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February 19, 1999/3 Adar 5759, Vol. 51, No. 21
Having a positive impactEditorialLast Sunday's ultra-Orthodox prayer vigil in Jerusalem thankfully did not degenerate into a feared violent confrontation between black-hatted and bare-headed hoodlums. While a wave of 250,000 ultra-religious swayed in prayer, 50,000 others staged a flag-waving counter-demonstration, enlivened by ardent pro-democracy speakers.The controversy pitting the powerful state religious authority against advocates of pluralism is not new. The latest chapter arises out of a recent string of decisions by Israel's Supreme Court supporting the rights of Conservative, Reform and secular Jews, intensified by a concurrent increase in the political power and influence of ultra-Orthodox Israeli citizens. And while the black hats charge that the courts are entering sacrosanct areas, they are using the very systems they deplore - the courts to argue their case, and the Knesset to push legislation - to fight their battles. Complicating the mix is the defensive posture of American Reform and Conservative Jews, many of whom know little about the complex political landscape in Israel and even less about its religious tradition. Yet the reaction from the Diaspora could potentially have a positive impact. Firstly, we American Jews can learn more about the religious and political underpinnings that are driving the controversy, reading widely from a variety of sources. Secondly, we can engender greater open-mindedness and understanding in our own communities, using dialogue to dispel hurtful misperceptions. Thirdly, we can affirm the underlying unity of all Jews. (To that end, the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix recently sent a letter to the office of the Israeli prime minister, urging mutual respect.) And fourthly, we can extend financial support to strengthen the multi-denominational presence in Israel. Jews have not come through 4,000 years of history only to be engulfed in a sea of black. By furthering knowledge and tolerance in our own community, and by supporting efforts in Israel to do the same, we can look forward to a meaningful existence for all those who embrace Judaism as a way of life. |
