“We are legitimate Jews, the diaspora is what shaped Jewish culture and that diaspora culture isn’t something to be ashamed of.”
The Interviewee – Judith Seid (Born 1949), Rabbi and Cantor Also CPA. I Grew up in Los Angeles. Now live about 40 miles east of San Francisco.
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’m actually afraid of the centralization of Jewish life. When we were dispersed over all the countries of the world, we had a better chance of survival, both culturally and physically. Now we are gathered into a few places – one being Israel – and that makes us much more vulnerable.
“I don’t have a personal relationship with Israel, but I experience much of the conversation about Israel as really being about Jews, and I do feel that’s personal.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes. Why do we expect Israel to be better than all the other countries in the world? It’s just a country like any other – that is the POINT of it. It has every right to exist.”
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 affiliated with the Secular Jewish movement, sometimes called the Secular and Humanistic Jewish movement. Ben Gurion thought that religion would wither away in Israel, so let the Orthodox have control over personal status. He was unfortunately wrong and they have now way too much power. All states, including Israel (and Iran and the US) should be secular.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“Sort of. To the extent that I have any power to speak out.“
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“That we are legitimate Jews. That the diaspora is what shaped Jewish culture and that diaspora culture isn’t something to be ashamed of. That we think Israel is just one center of Jewish life, and it’s not OUR center.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“If they want our automatic support, they have to listen to us. We’re not ‘yes’ machines for whatever government is in power at the moment.“
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes. That is its mission. That said, all Jewish communities have that obligation.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impressions from Israel?
“I have not visited.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“We are scattered around – no center of Jewish areas. Makes it hard to organize.”
