The State of Israel after 60 Years—a Dream after the Dream

On May 14th of 1948, during an armed conflict that had begun six months previously, and which would continue for one more year, the Jewish government of Palestine declared the independence of the new State of Israel. Thus began the story of a new country, which, though not accepted by all, was quickly integrated into the countries of the world. The history of the State of Israel, however, began long before. We would have to go back at least another sixty years in order to begin to understand why the Jewish state forever changed the identity, references, and customs of the majority of Jews in all four corners of the globe.
Up until the present day the majority of Jews in the world live outside Israel. Why then is it such a central point of reference for all of us? What is, what was, what would continue to be the difference between the existence and non-existence of a Jewish state for Jews who are citizens of other states?
In responding to these questions, a good starting point would be a world very different to the one we know today.

by Enrique Herszkowich

Reflections on the State of the Land: On the Occasion of 60 years of Medinat Israel

The reemergence of the national state of the Jewish People in the land of Israel calls us both to shared joy and to reflection on certain crucial points in the Jewish thought of all ages.

The existence of the State of Israel can be understood from a perspective inviting us to stand up as an exemplary society that functions as a paradigm for other nations, but it can also be experienced as the attempt to be just another country, without claiming to be a light or compass to anyone, finding in the land the space to live in peace, without being persecuted by any other people. Thus, to begin with, Israel must be able to respond to the following: Do we accept the challenge of being a “light to the nations” (Isaiah 42:6), or do we prefer to be “like all the nations” in the land (I Samuel 8:5)?

In this sense, the article proposes we examine some of these points by means of questions that open up dialogues in an attempt to explore positions that lie latent in the Jewish texts, but which have taken on great relevance with the rise of the State and with the challenges generated by it.

Thus, the independence of Israel is seen in the light—for example—of the idea of the holiness of the land, the involvement of G_d in history, and of the relations to be strengthened between those who live in Israel and those who do not.

by Rabbi Joshua Kullock

Israel Is Our Jewish Home: Integrating Israel into the Early childhood Classroom

‘Our connection to and love for Israel is at the core of a Jewish identity. Our relationship with Israel connects us to Jews all over the world. We strive to instill in young children a feeling of belonging to Israel because Israel gives us so much: a sense of pride, a connection to our history, a gathering place for all Jews, and a place to feel holy and close to God. While the concept of "country" is very difficult for young children to grasp, the concept of "home" is not. Israel is our Jewish homeDuring a child’s years in preschool, a goal is to plant seeds of recognition and desire toward Israel. In surroundings infused with the values and particulars of Israel, Jewish children can be drawn into a relationship with Israel. Teachers need to do everything in their power to help flesh out each child's imagination of Israel so that each child begins to form a connection to and love for this home so far away. Every child should think of Israel as their own Jewish Homeland.”

ByMaxine Handelman