[HANASHIR:14361] Re: Another Hatikvah question

[rahel <rahel...>]

At 01:31 PM 5/20/2003 -0400, you wrote:
>Israel is not just any country, it's THE Jewish country...I don't think we
>should apologize for Hatikvah or the Magen David on the flag or any other
>Jewish symbols in Israeli public life....


I would like to point out that the way these lines are phrased bring out a 
very important point. They emphasize an "us" and "them" attitude.

I have come to change my language when speaking, and when teaching songs in 
Hebrew and about Israel and Judaism. Even when teaching about Torah! 
Because I have caught myself using the same language - and indirectly, and 
unintentionally, supporting the "us" and "them" attitude.

I would change the above sentences to read:

>Israel is not just any country, it's OUR Jewish country...I don't think we
>should apologize for Hatikvah or the Magen David on the flag or any other
>Jewish symbols in OUR public life....


In this way I personalize Israel into my  own Jewish identity. I feel 
closer and more connected. Hebrew is MY language. Israel is MY country. 
These are MY songs.

Rahel






"It is a great mitzvah to be happy all the time." - Rebbe Nachman of Breslov
"The Holy One, blessed be He, will be the Head of the dance circle of the 
tzaddikim in time to come."
- Yerushalmi Succah, Lulav veAravah and Vayikra Rabbah 11 end

www.geocities.com/rahelmusic, www.geocities.com/bneishalom