Be More Jewish - Rising From The Ashes!

PODCAST (10min) - Future Israel

For Israeli's, October 7 2023 changed everything! So shocking were the events of terror that the longest war in Israel's history has since ensued. Sentiments of shock, sadness and anger generated mixed emotional responses from a nation burying their dead and dealing with the day to day realities of war. Within a few weeks, citizens of Israel, secular, religious, left and right, concluded that the Two State Solution was dead. Such was their unusually unified resolve that by July 2024 the Knesset unanimously passed a resolution outright rejecting Palestinian statehood.

After 60 years of pro-Palestinian propaganda, that accentuated Israel's political divide over land, for the benefit of non-Israeli citizens and residents, October 7 birthed the unambiguous, uncompromising Sovereign Jewish State of Israel. In the absence of territorial controversies, with the exception of a few revival attempts led by former Prime Ministers Olmert and Barak, the overwhelming national 'dinner table' debate has swung toward the future of Israel's national identity. One day it may be argued that the debate about Judicial Reform, preceding October 7, was a precursor that ultimately led the nation to resolve its identity crisis. 

It is glaringly obvious that religious nationalists, serving in the army, have suffered more deaths and injuries in the war than any other representative group. That fact has not been lost on anyone. On the front lines, their commitment, dedication and self sacrifice is increasingly apparent and appreciated, yet their representation in the higher echelons of Israel's military machine are few.  But, the old guard will yield and religious nationalists will eventually obtain more control. 

The shift in the Defense Force rank and file reflects changes taking place at every level of society.  Participation rates among ultra orthodox Haredi communities will improve, but religious nationalists are fully engaged. In the past 7 years ultra secular communities have lost representative power to ultra religious nationalist groups. The last bastion of secular resistance may eventually come from the air force where members, especially elite pilots, are predominantly secular. 

For secular Israeli's uncertainty abounds, but the demographic sands are shifting fast and transition of authority is inevitable. So, what will a future Israel look like? In the absence of territorial concessions, to untrustworthy neighbors, all roads lead to Israel securing its ‘river to the sea’ land. As the idea of 'Palestine' fades, Arab documented aliens will demand they transition to Israeli residency and residents to citizenship. No doubt this will threaten Israel's present, comfortable Jewish dominance.

The multi decade process described above must first provide Jews secure, permanent sovereign power over their indigenous land of Israel. Only legislative restructure and constitution can guarantee the future Jewish State of Israel from dilution to Arabs presently living under the last vestiges of Palestinian Authority. Here we return to the dinner table debate to illustrate how this may work.

The religious who are naturally more comfortable with their Rabbinical authorities, are infiltrating the echelons of defense and government. To resolve the impasse of judicial reform, in the face of an intransigent Supreme Court, religious nationals are being pressured to reform government. Part of that reform exposes the differences between religious nationals and Haredim for control over Israel's religious courts and its brand of orthodoxy. This emphasizes The Religious Ministry where control over the presently mandated Electoral Committee for National Rabbinical representation in cities of Israel sits.

The Electoral Committee for Rabbis of Israel dates back to foundation and is the States only other mandated election beside municipalities and the Knesset. Rabbinical reform in Israel has also become a target of more liberal groups and those intent on Jewish law being interpreted to practically accommodate the needs of secular society. 

Rabbinical reform, targeted, by referendum, to modify the electoral legislative framework of Rabbi's, could conceivably catapult elected Rabbis into a newly established upper house of government. Such a case would immediately elevate the Rabbinical court of Israel. By this legislative reformation an upper house of elected Rabbi's would assume the present authority of the Prime Minister's cabinet to approve new laws drafted by the Knesset. 

Under this scenario the Rabbinical upper house would exclusively sign off on any draft law introduced by the elected members of the Knesset. This framework, alone would guarantee Israel's Jewish sovereignty. A Rabbinical upper house of the Knesset, that was sympathetic to the nations religious court, would mitigate the present judicial reform impasse at the Supreme Court. Finally such a representative body would establish the permanent state of Jewish Sovereignty, a final form of government in readiness for the anointment of a King and building of Israel's final, permanent temple in Jerusalem. May the pomp and ceremony begin, BezH" soon!

 

     

 

 

 

 

Israel 's Point Of No Return!

...then it was Jerusalem Day. Yeshiva students bussed in, kids gathered in parks, families, tourists, flags and song. Walking, as they have done in previous years, Minister of Internal Security Itamar Ben Gvir and Deputy Mayor Arieh King. If this were a political rally, fake news would have claimed 100,000+ attended, but it was not. Around 40,000 came to express gratitude, celebrating the miracle of Israel's rapid victory in June 1967 that reunited Jerusalem with its Jewish people. 

In stark contrast some 60,000 people are displaced from their homes, living in temporary accommodations without knowing when they will return. Others are anxious presently living in a state of despair that their lives will be impacted by future religious governments not aligned with their lifestyle. 

Since Simchat Torah, October 7, public opinion about military and political leadership has moved from from disdain to despair. Confidence was shattered as it became abundantly clear that Israel's attempt, over the past 20 years, to thwart foreign and local enemies has failed. Israel's divisive political crisis, over Judicial Reform, has been subdued by its existential and leadership crisis as the nation was thrust  into a complex war including in the broader Jewish world. 

