Monday Mar 09, 2009
Posted by David Turner
For the second time in little more than a year an influential Israeli politician appears intent on turning Israel's Law of Return into a political football. This week Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit suggested revising or abolishing the Law. In December 2007, Knesset Constitution and Law Committee chairman Menachem Ben-Sasson decided he would rush a constitution through his committee in time for Israel's Independence Day. A key element of the new constitution was a modification of the Law of Return to conform to Halacha. As if all Jews living today, in Israel and the Diaspora, are Orthodox and share a single set of beliefs, rituals and traditions.
Wednesday Jun 04, 2008
Posted by Benji Lovitt
1. I love that the women are not only hotter than Mitzpe Ramon in July but that they also have a Passover Seder. (Much like the fourth dimension, my human brain is incapable of processing this.)
2. I love the outdoor cafes/kiosks on Rothschild and that Israelis universally agree that Starbucks (the altar to which American consumers bow their heads and pray) stinks.
3. I love that I don't look at the people I meet as French, Russians, or Australians, but rather as Israelis who are trying to make it here just like I am.
4. I love my Ulpan teacher from Kitah Bet, Dafna, who spoke to us like we were four so we'd understand her.
5. I love that falafel is a healthy snack (OK, maybe I just love choosing to believe the American myth while I scarf it down forty-seven times a week.)
6. I love that people I know from all over the world are always visiting this place, the center of the Jewish world.
7. I love that I can tell a joke about Rosh Hashana at a comedy club here and know that it will be understood by everyone in the audience.
Monday Dec 10, 2007
Posted by David Turner
The Law of Return is the single most important document defining the character of the Jewish State and its relationship with the Jewish People. The move to amend it represents the most serious assault on that relationship since Ben-Gurion proclaimed statehood in 1948.
Menachem Ben-Sasson, chairman of the Knesset Constitution Committee announced that he would hold 12 hours of discussions with the intention of cobbling together a constitution in time for Israel?s 60th Independence Day celebration. Among the controversial issues the committee is to consider is a ?compromise? version of the Law of Return. According to Ben-Sasson all sides will be taken into consideration, all sides will be represented in the final document. This is not encouraging since ?all sides? to be considered includes the Rabbinate?s push for a Halachic-only definition of 'Who is a Jew'. Such a definition would potentially alienate the majority of Jews living in the Diaspora. The third rail of Israeli-Diaspora relations, Who is a Jew must have no place in redefining the Law of Return.
|
 |
About this blog
Guest Blog
Your turn to share your thoughts on the universe. This forum is open to all our readers and contributors. Have your say by sending your post to the Blogs Editor.
|
Combined feed for all JPost.com blogs
Recent Comments
David W. Lincoln Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: It has been said that things equal to the same thing, are equal to each other. Muslims claim to be monotheists. Let them prove it in the light of the double standard (at the very least) they employ when it comes to the redressing of man's inhumanity to man. Now, Jew & Christian can agree on "The Abolition of man" by C.S. Lewis (at least, I think so), because a gauge can be used for each area of life. Given that each area of life is accountable to the same standard, they are equal. Which counters those who would put gov't, or church, or economy ahead of other areas.
David USA: All this palavering is unnecessary. All that is need is eradicating the mutual vilifications in each religion's scriptures. That goes for New Testament, Talmud and Koran.
|
|
Comments (20)