Paul McCartney worried for all us when he famously sang, "Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm 64?" When we love someone deeply, of course age doesn't matter, but there is a fear, when we are younger, that love can wear off, that the feelings we had in our youth cannot or will not survive a long marriage, which can often bring challenge, disappointment and regret as we age together. The most beautiful of relationships, in any context, are able to not only survive, but to thrive, not by ignoring issues or challenges, but by dealing with them, addressing them and trying to learn from them. The love at the core of the relationship is what sustains us.
As I have gotten older, I have come to understand Ecclesiastes (Kohellet) famous words in chapter 3: "there is a time for everything under heaven." Earlier in my life, I didn't know why he articulated that there was a "time for hating ... a time for war ... a time to refrain from embracing ... a time for despair." As a younger person, I wanted to believe that hate and war and isolating ourselves were symptoms of a world that was not fully formed, a world that was not yet fully enlightened, a world not yet complete. And while that may be true, I have come to better understand Kohellet as saying that in the world in which we find ourselves, in human reality, there will be times when we have to seek love in the midst of hate, we will have to seek peace in the midst of war, we will have to try to embrace in the midst of isolation. And, we will have to celebrate in the midst of despair. So, it is in the midst of these polarities that I find myself coming to think about and articulate celebratory thoughts as we honor Israel's 64th birthday, Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day.
While it is fashionable to try and focus only on the good and happy aspects of a person or a nation on their birthday, I want to use Kohellet's teaching to balance what feels like a necessary moment to both celebrate the joys and achievements of Israel, and analyze and discuss some of the challenges facing Israel today. I want to try and balance between what I received from the Jewish National Fund this week, reminding me of all the amazing things Israel does and gives to the world with no mention of any of the struggles, and what I have been reading from uber-critics that have nothing nice or positive to say about Israel this week. To be sure, the Jewish community, the Israeli community, the world community, is in a huge discussion right now about the challenges, which vary depending on if you read Peter Beinart, Daniel Gordis or Prime Minister Netanyahu. And, to be sure, there are incredible achievements to celebrate, from Nobel Prizes to medical advances, from humanitarian gestures to technological genius, from economic success to literary and artistic gems. I spent time in the past few weeks trying, on the one hand, to convince my Methodist pastor friend why a divestment proposal by the church being discussed right now at their national convention is bad for Israel and relations with the Jewish community, and on the other hand, arguing with a friend as to why settlement expansion is a major issue in trying to make peace. It is tightrope when talking about Israel, if we are addressing all sides of the complexity. As Dr. Michael Berenbaum, our speaker this past week at PJTC reminded us in regard to the Holocaust, the Jewish people are today different than they have ever been in the past, in control of their fate in all places that they live, in Israel and in the diaspora communities around the globe. That control, and that success, demands of us different approaches to celebration and achievement. I jump for joy, as we celebrate the blessing and miracle that is the State of Israel, a return to our holy land as a people, living out dreams and destinies, changing our future, securing our future. I hope others can feel joy for the Jewish people, too. There is deep simcha, deep joy in the fact that we are celebrating 64 years, but along with that deep joy, as we know from our counting of the Omer, we are called to balance that with the appropriate measure of seriousness, of discipline and of honesty.