In business meetings, on the train, bus, or in daily traffic, running errands, transporting kids, exercise or gainful enjoyment feels like oblivion, knowing that soldiers are sacrificing their lives to benefit the nation. Feeling useless and the inevitable bad news brings on a certain guilt, but Israeli's are stoic, they confront facts, grieve loss, do more and march on relentless. 

Meanwhile, Israel's activist political organizations are shifting emphasis from hostages to anti-government rhetoric, years in advance of the next scheduled election. Their hope; to lure offshore state actors and Jews into their desired political realm. To that end Anti-government protest organizations like Hofshi Israel, for Benny Gantz Blue and White party, estimated more than 150,000 people attended their June 22 rally, calling it the biggest since the Gaza war began. Although Israelis treat these impossible numbers with disdain, Iranian and Arab opposition media promote them to a naive, sheepish world to develop the perception of a fractioned Israel.

The demographic tipping point toward more religious representation in Israel's security, military and government has already occurred. It is a statistical point from which there is no return yet some would prefer to control their destiny. To that Prime Minister Netanyahu recently stated Israel is a “country with an army, not an army with a country” which was followed by a decision to ban Ehud Barak from giving his annual address to senior officers of Israel's Defense Force. This, combined with Benny Gantz departure from the War Cabinet indicates the political war is warming up.

Before the tragic events of October 2023, opposition to reform was concentrated, intense and momentous. Since that time many less controversial reforms have progressed into law. This long existential war, the passage of time and weaponization of the country's first National Guard, under the one-time expenditure and direction of Internal Security Minister Ben Gvir, has permanently reversed the real risk of a civil war. Now, the forthcoming USA elections will bear significantly on the challenge that lies ahead. One way or another, the majority of Israeli's have been reminded that they stand alone, responsible for themselves, their people, their nation and their land - from the river to the sea! 

 

 

  

 

Two State Impossibility!

Corruption, virulent orators and criminals

Most people governed by the Palestinian Authority or Hamas are not indigenous nor do they share common nationhood. The significant majority descend from Arab immigrant laborers who came from Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon. There are smaller representations from prior to 1948, but most trace their roots to indigenous tribes of other countries. 

These mixed clans were the Arab underclass, vulnerable to corrupt or criminal gang leaders who exploited their absent nationhood with disastrous affect. Since the 1970's rival quasi-political groups, that became Fattah and Hamas, sold themselves as political parties that could establish and lead a cohesive, prosperous Palestinian nation. As we know that did not occur, most of their rhetoric promoted self-serving opportunities for individual economic gain at the people's expense.

The failure to self-govern opened the door to virulent orators, benevolent dictators and criminals who exploited global antisemitism or anti-Israel sentiment to deflect abstract failure, blame Israel and raise funds for the so called anti-Jew 'Palestinian cause' and enrich themselves. Despite support of global liberal democracies, these Arabs have not elected representatives for more than 15 years, yet sponsorship from nations has been abundant. Not surprisingly western nations compromised their long upheld democratic values and joined others to back anti-Zionist protagonists who suppressed the voices of these disparate Arab clans under the thin Palestinian veil. 

Since the late 1970's Fattah and Hamas leaders, of these 4 million broken people, pushed the armed struggle against Israel to the front of their radicalized political agenda's. The events of Simchat Torah 5784 (October 7, 2023) brought the ugly reality of 'Palestinian' people to a shocking head and apparent realization. Now, Israel has been forced to expand its active responsibility for the security of its citizens and resident aliens, between the river and the sea. 

Israeli hostages, presently captive in Gaza, are mostly from liberal Kibbutz families of the South. Many have worked tirelessly over decades to assist Gaza residents to gain work opportunities in Israel. Now those families are desperately trying to shift their nations priority to the plight of loved ones, against the nations preferred priority to defeat Hamas. These families will be politically exploited as globalists fund  sponsorship of more domestic unrest and bring Israelis to accept the priority of hostages over destruction of Hamas. 

The so called nation of "Palestinian People" does not exist and never will, but the plight of the Arabs who presently live under these corrupt authorities must be presented with options for better lives. Despite attempts by foreign actors to recognize a Palestinian state, Israel will ultimately offer residents pathway to status as an Israeli resident alien followed by a multi-year probationary citizenship and ultimately citizenship to the United nation of Israel.

Now Israel is, for the first time, facing its toughest challenge, rising anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism and anti Israel pressures. It will face rising domestic security costs and heightened domestic rhetoric while it comprehends and prepares for a secure, one state future in which Jewish Sovereignty, from the river to the sea, will finally be constitutionally guaranteed by the equivalent of a Jewish senate. 

Who Wants To Speak Like Ben-Gvir?

Most will react, "not me", but why? Consider this:

The term "Big Bang" is insensitive to unimaginable quantum states that turned on spacetime, particles, elements, stars and galaxies, but mostly, because the universe has no center the term is also grossly inaccurate.

3 billion acids, attached to sugars, make up DNA of the human genome. A change to any can lead to the birth of a super talented individual, a genius, a leader who stands out from the crowd, or it may cause excessive anxiety, depression, suffering, disease and even death. Technologies manipulate DNA, test results and compute vast cellular networks that inform us about previously unknown sensitive, but transformative events. 

The Bible recalls that one frog emerged from the Nile and resulted in a plague of frogs that engulfed Ancient Egypt. We can only imagine this super-species was initiated through a small DNA alteration, in a progenitor, that rapidly accumulated and was programmed to annihilate shortly after its ascent onto land. 

