palestinian civilian teenager. There is no equivalence between the two events. If it is Israelis who did this, they are criminals to be tried and condemned. The Prime Minister has deplored the act, condemned it, and put the shin bet and the police on the case. Tzedek tzedek tirdof. Justice is being pursued.
But where is the justice from Gaza and the Palestinian Authority? Where is the cooperation in criminal affairs promised in previous agreements with Abbas? The Israelis have the license plate and names of the murderers, but they have disappeared into the protective Palestinian society. Are they being pursued?
On the Israeli side, those who killed know they are not safe from Justice. On the Hamas side, their murderers are heros.
We must not let the murderers take over the agenda. Vigilante vengeance is forbidden by Jewish law and human wisdom. There is no place for it among us.
Across the internet a movement spread, "ha Am Doreish Nekamah," meaning "the Nation Seeks Vengeance." Vengeance, however, belongs to the Lord and is removed from human beings by the Torah over and over. In the cities of refuge, the blood avenger is blocked from their goal of retribution. An Eye for an Eye is immediately interpreted as financial obligation, not corporal punishment. Our people have never sought vengeance. Rather, "tzedek tzedek tridof," - "Justice, Justice you shall pursue." The calls for vengeance, though understandable, are unacceptable.
This past week a Palestinian teen was abducted, bludgeoned and burned alive. This murder is heinous and evil. It appears that this was done in retribution, though other theories have been advanced. The Israeli heart is betrayed by this cowardly and willful act of murder against an innocent Israel Palestinian civilian teenager. There is no equivalence between the two events. If it is Israelis who did this, they are criminals to be tried and condemned. The Prime Minister has deplored the act, condemned it, and put the shin bet and the police on the case. Tzedek tzedek tirdof. Justice is being pursued.
But where is the justice from Gaza and the Palestinian Authority? Where is the cooperation in criminal affairs promised in previous agreements with Abbas? The Israelis have the license plate and names of the murderers, but they have disappeared into the protective Palestinian society. Are they being pursued?
On the Israeli side, those who killed know they are not safe from Justice. On the Hamas side, their murderers are heros.
We must not let the murderers take over the agenda. Vigilante vengeance is forbidden by Jewish law and human wisdom. There is no place for it among us.
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