The Economist has discovered the Jews! Not that this venerable magazine [yes, the one brought into my life and home by my husband Adam] hadn't heard of Jews before--the editor of Haaretz, David Landau was the Israel Economist correspondent during the 90s and still often writes their pieces on Israel--but now the Jews are the subject of a special Economist report. Last week's edition carries two major pieces on "The State of the Jews" which focuses on the widening chasm between diaspora Jewish identity and Israel. Important stuff and a good overview. You can access Israel and the Jews here, but need a subscription for the second.
I am not going to comment much here, except to say that I think that it is an observant, well-taken piece and I do endorse its sentiments nearly entirely. I am happy to comment at length, if you do. Post your thoughts and let's talk.
Otherwise I want to point out two other pieces that focus on particular Jews: one a New York Times Magazine profile of Abe Foxman the National Director of the ADL, called Does Abe Foxman Have an Anti-Anti-Semite Problem, written by James Traub. My responses to this piece are colored by my having just finished The Economist article. The point that echoes in my mind is the radical disconnect between younger Jews (let's say under 40) and their parents, whose worldview was shaped in a different mental land.
The last piece I want to bring to you is a Haaretz profile of Tamar Ross, an Orthodox feminist theologian. Her life and thoughts might be surprising and eye-opening for you. Read it here.
"Makom, one of its partner agencies, now sends envoys to American Jews with a new brief: to get young Jews interested in Israel not by “hugging” it but by “wrestling” with it and its contradictions."
I find this comment intriguing and hopeful. To engage young people we need to embrace Israel and all its complexities - to continue to support Israel, but with our eyes wide open. Not blinded by ideology, but aware of the complexities and competing visions that exist in Israel.
Posted by: Renee | February 01, 2007 at 06:30 AM
Tamar Ross - bio; so very insteresting that discussing the masculine bias found in the Torah as recently as 1996 could be seen as revolutionary. I could understand that perspective better if her commentary was provided in say, the 50's or 60's... but in 1996 ?!? That's an eye opener.
Posted by: LA | January 22, 2007 at 10:53 AM