[HANASHIR:14712] Re: secular music

[Ruth Levenstein <RuthEllen...>]

> There are differences that we just have period.  What we have to do, I 
> think, is teach MORE ISRAEL in any of our curricula.  We have to promote 
> programs that bring kids to Israel.  


I'm all for more Israel but I think we make a mistake when we feel that 
everything Israel is more Jewish and better.  Judaism takes on a 
different form in the US.  It is neither better or worse.  Israel 
programs should be about cultural exchange.  We do both communities a 
diservice when we let the exchange become mired in feelings of 
insecurity and/or superiority.

I also spent time living in Israel and have an affinity for lag b'omer, 
Israeli independence day and other various holidays and traditions that 
are not well known in the US.  But I know that at my core I am an 
american Jew most at home in the US Reform movement.

Ruth


------------------------ hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org -----------------------+