Some plagues in Egypt were easily replicated by the necromancer opponents of Moses. Others distracted them, caused their concentration lapse and suddenly they were defeated. We disconnect from the sensitivities behind these events because our noisy world distracts us. 

Simchat Torah 5784 (7 October 2023) marked a distraction with disastrous affect for Israel. The Jewish people have always experienced periods of unification followed by utter distraction that plunged them into the abyss of suffering. On each occasion Israel has valiantly returned from its exiled state to a heightened awareness where people speak more kindly of each other. 

Indeed the Hebrew word for speak is also the plague of pestilence or דבר (DeVeR) the preceded hail or ברד (BaRaD) through a one letter switch that changed the outcome for millions. 

We hate our present state of exile, our suffering, but it reminds us to be aware, to speak more kindly of each other and to anticipate the delicate possibility of redemption. In suffering we suppress our base, emotional instincts to amplify our personal voices and attack others. In good times the status-quo is nice, life is generally good, that's when we can sink to defend our comfort.

We may not like what Ben-Gvir has to say, or how his offensive confronts us and our preference to deny uncomfortable, inconvenient truths about frenemies. Apparently, for some, he promotes suffering and how do we respond? We attack the disrupter of our comfortable beliefs, our status-quo! We protest, amplify our voices, disrupt others and become polarized. Then, redemption dissipates and distraction passes the baton to enemies who are patient, dedicated and poised to dispel their disaster upon us.

A laissez faire approach to Palestinian frenemies, by Israel's elected governments of the past 30 years, resulted in Hamas rising, arming, training and unfortunately exploiting the inconvenient truth. We must wise up, respect each other, focus on security and let Israel's politicians do our tough talking, but we must not let this moment pass, we must demand they do more.

For the honor of those who have fallen and those, 100 days later, who continue suffering the most, we should all endeavor to make Simchat Torah 5784 the beginning of our full and final redemption.

Deep Healing From A Security Disaster

Ehud Barak’s IDF ‘old guard’ assaulted and recruited left wing IDF commanders reducing their desire, will, aptitude and moral clarity to immediately respond to critical security signals. On that tragic Simchat Torah day the apathetic, tardy IDF response will, in retrospect, be judged heinous, bordering treason, for some senior officers.

Against the backdrop of judicial reform, Lapid’s social revolt breathed life into Barak’s cessation by coup d’etat that extrinsically graded less important regions, neighborhoods, citizens and people of Israel. That moral corruption on top of the Supreme Court’s conflict with its non-governable state systematically eroded the security fabric of Israel’s society.

Events have now cast the dye for Israeli’s. The risk to security ineptitude is now far greater than any benefit egregious, revolutionary, anti-government, political insurrection can offer them. The behavior of revolt is off the table and will not be tolerated by the Israeli regime being defined by these events.

Two Supreme Court decisions over the past few days have set new precedent for the courts 'hands off government' stance. Whether they maintain that standard is yet to be seen, but the message is being delivered and people in high places will be cautious, tentative even anxious about a future in which the mechanism of government are no longer subject to the whims of the political elite.

Tel Aviv is the most ‘ethnically cleansed’ city in Israel, a place where few Arabs are employed, relative to population. The angry left, who only a few months back led revolt against the rising religious are now fighting side-by-side with their brothers coming to the fast realization that ethnic sentiments ought to be redirected to their common security insurrections including from more broadly defined terrorism.

One can only hope this has forged a new political reality in which the left, right, religious and secular elevate an uncompromising security ideal to new heights across all walks of Israeli, its neighboring and global societal security interests.

The months ahead will be difficult, but the decades, after this painful period, will no doubt be brighter than ever.

5784

The days between Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur are known as the days of repentance, more accurately characterized as returning to God. Psalm 130 is added to the daily prayer ritual. The last two lines emphasize two words with a single 'redemptive' context, derived from the Bible, written with letters in the form Peh-Dalet, פ-ד, the numerical equivalent of 84. 

יַחֵ֥ל יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֶל־יְה֫וָה כִּֽי־עִם־יְהוָ֥ה הַחֶ֑סֶד וְהַרְבֵּ֖ה עִמּ֣וֹ פְדֽוּת׃ 

O Israel, wait for the LORD; for with the LORD is steadfast love and great power to redeem (פְדֽוּת). 

וְ֭הוּא יִפְדֶּ֣ה אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל מִ֝כֹּ֗ל עֲוֺנֹתָֽיו׃ 

It is He who will redeem (יִפְדֶּ֣ה) Israel from all their iniquities. 

One of Israel's most ancient traditions, the פדיון הבן "Pidyon HaBen" ceremony shares the Peh-Dalet, פ-ד word root. On the 30th day after the birth of a boy, if born naturally from the first of the mothers womb, he is redeemed, for 5 silver coins, by the father, from the High Priest of the temple. 

I read (1) that the emotion of love is most acutely defined by feelings invoked by truth. Feelings that can be unique, but the moment of a truth is axiomatic in the attribute of chessed (הַסֶד) love, kindness or inclusiveness. Here, the truth of a first born son is sobered by a realization that he is a gift, not just another biological outcome. With that truth the gift must be returned to God, redeemed through the agency of the father and High Priest. In much the same way Abraham ultimately recognized his son Isaac was entirely God's gift, at that moment he was compelled to offer 37 year old Isaac at Akeida. Isaac obliged, sharing the honest interpretation of truth, by his father, returning him to God. What transpired is forever associated with Rosh HaShana.

