“I am worried that the continued dominance of the Orthodox rabbinate and challenge of building a peace policy with the Palestinians will continue to push Liberal Jews away.”

The Interviewee – Rabbi Joan Glazer Farber (Born 1957), Co-director of ‘Hevreh’: A Community of Adult Jewish Learners. Born in Tarrytown, NY, ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1984. Three children all of whom have traveled to Israel more than once. Oldest was ordained this year from HUC.

In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?

“Israel is essential to my soul as a homeland and a beacon of hope for the Jewish people. I feel Yehudah HaLevi’s thoughts concretely –I am in the west and my heart is in the east. Generally, I am saddened that many Jews around the world do not feel this deep connection.”

Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?

“Yes! Though I am worried that the continued dominance of the Orthodox rabbinate and challenge of building a peace policy with the Palestinians will continue to push Liberal Jews away.'”

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 Reform rabbi and as such I am concerned that the rights of all liberal Jews are being denied and the rabbinate does not speak for me or my community. The domination of the Orthodox rabbinate also denies the human rights of women and members of the LGBT community who need to be embraced by their Judaism.“

Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?

“I am not morally responsible for the actions of the government but I am morally responsible to speak out when I see injustice and immoral actions.“

In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?

“Israelis need to understand that there are vibrant and vigorous Jewish communities which are not Orthodox and which are inclusive and accepting of all Jews.”

How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?

“Precarious, while we in the diaspora may not vote in Israeli elections, we are committed to the well being of Israel and want to be able to explain and defend her actions with pride rather than denigrating the policies or feeling they are on the defensive.“

In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?

“Yes, Jewish values should guide these obligations.”

Have you ever been to Israel?

“Yes, my first trip was in 1973. Every time I am there I feel like I have come home. I feel safe and at ease especially in Jerusalem.”

Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?

“Liberal and committed to social justice. Israel is a focus and we are supportive of a two state solution.”

If you could ask the Israeli readers of this project a question, what would it be?

“What do you need from the liberal Jewish community in the diaspora?”