I think a lot of Jews make Israel the centerpiece of their Judaism. It becomes the centerpiece of their Jewish existence and of their faith. I have always felt that that's not for me.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
As a Jew, I recognize the importance of Israel historically, liturgically: its place in our history and in our sacred texts. I fully recognize and appreciate that. I just think that, for me, a sole focus on Israel gets in the way of the pursuit of a relationship with God and a more spiritual existence within Judaism.
You know, I get much more Jewish in Israel because I like the way that religion is done there.
Jewish existence in the Land of Israel depends only on the Jews, and on what the Jews think of themselves.
As a journalist, I've always treaded carefully about being Jewish and caring a lot about Israel and having that not become too big of an issue that could affect my journalism. But I also don't think it's essential to my Judaism, as I think it might be for some other people.
There is no question that Israelis - indeed, all concerned Jews - have to continue to work out a Jewish public philosophy that truly justifies a Jewish state in the land of Israel.
Israel has created a new image of the Jew in the world - the image of a working and an intellectual people, of a people that can fight with heroism.
The Jewish world is becoming fully integrated with the ideas of the normal world. They feed off each other.
There is something very very special, universal and easily identifiable among all Jews; it is beyond territory, it is something we all have in common.
I think that being Jewish is in some ways unique because there's this conflation of race, culture and religion.
As a Jew I am aware of how important the existence of Israel is for the survival of us all. And because I am proud of being Jewish, I am worried by the growing anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism in the world.
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