Member-only story

The Battle For Israel's Soul: A Jewish Encounters Series

T.S. Eliot

·13.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Menachem Begin: The Battle For Israel S Soul (Jewish Encounters Series)

4 min read · 2 weeks before

259 View Claps

47 Respond

Save

Listen

Menachem Begin: The Battle for Israel's Soul (Jewish Encounters Series)

by Daniel Gordis

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29604 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages

The relationship between Judaism and Israel is a complex and often-contentious one, with a wide range of perspectives and debates within the Jewish community. Some Jews see Israel as the fulfillment of Jewish history and a vital center of Jewish life, while others view it as a departure from Jewish values or even an obstacle to Jewish survival.

The Jewish Encounters Series is a project of the Shalom Hartman Institute, a pluralistic Jewish educational institution in Jerusalem. The series brings together leading Jewish thinkers from across the spectrum of Jewish thought to discuss the most pressing issues facing the Jewish community today.

One of the most recent topics covered by the series was the relationship between Judaism and Israel. In a series of lectures and discussions, participants explored the different ways that Jews have understood and engaged with the idea of a Jewish state, from the early Zionist movement to the present day.

The series featured a diverse range of speakers, including:

Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States
Peter Beinart, author of "The Crisis of Zionism"
Rabbi David Wolpe, rabbi of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles
Rabbi Yossi Klein Halevi, author of "Letter to My Palestinian Neighbor"

The series sparked a lively debate among participants, with some arguing that Israel is essential for the survival of the Jewish people and others questioning whether Israel's current policies are consistent with Jewish values.

The Jewish Encounters Series is an important contribution to the ongoing discussion about the relationship between Judaism and Israel. By bringing together a diverse range of voices, the series helps to illuminate the complexity of this issue and to foster a more informed and nuanced understanding of the different perspectives within the Jewish community.

The Future of the Jewish-Israeli Relationship

The future of the relationship between Judaism and Israel is uncertain. There are a number of factors that could shape this relationship, including:

The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The rise of anti-Semitism around the world
The changing demographics of the Jewish community
The development of new Jewish religious and cultural movements

It is impossible to predict how these factors will play out, but it is clear that the relationship between Judaism and Israel will continue to be a source of debate and discussion for many years to come.

The Jewish Encounters Series is an important forum for this discussion. By bringing together leading Jewish thinkers from across the spectrum of Jewish thought, the series helps to create a more informed and nuanced understanding of the different perspectives within the Jewish community.

The series is also a model for how to engage in difficult conversations about religion and politics. By fostering a respectful and open dialogue, the series helps to create a space where people can learn from each other and come to a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

Menachem Begin: The Battle for Israel's Soul (Jewish Encounters Series)

by Daniel Gordis

4.7 out of 5