Overall, I thought that this course was very interesting. I liked how we examined the different movements within Judaism and looked at history while focusing also on the contemporary and cultural aspects of Judaism and Israel. I found that this class was very appropriate for me and where I am in my life and how I am still figuring out what identity really means. What I took the most away from this course is that it really just isn't that simple. There are ways to argue for or against a side at almost any given side and over the course I think we pushed the boundaries to find deeper meaning for identity. I also learned a lot about Judaism that I did not know, and this class opened my eyes to a lot of things that happen amongst Jewish communities here, and in Israel. I also learned a lot about critically reading a website and what that can say about an organization.
The class did a very good job at looking at Judaism unbiasedly so that we could come out with valuable points that pertained to identity. It also made me want to investigate my Jewish identity further on my own and get more involved with Judaism around campus. Now I feel like I have the tools to find things that interest me and can relate too. This was also my first time writing on a blog which I enjoyed and would consider doing again even for a different subject! It is a good way just to express yourself and look at things that you want too, not because someone is forcing you too but because you can genuinely interact with it and take out whatever hits home the most for you! Thats why the topics that were more modern and exciting like music and theater and other ones about young Jewish adults like Birthright and Zionism were my favorite course topics.
Thanks for a wonderful semester, have a great summer!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Jewish Identity strengthened on Birthright
I recently came across an article on http://njjewishnews.com that was about Jewish identity in relation to Birthright. Although the actual article is from February of this year, I recently took a trip to Israel and just wrote my final paper about Zionism. Naturally, I was intrigued to read about the experience with Birthright and the way it affected another young Jewish adult. The author, Jill Garbi retells the story of Austin Dam, 22 who went on Taglit-Birhtiright through the Monmouth County regional trip with 40 other people. He came up with the idea for everyone on the trip to climb Masada one morning before sunrise. They ended up doing this, and all shouted "Ani chai" or "I'm Alive" from the top. She recounts his experience of hearing the words travel through the enormous valley. For him, he describes this as a profound experience saying, "I’ve never felt so connected and so in-the-moment like I did in Israel. I’ve never been in a place where there was that much history that had to do with me and my people."
This connection is exactly what the founders of Birthright were hoping for when investing thousands of dollars into the organization. Helping Israel and physically being there is eye opening for Jews as they understand the history and hardships that their ancestors have experienced.
The article finishes talking more specifically about the actual Monmouth County region and what makes it stand out over other communities that where young Jewish adults are prevalent. Monmouth County applicants were previously waitlisted on other regions' trips until now. The Jewish Federation of Monmouth County funded the regions first trip and those funds were matched by a Taglit-Birthright grant, allowing 20 young adults from Monmouth County to participate in the free trip.
Just last month, Taglit-Birthright received some good news. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel approved $100 million in funding for Taglit-Birthright Israel for the next three years. In doing this, they have expressed the goal of bringing 51,000 young Jewish adults on the 10 day free educational trip by 2013.
Going on Birthright makes young adults realize that Judaism isn't just religion but also a special culture that we need to make last. Registration for this upcoming summer was open again to 20 participants from Monmouth so more and more people are able to share this once in a lifetime experience with Israel and other young Jewish adults.
This connection is exactly what the founders of Birthright were hoping for when investing thousands of dollars into the organization. Helping Israel and physically being there is eye opening for Jews as they understand the history and hardships that their ancestors have experienced.
The article finishes talking more specifically about the actual Monmouth County region and what makes it stand out over other communities that where young Jewish adults are prevalent. Monmouth County applicants were previously waitlisted on other regions' trips until now. The Jewish Federation of Monmouth County funded the regions first trip and those funds were matched by a Taglit-Birthright grant, allowing 20 young adults from Monmouth County to participate in the free trip.
Just last month, Taglit-Birthright received some good news. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel approved $100 million in funding for Taglit-Birthright Israel for the next three years. In doing this, they have expressed the goal of bringing 51,000 young Jewish adults on the 10 day free educational trip by 2013.
Going on Birthright makes young adults realize that Judaism isn't just religion but also a special culture that we need to make last. Registration for this upcoming summer was open again to 20 participants from Monmouth so more and more people are able to share this once in a lifetime experience with Israel and other young Jewish adults.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Breaking News: bin Laden found dead
On jpost.com there is an article in response to the big news released last night that Osama bin Laden has been found dead. Now, Israel Right fears that they might have to pay the price. According to this article, the state has already been warned that they could be a target for Islamic fundamentalist groups who are seeking revenge after his death. They are suggesting, that the US president Barack Obama fake an assassination as an excuse to pressure Israel. The National Union MK Aryeh Eldad is concerned that Obama is going to try and satisfy the Muslims at Israels expense. Because of this, people are claiming that Obama is a bigger threat to Israel then Osama was since Osama bin Laden was never a direct threat or an inspiration for their other enemies. Elad believes that if Obama staged an assassination, his political support and popularity would increase temporarily. People that are on the Israeli Right who do not usually support Obama are praising him with the high hopes that he will help them in the anticipated event of attack. Although not all of Israel is pro-Obama or anti-Obama, there seems to be the common agreement that Obama can be tolerated by even his hardest critics if he is pro active and targets people like bin Laden. Lastly, the article covers things that are happening in the US that could effect Israel. Israel has learned that fighting terror is something that is a daily struggle, not one bad day of war. Israel is suggesting that the president look more at the terrorists who are threats to both the US and Israel. Instead, in their opinion he is trying to implement a plan of peace with the Middle East which is unrealistic and a waste of useful time.
