“Of the Movements, I am most connected philosophically to the Reform Movement: its focus on equal treatment of women and men, and its understanding that each of us needs to understand Jewish tradition well enough to decide and uphold the traditions most meaningful to us.”

The Interviewee – D’ (Born 1964), Born in Brooklyn, New York. Now continue to live in New York state. I prefer to be Anonymous. 

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

“It is the home of the Jewish people. It is an essential part of Klal Israel.”

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?

“Of the Movements, I am most connected philosophically to the Reform Movement: its focus on equal treatment of women and men, and its understanding that each of us needs to understand Jewish tradition well enough to decide and uphold the traditions most meaningful to us. For me this is not watered-down Judaism as many Orthodox would understand it, but involves real thought, real interaction, real Jacob-and-the-Angel-esque struggle to ascertain what is meaningful Jewish truth in one’s life at a given point and time. I can be enraged, disappointed, even morally disgusted by some of the decisions the Orthodox division in Israel have made that are so counter to my own Jewishly informed moral understandings. But that does not mean I stop supporting what Israel stands for.”

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

“Generally, no. I don’t think it is my role as someone outside Israel to judge Israel the way her own citizens can and do.”

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

“The richness of diverse Jewish pathways, at least in America. In Israel you are usually either religious or secular. In America (and in other parts of the world), if you are not religious in the way Israelis mean it, there are many other valuable, rich options that enable you to connect religiously, emotionally, spiritually, and generationally to Judaism. Israel is a land of such diverse, alive opinions; why not equally diverse, alive religious options?”

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

“Whenever possible, in ways intrinsic to the ideals for which Israel stands.”

Have you ever been to Israel?

“Yes.”