“I oppose the monopoly of any single stream and advocate religious pluralism in Israel. This means, among other things, the abolishment of the Chief Rabbinate.”
The Interviewee – Rabbi Lawrence Englander (Born 1948), Ordained from HUC Cincinnati 1975. Founding Rabbi of Solel Congregation, which I served for 41 years and am now Rabbi Emeritus. I am also the current Chair of ARZENU, the international Reform Zionist organization. Born in Toronto and living there today.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a bbJewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“Israel is of immense importance to me, and I believe that Israel’s impact upon the Jewish People is extremely important.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes, very much.“
Do you affiliate yourself with a specific denomination in Judaism? What is your view regarding the dominance of the Orthodox denomination in Israel religious establishment?
“I am Reform. I oppose the monopoly of any single stream and advocate religious pluralism in Israel. This means, among other things, the abolishment of the Chief Rabbinate.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“I feel morally responsible to speak up when the actions of the Israeli government run contrary to Jewish values as I perceive them.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“I think they fail to understand how Jewish religious tradition plays an important role in our Jewish life and culture. They should also understand that the Zionism of Diaspora Jews cannot be taken for granted — we must work together to strengthen the connection between Israeli and Diaspora Jews.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“I perceive the policy of the current government as top-down. In other words, they decide what programmes and relationships are best for the Diaspora rather than engaging our leadership — across the denominational spectrum, including the non-religious — in developing programmes.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes, especially endangered communities. But this must include consultation with those communities.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“I have visited Israel many times, and have spend nine months in Jerusalem as a student, plus two half-year sabbaticals. To summarize my impressions would take a book.”
What was your best experience of Israeli culture in the past year (book, music, TV, movie, theater etc.)?
“Popular music, especially the recent trend to incorporate Jewish tradition into the lyrics and melodies — e.g. Kobi Oz, Ehud Banai, Alma Zohar and many others.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“I live in Toronto, which has about 180,000 Jews from many backgrounds and expressions of Jewish identity. There is a strong sense of Zionism here, although I regret that much of it is based on the “siege model” rather than a true partnership.”
