As I returned from a week in Israel, I reflected on the two major topics I spent most of my time talking with Israelis about - the Nation State Law and Gaza.  The Nation State Law continues to drive many conversations in Israel and in the diaspora.  I have taken time to review the law and to compare it to the original 1948 Declaration of Independence and formation of the State of Israel.  There is so much I could highlight but I want to reference two parts in particular.  From the English version:   

 

"....This right is the natural right of the Jewish people to be masters of their own fate, like all other nations, in their sovereign State. ....The State of Israel will be open for Jewish immigration and for the Ingathering of the Exiles; it will foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based of freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel:  it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, language education and culture; it will safeguard Holy Places of all religions; and it will be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations."  

 

Compare that to the Nation-State Law which shares many of the same principles in the original proclamation except for section 4 which discusses language: "....Hebrew is the language of the state and that Arabic has special status in the state... and section 7: "The state views Jewish settlement as a national value and will labor to encourage and promote its establishment and development."  

 

I heard many question why the Knesset created this new basic law. Was it necessary? Few think so.  Was it political?  That's still unclear.  This law, which barely passed the Knesset has generated intense debate in Israel and abroad.  Time will tell what the impact will be on the country.  I have many resources on this topic, please email me if you would like additional information.

 

As my plane landed at JFK, my phone exploded with alerts about the 180 rockets that were launched into Israel and Israel's response.  The incendiary kites, balloons, and other inflatables, along with this recent barrage of projectiles, have generated countless fires.  The continued conflict and possible impending war with Gaza was the other major topic of conversation on my visit.  This week's Jewish Press has a current viewpoint.

I bring these two issues with me as I read and reflect on this week's Torah portion, Shoftiem which includes, in my opinion, one of the most meaningful phrases in the Torah - Tzedik, Tzedik, Terdouf.  Justice, Justice, you shall pursue.  This line is frequently used in the civil rights and justice worlds.   

 

I was writing this update yesterday when I learned of the passing of Aretha Franklin.  You may not know the role she played in the civil rights movement.  Her voice raised the level of awareness and consciousness to civil rights.  I am sure many a rabbi will give a d'var Torah this Shabbat referencing her work.  In my opinion, having her death fall on the reading of Shoftiem should remind us all, as we debate political differences, to treat one another with RESPECT or at least THINK about it.  

 

Shabbat Shalom, 

Alan