Monday, August 25, 2025

2025 Daily - 08/25/2025 - When all Jews loved Israel

I wonder when was a time all Jews loved Israel?

In the 19th Century there were the first Zionists. Before then -- Jews dreamed of Israel and Jerusalem but rare was the pilgrim or emi/imigrant. In the 20th Century some Jews were Internationalists or somesuch and were not for nation-states. At these times deeply observant/Orthodox Jews were more for the establishment of Israel IF/When the Messiah arrived and absent the Messiah they did not support Zionism. I think Reform Jews were indifferent. Conservative Jews probably followed the Orthodox. The general population of Jews dreamed but did not act. Then there was the Holocaust and things changed in most/all movements as a HAVEN was needed... And today - that haven is a mighty stronghold with diverse opinions about what should be included, land-wise, as the State of Israel along with other issues such as Jewish State vs Democracy or a Jewish Democracy (whatever that might be) or something!!??

Outside of Israel there is much fragmentation. There is also today, almost two years after the horrow of Oct. 7, 2023 - or simply October Seventh ... there is fragmentation in Israel, too. SO - who is the good Jew? The right Jew? Who is wrong? Who is bad? 

There is not easy answer or answers. In addition to anything authentic about Israel there is Anti-Semetism and/or anti-Judaism. It is impossible to escape anti-semetism and converts out of Judaism may think the problem is anti-Judaism BUT then - where is G-d? 

G-d is essential to Israel and Jews everywhere. I think we must accept and deal with G-d always and if that means arguing vigorously with G-d's representatives and directly with G-d - LETS DO THAT.. Fight with the almighty. I think a case can be made that G-d really likes a GOOD FIGHT!!!! A fight about how to best treat our planet and how best to be human and how to be compassionate to all that lives is the fight to have with our selves, with the G-od within us, and with G-d!

On the way, during the fight ... we live, we build, we work, we create, we have families, we amass wealth, we carry on, we have fun, we suffer, we die.... BUT FIGHTING is essential as long as there are imperfections to be fixed in this world. IT is all not FAIR ... but before we die -- lets do what we can to make things fair, come close to fairness for all... DO WHAT IS RIGHT!!!! 

Israel is an example for all. Israel really tries to do what is right... The people mean to do what is right. Power is a problem that too often stands in the way of the Right Way... However - the people really do have the power - when united around truths and good will and love and compassion. 

We didn't get here by following the Yetzer Hara (the evil inclination). We got here by fighting our Yetzer Hara and bringing forth the Yetzer Hatov (the good incliniation). Who amongst us really wants to do evil? Who amongst us really wants to do good? We are inclined in many ways for many reasons... but ultimately I hope, think, pray we all want to do good!

Israel now more than ever is struggling with how to do good and that path includes destruction and construction. Life and dealth. It is as is said in the Book of Ecclesiastes: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to ..."

Another contemporary poet/singer, Joni Mitchell wrote in 1966:

"the seasons they go round and round

And the painted ponies go up and down

We're captive on the carousel of time

We can't return we can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game"

For a very long time things have cycled up and down, to good and then to evil, and then back...I would like all to always be up and good, etc.. Reality may simply be chaotic and changing and uncertain! We can hope. We can pray. We can work at the good. And we can only do what we can and leave for those who follow to do more!


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