“The official priesthood of the Orthodox rabbinate in Israel is an abomination and a perversion of what Judaism is all about.”
The Interviewee – K’, scholar, Israel.
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’s existence is of paramount importance to me personally and to the Jewish people (even those Jews whose consciousness has not been raised enough to realize that this is the case).”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Absolutely.”
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?
“Yes, though the question seems to be a loaded one slanted towards the anti-Zionist regressive left.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“I feel that Hamas and the other terror organizations are responsible for the deaths of civilians. They hide and place their base of operation in civilian neighborhoods. The blood is on their hands not Israels. I believe we should try to negotiate peacefully and try and co exist but if they will not recognize our place in the middle East then we need to do what we need to do to protect the country.“
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“Israelis have the same blind spot as others (be they European or other) who live in a nation where they are the majority.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“Parochial, limited and unimaginative.“
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Absolutely.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impressions from Israel?
“I live in Israel. Every day is a miracle.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“I founded the Reform congregation of the town where I live.”
If you could ask the Israeli readers of this project a question, what would it be?
“How can we improve engagement with non-Orthodox Jews in the Diaspora?”