Palestinian Passports, a way to promote peace?
In a recent article, there was a quotation from, Ofer Bronchtein an Israeli peace activist saying,
“I am proud to announce you that I got yesterday from Abu Mazen a Palestinian passport. I’ll be happy to see it published in Israel. Please help me on it… Shabat Shalom.”
http://www.jpost.com/Magazine/Features/Article.aspx?id=218838
Bronchtein who is living in Paris received a passport from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Paris. Ironically enough, he gave off the impression that he was proud of become a Palestinian though some would argue that this is him going to an extreme extent to prostrate himself over the Palestinians.
Upon this happening, the “Proclamation of Independence" was read outside of Tel Aviv's independence hall. The existing Declaration when Ben Gurion made the State of Israel in 1948 was altered to suit the Palestinian cause so they would have their own founding state based on the pre six day war lines. Although the public in general did not condone what was going on, Israelis from the extreme Right party. They were cursing and causing upheavel against the "peaceniks" but the Left and Center Israelis should have been there as the anti-protesters, displaying disgust by this activists latest "gimmick."
In addition, Mordechai Vanunu who leaked Israel's nuclear secrets in the 80s and converted to Christianity watched the declaration get signed from afar.
Israel is concerned with peace and this process is not one that will effect the relationship Israel has with Palestine, but it might damage it.
Many Israeli "celebrities" took part in planning this ceremony. For example, actress Hannah Maron read the declaration, author Amos Oz and Professors Ze’ev Sternhell and Yehuda Bauer organized the event. The article took an interesting turn, criticizing the people that were involved with this type of political event. Although they are famous and talented in their own field, their political view is just as valid as anyone else.
The hopefully activists that hope to resolve the problems between the two nations are causing quite the scene. A large issue the people of Israel are having with this is the disrespect of Independence Hall. a symbol that is sacred to Zionism and to Israel as a free nation.
Palestinians are refusing to negotiating because they won’t give up the right of return or recognize Israel as a Jewish State. It is for this reason, that Jews have to resort to independence ceremonies in an open society like Tel Aviv. This way, people will see what is going on and it will be publicized; taking a small step closer to the peace that these Israeli activists wish to achieve. Otherwise, they would get no where and Palestine would shut down the idea completely.
“I am proud to announce you that I got yesterday from Abu Mazen a Palestinian passport. I’ll be happy to see it published in Israel. Please help me on it… Shabat Shalom.”
http://www.jpost.com/Magazine/Features/Article.aspx?id=218838
Bronchtein who is living in Paris received a passport from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Paris. Ironically enough, he gave off the impression that he was proud of become a Palestinian though some would argue that this is him going to an extreme extent to prostrate himself over the Palestinians.
Upon this happening, the “Proclamation of Independence" was read outside of Tel Aviv's independence hall. The existing Declaration when Ben Gurion made the State of Israel in 1948 was altered to suit the Palestinian cause so they would have their own founding state based on the pre six day war lines. Although the public in general did not condone what was going on, Israelis from the extreme Right party. They were cursing and causing upheavel against the "peaceniks" but the Left and Center Israelis should have been there as the anti-protesters, displaying disgust by this activists latest "gimmick."
In addition, Mordechai Vanunu who leaked Israel's nuclear secrets in the 80s and converted to Christianity watched the declaration get signed from afar.
Israel is concerned with peace and this process is not one that will effect the relationship Israel has with Palestine, but it might damage it.
Many Israeli "celebrities" took part in planning this ceremony. For example, actress Hannah Maron read the declaration, author Amos Oz and Professors Ze’ev Sternhell and Yehuda Bauer organized the event. The article took an interesting turn, criticizing the people that were involved with this type of political event. Although they are famous and talented in their own field, their political view is just as valid as anyone else.
The hopefully activists that hope to resolve the problems between the two nations are causing quite the scene. A large issue the people of Israel are having with this is the disrespect of Independence Hall. a symbol that is sacred to Zionism and to Israel as a free nation.
Palestinians are refusing to negotiating because they won’t give up the right of return or recognize Israel as a Jewish State. It is for this reason, that Jews have to resort to independence ceremonies in an open society like Tel Aviv. This way, people will see what is going on and it will be publicized; taking a small step closer to the peace that these Israeli activists wish to achieve. Otherwise, they would get no where and Palestine would shut down the idea completely.
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