Video: The Israeli Masorti Movement at 30
I just stumbled on to this interesting video, that takes a snapshot of what the Masorti Movement (in Israel) looks like at 30. It even has a little bit on conversion, which I thought was cool, albeit a little purposing. Anyhow, I found it both informative and fun to watch, so I decided it was worth sharing with others.
Enjoy!
Hey Avi,
The video was interesting, and it provided a nice cross-section of the Israeli Masorti movement. Having said that, I think it is important for American Jews to consider the idea that we must not impose American-style Judaism on Israelis. Progressive and Masorti Judaism in Israel have to be indigenous if they are going to take root and be relevant in Israel. Some of my friends went to כל הנשמה in Jerusalem, the big Reconstructionist shul there, and they discovered a basically American experience. I worry about the work being done by American Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist movements in Israel, because I worry that an American Judaism will be imposed, and that this will be turn off to many people. There was an article I read recently on the Israeli Jewish Renewal communities which made a really similar argument.
I am glad the movement is growing in Israel, but I hope that it becomes an increasingly Israeli-flavored and directed growth.
Shabbat Shalom,
Yair
Hi Yair
You bring up an interesting point about "Americanization" and to be honest, you probably know more about the topic than I do. Having, said that I think (at least in terms of the Reform and Conservative Movements) the leadership here (in NA) is very much aware of the issue and are acting accordingly. I have even heard Eric Yoffee clearly express that the Reform Movement (or its equivalent in Israel) needs to be something distinct to Israel and should end up growing into something distinct from Reform as its practiced here.
Did you really get the sense from the video that things are maybe becoming too Americanized in Israel, or was this just add on based on other things?