Three reasons are expounded as to why God created the world; 1) Torah, 2) The Jewish People, 3) First Fruits (known as Bikkurim). Here, first fruits seem out of place, but the ritual truth, found in the redemption of a first born son, is also found by the conscientious farmer who ties a ribbon on the first buds of his fruit trees to consecrate the first fruits and to return them to the High Priest in the temple on their maturing. 

Paradoxically, eating the meal of the Pidyon HaBen ceremony is said to be equivalent to 84 fasts. Rabbi Yitzchak Luria (The Ari) expounded that 84 fasts was required to redeem oneself from the sin of terminating intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Indeed this sin, by Judah's first born son Er, invoked his Heavenly judgement to die. Thus, was birthed the Peh-Dalet, פ-ד redemption for his widower Tamar to birth the Messianic ascendency of King David. 

One hundred years before Rosh Hashana, of this Hebrew year 5784, on the 11th of September 1923 a riot over unemployment in Dresden, Germany led to police shooting six workers. This impetus lifted Adolf Hitler to notoriety. By the end of September 1923, at a Nazi party meeting in Munich he persuaded the party to entrust him as their leader. Now, 100 years later in Israel, Jews are politically, religiously and soulfully divided, albeit stronger than ever. This is Israel's moment, as difficult as it is for some, a realization that from the distrust arises a truth that our nations redeemer will be greater than all of us.

(1) Writings of Rabbi Aaron Chaim HaLevi Zimmerman, Torah & Rationalism, by Michael Landy

The Israel vs Palestine Debate

If you ever found yourself in the hotly contested debate about occupation in Israel, you probably had to make a fight or flight decision to jump in, raise your blood pressure and argue your point or get out with your emotions in check. The subject seems to attract people who are motivated for many different reasons, none of which make this thorny subject any easier to navigate. For the purpose of this article lets just assume you are going to stay and argue. Therefore, given the diverse supercharged field, I highly suggest you do your homework and always take the offensive, you're going to need it.

In September 1970 Jordan's King declared a state of military rule to thwart an attempt to overthrow him. Following the brutal deaths and expulsion of thousands of Jordanian Fatah revolutionary fighters, the Black September organization was formed. In 1972 Black September raised their international awareness when they killed two and kidnapped nine members of the Israeli Olympic team in Munich. Under the banner of Fatah the, 10 year old, Palestinian Liberation Organization cooperated with Black September operatives and turned their attention toward domestic Israel.

By the early eighties there were few walls, barriers or fences between Jews, Arabs and Christians living in Israel. Until the Oslo Accords in 1993, life was a 'box of chocolates'. Kids would cross roads, streams and wide, open fields riding their bikes through each others neighborhoods. Adult's would shop in each others villages or markets and communities would happily coexist. Then, in the positioning and lead up to Oslo, the official business got underway and in everyone's way!

Oslo Accords

I'd like to reflect on this history, but there seems little point because the positions and vested interests of debaters, on either side, are mostly intransigent. Instead I'm going to focus and equip you with the tool that can direct the argument at the 'box of chocolates' in an attempt to restore elements of that once prosperous condition.

In 2021, Israel's per capita GDP  was $52,000 vs $3700 for those living under Palestinian Authority (PA) control. The vast gap will never be narrowed by the PA because Israel's natural gas supply, to its domestic market, has significantly improved its economic efficiency. Gas, defense and dominant technology exports ensure its future economic performance will expand the gap at a faster rate. The charts below illustrate the acceleration of Israel's vs. PA per capita GDP over the past decade. 

Israeli Government per capita GDP $52,000

Palestinian Authority per capita GDP $3700

What does this all mean? People living under the PA are severely disadvantaged. The gap is inexcusable! By comparison landlocked Swaziland's 2021 per capita GDP was $3900. But belligerent, authoritarian political policies of PA leaders dissuade Israel from helping to restore the peoples advantage. Fearing electoral reprisal from Fatah's rival Hamas (Gaza), the PA have not held elections for 16 years. Corruption and organized crime have become rife as the leadership struggle continues in the streets. With the impending death of PA leader Mahmoud Abbas, change may usher in new hope that prosperity can be restored, but the chances are slim. 

Israel is the primary enabler of these authoritarian leaders who rule over people trapped by PA corruption, fear and the raw struggle for gang power. Israel must fill the void by formulating and offering the more prosperous alternative, one that will free people under the PA and weaken the grip of Fatah. Israel's direction and objective must support autonomous, elected city councils, provide umbrella economic oversight, policy coordination, administrative agreement, security coordination, infrastructure support, alien privilege, residency and ultimately full Israeli citizenship, for those who qualify and want it. In process and during progress toward these objectives, the walls and separation fences must come down. 

Prosperity for residents under the PA is their superior and primarily, desired objective. This sentiment will not be shared by terrorists and criminals who instill fear through which they silence opposition to command unchallenged media attention. However, Israel's surprise, genuine offer to integrate residents under the PA will no doubt throw the underworld into disarray. This is the right offer, and argument, because prosperity of all people is the only universal argument, after all everyone wants a 'box of chocolates'. 

