“Our rabbis taught, ‘Every Jew is responsible one for the other’ so yes, I do feel the moral weight of Israel’s actions. While I understand and appreciate the gravity of Israel’s security, it is incumbent on the State to end its occupation of the Palestinian people if it wishes to remain BOTH a democracy and a Jewish State.”
The Interviewee – Terry Allen Bookman (Born 1950), Rabbi Emeritus Temple Beth Am and President of Eitzah. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I recently retired and am the proud father of four sons.
Eitzah is dedicated to building dynamic community while developing transformational leadership skills for both professionals and lay leaders. Most of our work has been in the not-for-profit world of synagogues, as well as other Jewish institutions. We work with rabbis across the denominational lines that too often divide the Jewish community.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“Judaism is like a ‘chair with four legs.’ One of those legs is the Land of Israel. without that ‘leg’ Judaism is wobbly at best. The Jewish State is our guarantee that the Land (regardless of what its eventual boundaries will be) is always there for us, the Jewish people. For me personally as well, the existence of the Jewish State completes my Judaism and my Jewish identity.“
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Absolutely. My public career as a Rabbi included a strong and consistent voice for Israel. Additionally, I participated in and led more trips to Israel than I can count. I have lived in Israel on three separate occasions. And most preciously, have two sons who made alliyah and served in the IDF as lone soldiers.”
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 really a pluralistic Jew who would prefer no denominations at all. However, I was ordained by the Reform Movement and served two Reform pulpits. As an American I believe the separation of ‘church and state’ is better for both. The political intertwining of Orthodox (really Haredi) Judaism with State power in Israel is a serious detriment to the health and well being of the Jewish people worldwide. I am repulsed by their abuse of power in the name of religion.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
“Our rabbis taught, ‘Every Jew is responsible one for the other’ so yes, I do feel the moral weight of Israel’s actions. While I understand and appreciate the gravity of Israel’s security, it is incumbent on the State to end its occupation of the Palestinian people if it wishes to remain BOTH a democracy and a Jewish State.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“That being Jewish adds meaning and purpose to our lives.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“I am not sure that I see any coherent policy at all. Other than world wide ‘shlichim’ it appears to me that Israel acts sporadically and inconsistently, uncertain of what (if anything) it seeks from the Diaspora.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes, I believe it does. I also believe that Israel needs to nourish the worldwide growth of emerging Jewish communities and identity. With the exception of one Orthodox group (which may have an ulterior motive vis a vis the territories) I have witnessed little to no interest on Israel’s part. I am aware that there is a Knesset committee now discussing this issue and await to hear what, if any recommendations it will make.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“As states above, too many times to count. I love the land itself. I love hearing and speaking Hebrew. I love the audacity that brought Israel back into existence. I truly feel at home in Israel, that it is mine.“
What was your best experience of Israeli culture in the past year (book, music, TV, movie, theater etc.)?
“Living in Jerusalem, walking to the theater to see a dance performance, and then going to the restaurant Yudelah in Machne Yehudah!”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there any community activities?
“Miami has a diverse Jewish community with a large Latin influence. It is a highly visible community with a strong connection to Israel. It is more conservative and less creative than the larger surrounding community itself which tends to be more cutting edge and dynamic.”
