“One impression is that I never met Israelis who were religious, other than Orthodox. Even Masorti Jews were, by and large, inactive. They therefore didn’t think that trying to create equality of different groups of Jews was of any importance.”
The Interviewee – Sara Blatt (Born 1953). I am a second generation U.S. citizen of eastern European heritage, and I was born in Dallas, Texas. Was raised in a reform temple, although I became conservative as an adult. I am retired, but used to be a software engineer.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“I am 63 years old, and all my life the existence of Israel as a Jewish state has been both a point of pride and one of potential refuge. I grew up in a family that considered verbally defending Israel and materially contributing to it very important, and, as a college student, I took time off from school and lived in a kibbutz ulpan for 6 months. I cannot even imagine the world without Israel in it.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Absolutely, I do. As long as Israel is my spiritual homeland, I must endeavor to defend its physical existence.”
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 a Conservative, or Masorti, Jew. I am very active in religious practices, reading Torah and such. I want to be tolerant, but I hate the dominance of the Orthodox denomination in Israel because it is exclusive. I would not mind if there were rules in religious areas restricting clothing worn, behavior on Shabbat, etc., but the fact that the Orthodox influence keeps me from being able to worship as freely as my male co-religionists is extremely disheartening. It is painful to me that in a modern country, women are harassed for trying to read Torah and fully worship at the Western Wall. It makes us seem like a Muslim country.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“I do somewhat, but I have to understand that I have no power to affect Israel’s actions. I do not think that Israelis place much of any value on the opinions of those who live outside Israel.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“Being Jewish outside Israel is incredibly more fulfilling for women than being inside Israel. At least, that’s true if you’re not very orthodox. My daughter went on a birthright trip to Israel, and the only congregation she was allowed to attend for Shabbat services was orthodox. She said that there weren’t even prayer books in the women’s section. And the Kotel? You see the men dancing with Torahs and singing their prayers. On the women’s side, we are expected to keep our heads bent and murmur our prayers lest we disturb the oh-so-important men. Why would women like my daughter or me, active in our synagogues, ever come to live in a society that limits our roles significantly?.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“While Israel has a policy of warmly welcoming Diaspora Jews as tourists, I’ve never felt like Israel would value any thoughts I have if I didn’t live in Israel. I think Israel’s policy is shaped by a belief that Israelis take the risks inherent in living in Israel, which is true, and that no one who lives outside the country should have any say, which I think is a mistake.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“I spent six months on Kibbutz Ein Hashofet while in college, and I have since made a couple of visits as a tourist. I don’t think there is an easy way to summarize my impressions. One impression is that I never met Israelis who were religious, other than Orthodox. Even Masorti Jews were, by and large, inactive. They therefore didn’t think that trying to create equality of different groups of Jews was of any importance.”
What was your best experience of Israeli culture in the past year (book, music, TV, movie, theater etc.)?
“My best experience of Israeli culture in the past year probably was film. I am on the board of the Austin Jewish Film Festival, so I have the opportunity to screen many Israeli films.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“Like most places in the U.S., most Jews are unaffiliated with a congregation or even with Jewish organizations such as the Jewish Community Center. On the other hand, the unaffiliated Jews still self-identify as Jews.”