And, if you're wondering how Israel will deal with such a proposition, I suggest you read this... 

 

 

 

   

A Judicial Reform Rethink.

Jerusalem

Tel Aviv

75 years is but a fleeting moment for indigenous Israel. The complex nation was formally established more than 3300 years ago and its rituals emanate from ancestors a thousand years before that. Following the Holocaust, over the past 75 years, the instinct for survival inspired some communities to adopt extreme practices like religious isolation or secular assimilation. These emotive responses will dissipate to shape a future that is more true to its origin. Trust between those living at the extremes must be restored in order that the democratically elected representatives obtain the confidence of their electorates to govern authoritatively.

Israel is being besieged by an impassioned people intent on determining their destiny. The political crisis of 2018-2022 felled 5 successive coalition governments each time their ill-fated legislative bills exposed a lack of confidence. Finally the 2022/23 Netanyahu government obtained a sufficient majority to confidently pass legislation. The crisis marked a demographic tipping point, a shift to a more religious, conservative constituency that finally produced the robust majority. It also reflects on Israel's more liberal, less religious constituents who face very uncertain futures.

Hopeless liberals must reconsider their approach and support political personalities that adopt new strategies to win their favor, including from religious liberals. Many liberal bastions in foreign countries have been forced to make similar transitions to the center. However, in Israel the new strength of religious constituents is a dimension that has caused liberal leaders, who are less religious, to panic. How will they win votes from the liberal leaning, less religious constituents to marginalize conservative thinking, orthodox traditionalists? 

Israel is wonderful and miraculous, even the less religious would admit to it. Transforming the nation into a cohesive peace-time unit where people can retain strong, independent views and efficiently function side-by-side is the goal of any democratic society. How Israel will make this transformation could be its' biggest miracle of all!

Israel inherited the abandoned British government framework, it was flawed and immature compared to major democracies. Indigenous to Israel is a long forgotten framework that, more than ever, its' liberal constituents will be inspired to acknowledge and adopt to restore hope and resolve their present political impasse. The State comprises a majority traditional and religious people, but separation of 'Church' and State conflicts with its legislated, religious, orthodox implementation of Biblical-Rabbinic law that exposes societal division. American Reform and Liberal (or US Conservative) Jewish communities have also joined the political struggle for a less-religious Israeli state. 

Presently the Electoral College for Rabbinical representations of each Israeli city is an indigenously inspired institution that was bolted on after the formation of the State of Israel. Inherent in its mix of liberal (minded) and conservative Rabbis, of communities, is their potential and desire to earn more authority, from both political sides of the Jewish constituency. Such a representative achievement, through a single religious institution, would enable these representative Rabbis to gain community-wide authority such that adoption or modification of ancient Talmudic interpretations in Jewish and national law may better unite Jewish society in Israel. 

A modern, national extra-judicial body may be favored to represent societal views, establish customs and interpret or approve new laws that bring its indigenous nation up to date and keep it there. Liberal minded politicians and communities will be inspired and find it necessary to embrace indigenous Israel to advance this authority into the political realm. Through liberal leaning religious leadership they would reach new constituents and obtain political clarity that aligns with Israel's ancient system for a common identity. 

With support of liberal and conservative constituents, Mayors of Israel's cities, the Electoral College for City Rabbis and Religious Minster will become motivated and directed to advance these new representatives into the framework for government, perhaps the equivalent of a senate or upper house. 

Historically a similar authority was vested in a Sanhedrin, but for a political body to achieve the extra-judicial authority of Sanhedrin it would require respect and regard of Jews worldwide. The most religious, Hareidim prefer the status quo, rarely do Hareidi Rabbis compete for electoral representation to Israel’s city’s. However, they do participate in general elections and hold numerous powerful seats in the government. Once the institution of City Rabbis progresses from its present benign character to a more substantive arm of government, no doubt the Hareidim will compete for proportional representation. 

If I leaned left and less religious I would embrace the struggle to liberalize orthodoxy, if I leaned right and more religious I would struggle for religious authority. The Electoral College for City Rabbis is the best venue to politically define a modern, balanced religious authority that would be acceptable to world Jewry, through which religious and secular laws of Israel can ultimately converge so that the Sovereignty of Jewish Israel can be guaranteed and all people represented and governed under one body of law for all.

Can Liberal Rabbi's Return Israel's Left?

American Rabbi's that have impacted Israel

Israel is being besieged by an impassioned people intent on determining their destiny. The political crisis of 2018-2022 felled 5 successive coalition governments each time their ill-fated legislative bills exposed a lack of confidence. Finally the 2022/23 Netanyahu government obtained a sufficient majority to confidently pass legislation. From the void, their latest slew of politically and legislatively inspired judicial reforms have triggered a massive uproar from the opposition. 

The 2018-2022 crisis was the demographic tipping point of Israel's shift to a more religious, conservative constituency that finally produced a robust majority. On the other hand it reflects a dire future for Israel's less religious, liberal constituents, particularly the powerful, more radical, liberal political opponents who face very uncertain futures.

Hopeless liberals, including those from the center must reconsider their approach and support political personalities that adopt new strategies to win their favor, including from religious liberals. Many liberal bastions in foreign countries have been forced to make similar transitions to the center. However, in Israel the new rise of religious constituents is a dimension that has caused liberal leaders, who are generally less religious, to panic. How will they win votes from the liberal leaning, less religious constituents to marginalize conservatives, orthodox traditionalists? 