In my estimation, the biggest issue facing Israel right now, and it is not a happy situation, is whether or not the government is going to follow the path toward war with Iran, thereby continuing to not deal seriously with the main obstacle to living in peace, dealing with the Palestinians and finding a way to end the occupation, and not seriously focusing on the religious fanaticism, Jewish religious fanaticism, that is starting to overtake the civilian life of the country. So, we can put the candles on the cake, sing together songs of joy, but we must also think about tomorrow, the next day, for birthdays take on a different meaning when we are suffering. And this is not to say that Israelis would say they are suffering. The economy is strong, tourism is up, terror is way down, and the average Israeli on the street will probably tell you that life is great, no worries, al hakefack, as they say in Hebrew! But, as a friend, as a lover of Israel, as a passionate Zionist, as someone who cares so much about Israel's future, I feel that when a friend is in trouble, in a state of denial perhaps about the reality, unable to see clearly from clouded vision, either by fear, hysteria, myopia or just plain closed eyes, it is incumbent upon me to try and help that friend see what is really happening, even on, and perhaps especially on, a big day like a birthday. It is a day when we have a heightened sense of awareness and, hopefully, openness to hear things that might get ignored on any other day. A birthday is special not only for the accolades and gifts, but for the true love and devotion one shares. Birthdays are markers in time, moments for self-reflection and introspection as much as they are about parties, parades and self-congratulatory speeches. This is the way of tiferet, the attribute in the Kabbalah of balance, harmony and beauty. Leon Wielseltier said it well this week, in a piece entitled "The Lost Art," when he wrote, "So Israel must be defended and Israel must be criticized. Almost nobody any longer practices the lost art of doing both at the same time, with similar emphasis, out of equally intense convictions, in a single breath."
And so, with love and commitment, along with a healthy dose of a grandma's worry and concern, we wish our beloved Israel yom huledet sameach, happy 64th! We have had 64 years of building a homeland for the Jewish people, an heroic task that has at times succeeded beyond our wildest dreams, and of which we are immensely proud, and at times let us down in deep and painful ways. That is what it means to be in a loving relationship. Nobody is perfect, and I will always stand with and defend Israel in our world, even as I continue to prod and poke at the policies of the government when they do things that endanger the future of the very homeland we cherish. I stand with the Israeli generals who are calling for serious peacemaking, with the Israeli generals that understand that a war with Iran is the worst possible option for Israel to take at this time, with the Israeli politicians and citizens of the State of Israel who understand that the increasingly belligerent tone that Israel is presenting to the world, coupled with the increasing fundamentalism in the civil-religious society, are huge dangers to the future. And, I stand with the filmmakers of "Footnote," a beautiful and poignant Israeli film that graced the world this year; with Masorti rabbis who are making inroads for equality in religious freedom, including the momentous decision this week to ordain openly gay and lesbian rabbis; and with the Israelis who are educating their children in a pluralistic and inclusive way. Dr. Berenbaum concluded his talk by reminding us that we cannot simultaneously be victors and victims if we want to survive. In Kohellet's formula, there is a time for victimhood and a time for victory. On this birthday, I embrace, and encourage my brothers and sisters in Israel to embrace, being victors, thereby heralding a new way of seeing themselves and their destiny in the world. I can't think of a better birthday present.
Follow Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater on Twitter: www.twitter.com/rabbijoshua
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The Jewish people today are not different than before, just feeling more comfortable with their wealth of power today in both Israel and America. Surely the Jewish people felt comfortable in the past, only to be surprised by loss of control of their fate. I would suggest compassion for others as a starting point, specifically for those who share the land in which you live. You will never be in control when you dehumanize your neighbor and when that same neighbor boils inside from your injustice. Without equality in all measures, you will never be "in control", just the "Slave Master" of temporary control. It will just be a matter of time before you start over. History be my judge.
Israel demands that their victims accept the "international laws" which displaced them from their land and homes, yet Israel disregards the higher priorities of basic human rights as she continues to oppress civilians, collectively punish them for the crimes of a few, and all the other abuses and thefts of their lands.
Can't have it both ways.
I believe in a two-state solution, which will come about by one of the many already accepted plans that works out all of the necessary issues, including settlements, land swaps, refugee issues and borders. Please read one of my many blogs on this issue. My role as a spiritual leader, a Jewish spiritual leader, is to try and keep hope alive for that day when we can see leaders on both sides share the political will to have the courage to follow their peoples, both majorities of which want a peaceful solution and want to live side by side.
As much as I am a progressive and I offer critique, that criticism comes from my place of deep love and support of Israel. That is a much different kind of criticism then from a place of hate or animosity.
So, keep commenting away, hopefully with more understanding and sensitivity. Thanks for engaging with what I wrote.
1) There may be several "narratives", i.e. short fictional stories designed for political expediency, yet there is only one properly researched historic account that is factually based and rationally analyzed and presented. I am not convinced the Rabbi is aware of it...
