“My experience with Israelis indicates to me that they are upset that we do not make Aliyah. While I understand their concern, I believe it is unfounded. There have always been Diaspora Jews since the destruction of the first Temple.”

The Interviewee – Rabbi Irwin Wiener (Born 1936), D.D. Spiritual leader – Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation (400 members), National Co-Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans of the United States. I was born in New York, today live in Sun Lakes, Arizona.

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

“To me, having spoken the words each year at the Seder table – L’Shana Haba B’Yerushalayim, installed in me the need and desire to return. My first visit, and subsequent visits, including school and residing there for a short while, brought me closer to understanding the yearning and fulfillment of the dream.”

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

“Israel was, is, and always will be important in my life. I have attempted over the years to instill this in the people I have had contact with both from the pulpit and in the classroom. I feel that the young people today truly do not understand the importance of Israel in the world and also in our individual lives.”

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. My education – yeshiva, mesifta, was Orthodox. I migrated to Conservative with the hope that it would, as intended, bridge the gap between Orthodoxy and Reform.
I finally drifted to Reform because I feel that the important aspect of our resolve should be inclusiveness, not exclusiveness.“

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

“I try to understand the conflict from both points of view. However, my objectivity is tainted. I do know, however, that self-preservation is the strongest instinct we are born with. I could recite chapter and verse of the horrors perpetrated against the citizens of Israel, but to no avail because the Palestinians have resorted in fabrications and the attempt to rewrite history to serve their ends.“

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

“My experience with Israelis indicates to me that they are upset that we do not make Aliyah. While I understand their concern, I believe it is unfounded. There have always been Diaspora Jews since the destruction of the first Temple. Perhaps they should understand that support comes in many ways, and supporting from the outside can sometimes be more effective that from within.”

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

“I do not believe Israel has a strong enough outreach program to attract the Jews of the Diaspora to be more supportive and connected. This is true especially with our young people who are more and more removed from identifying both with Israel and Judaism.“

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

“Absolutely – the need is to demonstrate that Israel is not always asking for help but is ready and eager to extend help.”

Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impressions from Israel?

“Numerous times – not enough space to describe my feelings.“

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

“The Jewish community I serve is rather diversified in many ways. They primarily stem from other other locations and bring with them the traditions and customs from their home town environment. Blending all these is a monumental task.”

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

“Is it possible to be connected rather than concentrating your activities and relationships to your fellow countrymen residing in the communities in which you find yourselves?”