Israel is wonderful and miraculous place, even the less religious would admit to it. Transforming the nation into a single unit where people can retain strong, independent views and efficiently function side-by-side is the goal of any democratic society. How Israel will make this transformation could be its' biggest miracle of all!

Israel is a State comprising a majority traditional and religious people. It inherited an abandoned, British designed, government framework that is flawed and relatively immature compared to major democracies. Indigenous to Israel is a long forgotten framework that, more than ever, its' liberal constituents will adopt to resolve their present political impasse and restore hope. Separation of Church and State conflicts with Israel’s legislated, orthodox implementation of Biblical-Rabbinic laws and exposes societal division. American Reform and Liberal (or US Conservative) Jewish communities have also joined the struggle for a less-religious Israeli state. 

The Electoral College for Rabbinical representation, of each Israeli city, is an indigenously inspired institution that was bolted on after the formation of the State of Israel. Inherent in its mix of liberal (minded) and conservative Rabbis, of state-wide communities, is their potential and desire to earn and obtain more authority, from both political sides of Jewish constituencies. Such a representative achievement, through a single body, will enable these Rabbis to gain sufficient authority to modify ancient Talmudic interpretations of Biblical laws that many blame for dividing rather than uniting Jewish society in Israel. 

Judaism's ancient path points to a judicial body that represents societal views, establishes customs and interprets or passes new laws that bring its indigenous nation up to date and keep it there. Politicians and communities will find it necessary to embrace indigenous Israel from within and to modernize and advance this legal authority. Liberal leaning religious leaders will reach new constituents and obtain political clarity that aligns Israel's ancient system for a common identity. 

With support of liberal and conservative constituents, the Electoral College for City Rabbis will be motivated and directed to advance their representatives into the framework for government, perhaps as the equivalent of a senate or upper house. Historically a similar authority was vested in a Sanhedrin, but for a political body to achieve the judicial authority of Sanhedrin it would require respect and regard of Jews worldwide. The most religious, Hareidim prefer the status quo, rarely do Hareidi Rabbis compete for electoral representation to Israel’s city’s. However, they do participate in general elections and hold numerous powerful seats in the government. Once the institution of City Rabbis progresses from its present benign character to a more substantive arm of government, no doubt the Hareidim will compete for proportional representation. 

If I leaned left and less religious I would embrace the struggle to liberalize orthodoxy, if I leaned right and more religious I would struggle for religious authority. The Electoral College for City Rabbis, as modified to include women Rabbis is the best venue to politically define a balanced religious authority. World Jewry would embrace the concept, through which religious and secular laws of Israel will ultimately converge so that the Sovereign Jewish Israel can be governed under one body of law for all.

Government Reform Must Break the Status Quo!

In memory of Asher and Yaakov

Conversing with Israeli's about a one or two state solution can be a minefield. Those who want democracy-for-all are conflicted by the nature of Israel's neighbors, autocrats leading parliaments committed to religious ideologies just like the Palestinian Authority. For the past 16 years the major democracies have granted this Authority a no-election free-pass because its leader, Mahmoud Abbas, risks losing power to even more radical ideologists. 

Israel's' democracy-idealists are further conflicted by the fear they may be uprooted from their beloved homeland by a non-Jewish majority in a hypothetical single democratic state. Their concern is presently reflected in the behavior of the Palestinian Authority who will not tolerate Jewish representation in its government.

With no sign of peace the 40 year status quo is untenable and people on both sides continue to loose life in the tit-for-tat war against terror. Israel's romance with a democratic ideal may become intolerable and increasingly to blame for the ongoing loss of life. One must ask whether Israel's democratic idealists have come to accept loss of Jewish life as collateral in much the same way Muslim terrorists embrace their martyrs? 

The modern view of Israel's Jewish historical democracy is nearly always flawed, ignorant of the facts. Its ancient Jewish democracy was always governed by religious elders that comprised the main body of its legal and enforcement authority. Transfer of authority was autocratic through Semicha, or 'Standing' granted by incumbents to new authoritarians. One of today's arguments for judicial reform, by Israel's present government, is that its Justices have embraced authoritarianism, under a democracy that no longer resembles the indigenous framework that once tolerated it. 

Crosslinking risk to homeland, ongoing terror and the democratic ideal uphold the status quo. Like the well known business triangle, you can get something 'cheap' and 'good', but not 'quick', any two, but three cannot be logically connected. As a result Israeli's are begin to conclude that no-risk to homeland and peace is preferable to the foreign democratic ideal. Social and political change is resulting from Israel's seismic demographic shift. Innovative forms of government will ultimately enable Jewish sovereignty over its homeland and security for people in a government framework that moves the status quo toward a better outcome for all.

Israel's Electoral College presently oversees the periodic election of senior Rabbinical leaders from its hundreds of liberal and conservative communities in cities nationwide. With constituent support it can demand and deliver an elected upper house to Israel's Knesset that will yield two important requirements: 1. Ensure Jewish sovereignty in its system of government and 2. Permit the modernization of some of the nations ancient religious laws. In such a case representatives from any ethnic background may be elected to the lower Knesset, but only Rabbinical leaders may be elected to the upper Knesset where they would authorize bills exclusively introduced and drafted by the lower Knesset. 