2) One reason that I am not convinced is due to the use by the Rabbi of the phrase "two-state solution", one that is totally removed from the legal historic analysis of the conflict; one that is an Arab Israeli conflict, local and regional, and not only a local one. Also, I am not convinced since the Rabbi refers to "I believe", while the conflict is not a matter of belief; it is rather a matter of rational thought.
3) I strongly suggest the Rabbi delve into the history, not narratives, of the Arab Israeli conflict with an eye on the corpus of elements call international law, how it has been designed to prevent the Arab Israeli conflict as well as to resolve it.
If International Law was strictly applied you'd be getting 5 million refugees back in their homes by tomorrow, and you would be kicked out from your home in the occupied Golan. Be careful with what you wish for, Jehuda.
What really should be learned from all the history of this conflict is not to continue the dysfunctional rhetoric of "international laws" backed by bullets, but to address the injustices with Justice for ALL, which is the most powerful "weapon" of all amongst the history of conflict.
Well, they sure have NOT dealt with their victims the REFUGEES! Instead of "addressing them" they are usually shooting them! Instead of "trying to learn from them", they continually oppress them, and steal more and more of their land for their settlements.
This is the biggest ongoing impediment to Israels' peace and happiness, and yet they are not addressing it any differently than they have since 1948, i.e., with bullets.
Instead of bullets, they need to really address this issue with the most powerful "weapon" of all:
Justice for ALL.
But, the author of this article, looks the other way as their government oppresses, massacres every so often, denigrates, abuses, blockades people in order to collectively punish all of them for the crimes of a few, and refuses to attempt any sort of resolution for the decades of their crimes against humanity. They refuse to "see" the Palestinians as HUMANITY. From there, it all goes wrong.
So, Rabbi Grater, reach into your Torah for where God would want all of you to co-exist peacefully through Justice for ALL; because I am 100% sure that God does not support using bullets with people. As God would, point out how inhumanity will never make friends or peace.
Palestinians have the situation they have based upon the violence they have supported since 1987.
Nur-eldeen Masalha writes that over 80 percent of the Arab inhabitants left their towns and villages in 1948. Factors involved in the flight include the voluntary self-removal of the wealthier classes,the collapse in Palestinian leadership, an unwillingness to live under Jewish control, Jewish military advances, and fears of massacre after Deir Yassin, which caused many to leave out of panic. Later, a series of laws passed by the first Israeli government prevented them from returning to their homes, or claiming their property. They and many of their descendants remain refugees. Later in the war, Palestinians were expelled as part of Plan Dalet. The expulsion of the Palestinians has since been described by some historians as ethnic cleansing, while others dispute this charge.
Doug here.... so Cory, are you a Zionist apologist for this injustice to humanity?
If so, WHY? Would you like it if you and your family fled for your lives only to be told your home was confiscated when you tried to return?
And best of all, was this anyway to create a "peaceful Jewish homeland"? REALLY?
in history where I can look with pride to its existance, democratic values and military might.
Happy 64th Birthday Israel.
who were simply arrabbs pre mid 1960s. before that, they were simply arabbs from surrounding countries.
stop with the 'stolen land' BS….that is what it is….BS.
and it so happens that land was bought and paid for by israelis.
if ure bitter that the so called palis don't have their own state…..then bring ure greivances to the arabbs that told them to leave 'until they were victorious in warrr with israel and conquered ALL the land'.
but ya did get one thing right….and were honest about one thing…..
that being: 'the SUCCESSFUL ISRAELI'S'.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-s-former-shin-bet-chief-i-have-no-confidence-in-netanyahu-barak-1.426908
Israel has spent the last 10 yrs trying to get America to attack Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon and a handful of other countries - hopefully the next 10 yrs sees the reverse
Total lie.
There is such a thing as tough love. Maybe it is time to consider divestiture in dealing with an intransigent regime that hopes the Palestinian aspirations for statehood will whither.