The novel combination of this hybrid-authoritarian democracy would enable Israel to offer its aliens permanent residency and after qualifying, ultimately citizenship. This would embrace the majority of people trapped by the corrupted autocrats occupying Israel's land from the Shomron to Gaza under the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. Israel would finally be freed from its two-state quagmire and from the double standards of foreign governments and idealists that hold it to account. 

 

 

Israel's Trajectory To Theocratic Democracy

The first working session of Israel's 37th government took place on the 1st of January 2023, international new years day. A significant challenge of its term will be fending off foreign pressure, including the UN and the International Court that will no doubt attempt to find and declare Israel guilty of various crimes. However, these opinions are less important than Israel's domestic conflict between its religious and secular authorities. The recent decision by its Supreme Court against Aryeh Deri, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Shas Party has exposed this conflict and will polarize the nation to carefully consider its judicial future. 

The response from Deri's party; "...Shas is studying this painful decision and will decide on its next steps in accordance with the guidance of the Council of Torah Sages." Previously Shas said that Prime Minister would decide what to do with Deri, after that the Council of Torah Sages would decide what they will do. The rhetoric is loud as the opposition and executives of Israel diaspora NGO's object to the forthcoming draft legislation that will finally, decidedly enable the elected government to legislate around the Supreme Court.

The last Pew poll to consider how democracy relates to Israel's religious secular divide, exposed a 2016 problem, which today is acutely reflected in the strong religious representation of the 2023 government. The poll identified a nuanced view that has been exacerbated by the Deri decision, the policy of the government and its Justice Minister, Yariv Levin who intends to reduce the powers of the Supreme Court over the countries duly elected government. The opposition have conveniently characterized the moment as a democratic constitutional crises, but they have little control because the Israeli public already granted the coalition government the most significant mandate in recent memory. 

International pressure on this constitutional issue may be muted, but nations will rise against Israel's increasingly religious society who will be motivated to deliver a unified domestic response to any foreign anti-Israel sentiment. The poll suggests a rising desire from religious and secular communities to elevate their elected liberal and conservative Rabbis, of Israel's synagogues, to the political arena to declare and stamp Israel's unique brand of justice and sovereignty into its system of government. The Deri decision opened the window for these duly elected Rabbis to extend their constitutional voice to promote their ascension to an upper house and transform Israel's present unicameral Knesset. 

In a final blow to the decaying British structure, Israel's government and democracy is on track to return its indigenous way of government: A bicameral Knesset with its upper house of elected Torah Sages, Rabbis, a 'Sanhedrin' with the constitutional authority to approve secular and religious law, to forge one body of law for the entire nation and prepare to realize its destiny as a sovereign, theocratic democracy. 

 

Democracy vs. Sovereignty

How certain is the future of Jewish sovereignty over Israel? When asked, most Jews will respond without any real understanding of its implications. They may mean Israel should never fall into the hands of a non-Jewish group or nation that doesn't identify themselves as Jews. But, how can such an outcome be assured given the democracy Israel’s modern state claims in its now fungible Basic Law of 1948. Surely a democracy means that all people living within a nation’s borders must enjoy an equal right to vote? If so, how long will Israel hedge its, river to the sea, border claims against ‘two states’ which have prevented resident aliens from diluting its democracy and Jewish sovereignty?

This thorny question is often the root cause of extreme disagreement among Jews. Some religious fundamentalists claim Israel does not require a state, that Israel is a spiritual ideal defined in the psyche of its people. On the other hand those that rely on Israel’s State law and its response to International Law focus on the physical definition of national borders as determined by the prevailing consensus. The diversity presents the dilemma of a nation seeking a sovereign guarantee for their Jewish, ‘democratic’ ideal.

Under the two-state-solution, once the shared dream of its President Shimon Peres, Israel would have been divided into a Jewish and a non-Jewish state under the Palestinian Authority. However, after significant resistance on both sides, the internationally sponsored idea has failed. In the midst of the political fury, legal opposition and terror Israel equivocates as it grapples with the threat a single state may pose to its Jewish ideal.

Regardless of Israel’s present, positive Jewish demographic trend, risk to Jewish sovereignty, in a single democratic state, from the Jordan river to the Mediterranean Sea, that incorporates all resident aliens, is too much for the Jewish Israeli electorate to bare. Alternatively, giving up security control to an enemy occupying land controlled, but not presently annexed by Israel is controversial, daunting and impractical. The untenable advance of terrorism and global rhetoric is often more alarming to Israel's Jewish electorate than the prospect of losing its Jewish majority in a future single state. The status quo is ineffective, a drain on national and individual prosperity. 

Who can guarantee Jewish sovereignty? The Supreme Court are disinterested and international pressure is growing. The question is increasingly serious, rising up in the minds of Israel's Jewish constituents. Existing mechanisms within the states legal construct are limited, but there is one that fully satisfies the essential guarantee. Compare the United Kingdom with its King and Church of England, Denmark with its Evangelical Lutheran constitution, Italy with its Vatican, Iran with its Ayatollah, Saudi Arabia with its King and Mecca. Although some of the western states identify as religious, their constitutions separate church and state. Similarly, Israel has an inherent solution to its Jewish sovereignty problem, a model that makes sense, is already partially active and works.

Whether secular or religious, the vast majority of Israel’s Jewish electorate periodically participate in religious services of a local synagogue. Through these community synagogues, elected, municipally appointed City Rabbis are nominated by a legally established Electoral Committee that represents communal religious interests. One of those interests is Jewish sovereignty guaranteed by national rabbinical representation in a future Senate or Upper House of Israel’s Knesset (parliament). That may be a confronting prospect to many, but the national benefits for all, Jewish or non-Jewish citizens and alien-residents, are presently misunderstood and underappreciated. 

Many popular elected City Rabbi’s^[1] are self-motivated to empower community voices through their electoral framework and elevate it to Israel's national political stage. Others require replacement by younger, more active and knowledgeable representatives. Rabbinical representation in a bicameral government of a single Jewish state is complex, but societal demands are rising as a result of dedicated grass roots participation. Town hall meetings, community activities, representations organized by appointed City Rabbis and leaders are and will be hallmarks that signify the success of this future movement. Education and awareness that a Sovereign Rabbinical body, elected to the Upper House of Israel's parliament, can truly be representative and liberating will underly the ground swell of this Jewish indigenous ideal. 

Shifting government priority from its present emphasis on defense, energy and technology to also develop labor intensive domestic industry around Israel's rich cultural principles will be essential to satisfy Israel’s growing constituent underclass. Political parties that prioritize development of sustainable industries capable of employing a significant portion of the unemployed and non-participating^[2] workforce will benefit. Israel’s indigenous cultural prerogative, including toward the optimal growth of cultural tourism, is a principle that will serve the prosperity of Jewish and non-Jewish populations of a single, sovereign, Jewish state. The development of skills^[3] directed to economic benefits associated with Jewish sovereignty will ultimately deliver better financial distribution to the broader population.

Objectors may struggle to digest such a prospect: A democratic-theocracy that stacks its constitutional Jewish sovereign deck in favor of its Jewish population by its Jewish religious leaders in an upper house of its government. Jewish sovereignty looms large, but the embrace of non-conventional models, inspired by the ancient past, would for the first time in 2000 years also establish an authoritative, representative religious body licensed to decide its ancient religious laws. 

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[1] http://www.geocities.com/savepalestinenow/israellaws/fulltext/jewishreliserviceslaw.htm 

[2] http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/The_Israeli_Economy.pdf 

[3] http://skills.oecd.org/supplyskills/documents/21abclabourforceparticipationbygenderandage2010.html 

Democratic Israel - Secular or Sovereign Theocracy?

Israel Defense Force
Ultra-orthodox recruits

Since 1949 students attending Yeshiva have been exempt from national service and their learning institutions have been eligible for government funded benefits. In 2017 Israel's Supreme Court ruled that a new Draft Law would be required to change the 70 year-old practices of non-Zionist, ultra-orthodox, religious communities by ensuring their greater participation in national service. As Defense Minister Lieberman negotiated with representatives of these communities, but failed to reach an agreement over the inclusion of quota's and penalties for non-adherence. The Rabbinical leaders took umbrage that Lieberman wanted to legislate to ensure their good faith. When Lieberman discovered his Prime Minister supported the Rabbi's, he resigned from office and removed his political party from the coalition sending the country to new elections.

Perhaps the only mandate of last April 9, pre-Passover election was whether Bibi should be indicted while sitting as Prime minister, many more important questions failed to capture the electorate. On April 10 it seemed Bibi would be back with a majority, the initiated knew it would be tough to negotiate and Lieberman would be toughest of all, but very few doubted the formation of a government.

Most Israeli's, including Liberman and Netanyahu have family members that are religious so they may be sympathetic to some national religious laws and practices that impact their secular lives, but for others tolerance is scarce. For Lieberman the secular Jewish State is sacrosanct! Despite low participation the non-Zionist, ultra-orthodox sector has and continues to attract foreign philanthropy that provides a significant boost to Israel's economy. This election must decide whether the secular distrust of these religious leaders, that underscores Lieberman's Draft Law is a legislative necessity. It must also determine Israel's commitment to the US sponsored push for peace and the permanency of a divided Jerusalem.

Jared Kushner's recent, trip to North Africa. the Middle East and Israel crashed into Liberman's iceberg - in the desert. The much anticipated push for Trump's Deal of The Century, was slowed to a crawl first awaiting whether or not Israel will uphold the opinion of their religious leaders. If affirmative, Israel will begin its progressive transformation from a secular-democracy to democratic-theocracy. The religious-center and right wing will be strengthened. Secular voters will be split and the extreme-left will join Liberman in opposition. What that means for peace and the division of Jerusalem is unknown, but support for these issues have never been dependent on Israel's electorate, but its enemies Fatah and Hamas.

In the upcoming pre-Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) election, Lieberman's red-line will polarize religious and secular communities. Last April 10 Israel learned its previous election fate, on September 18 it will learn its next decision - both days have interesting history. 5 Nissan/10April, was the day Moses dispatched spies to report about Israel's future land, but their divided opinions caused pandemonium and split the nation. 18 Elul/18 September is strongly associated with the modern movement of orthodox Hasidim:- It's the day the Ba'al Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe were born and the Maharal of Prague died, all are connected with the Chabad phenomena and worldwide post-war return to Judaism.

I am looking forward to Israel increasing its Torah aware elected representation, which will of course be opposed by secularists. However I believe the nation is returning to its indigenous root and will eventually establish an elected Rabbinical House of Lords that will appoint a King who will build the Temple in Jerusalem!