1920, San Remo conference, rejected
1922, League of Nations partition, rejected
1937, Peel Commission proposal, rejected
1947, UN General Assembly second partition proposal, rejected
1948, Israel's stretched out hand, rejected
1948 to 1967 - when the entire territory now in dispute was "cleansed" of its former Jewish residents and totally ruled by the Arabs, not independent Palestinian Arab state was set up there and Jerusalem was not proclaimed its capital city, but in 1964 the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was set up. Which part of "Palestine" was it to "liberate"..., three full years before Israel even captured those territories...??
1967, Israel's stretched out hand, rejected
1978, Begin/Saadat proposal, rejected
1995, Rabin's Contour for Peace, rejected
2000, Barak/Clinton proposal, rejected
2005, Sharon's peace gesture, rejected
2008, Olmert/Bush peace proposal, rejected
2009 to present, Netanjahu's invitation for direct peace talks, rejected
This pattern of rejections doesn't suggest there is ANY degree of interest to compromise with the very existence on an independent nation-state of the Jewish people on ANY parcel of land between the Jordan River and the Med. Sea as was legally prescribed by the League of Nations and etched into UN Charter, Article 80, 1945.
Crazy idea huh?
http://youtu.be/lv4U_kaEYco
Not in Jordan, not in Syria, not in Lebanaon, not in Arkansas.... nowhere else but HOME.
Medal of Freedom recognizes those individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors".
Can somebody please explain to me how Shimon Peres has contributed to any of those criteria? He has done nothing but to promote war and misery, insecurity in this country and create public dissension.
What a sad day for our country.
But yet he was remind that Israel is not to be touched and he is powerless to do anything about it, at least till his re-election. We will see what happens when he tries to stop the aid to Israel on the second term.
I am sure many Andrew Adlers will come of woodwork calling for his demise.
The list is hardly miniscule and will continue to grow. There must be a reason for this
I can understand your rebuttal, but please it honest.
From the Guardian September 26, 2008:
"Sir Paul McCartney's decision to play in Tel Aviv was not without controversy, with the singer telling an Israeli journalist: "I was approached by different groups and political bodies who asked me not to come here. I refused. I do what I think, and I have many friends who support Israel." There were threats of violence also, from militant Islamic activist Omar Bakri Muhammad. "If he values his life Mr McCartney must not come to Israel," said Bakri, who is banned from the UK. "He will not be safe there. The sacrifice operatives will be waiting for him." However, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel were quick to condemn Bakri's comments.
Speaking to reporters on the eve of his performance, McCartney said: "The world knows about the conflicts that have been in that region and I like to think that if I go to a place it becomes evident that my message is a peaceful one and I hope that the idea will spread." He added: "People ask this question through the years: 'Do you think music can change things?' I think it can. I think it's good for people's souls. I think without music it would be a seriously bad world. I'm bringing a message of peace, and I think that's what the region needs."
That is a message to the Congress with the stress on "Feed".
Our Congress is none of your business, "with the stress on" none
most recently by Israel in 2000 before the Palestinians unleashed their unprecedented violence.
The PA won't negotiate with Israel and Hamas won't recognize Israel.
Israel is a bully.
Fundamentally, fiscally unsound, it is maintaining its standard of living
on free money from other countries primarily the USA, and a brand
of expansive colonialism that has disappeared everywhere else on earth.
Its status and its path are unsustainable. The free money will eventually dry up,
and the colonialism will come back and bite it.
2010 US Fed Aid to Israel 2.775 billion
Nope. Your statement was very inaccurate.
Official United States Federal direct welfare paid to Israel was just over 4 percent of Israel's total budget.
This does not count any indirect aid, nor does it count private charity donations.
Did you know that 3 out of 5 Europeans believe we are the cause of the economic crash - USA a bit better!
I am glad the movement has faded into relative obscurity.
I always suspected the unseen evil 1% was a thinly disguised rehash of old conspiracy theories about Jews controlling banks and newspapers.
and so on - ad infinitum.
I agree we should leave the occupied territorities ( and probably face a civil war). BUT check the situation of the Pals. MOST of Palestinian country is run, a bit corruptly, by themselves. Check out the incredible development of Ramala, Jericho etc. The only ones deserving hate is ones like you. But I dont.