I wonder how it is that people can find time to discuss how the future is going to work out for a group of people when there is almost a totally diametrical opposition between one view and the other. How is it that one contention is that Jews are on the threshold of a renaissance, one of social contributions particularly in the field of Arts and Creativity but not limited to that. In other words, to be sidelined in relevance, for art and creativity do not decide the gestalt of a society but rather hangs around the perimeter. That is not to debase the importance of the creative arts but to understand its limits. As an amateur late come to the party of exploratory artists, I say this with no insult in intent, only a recognition of reality. They do not determine the direction of society but can play a strong role in support or opposition of and to the path chosen.
The other contention is that we are so riven and driven by contrasting opinions that there is no hope other than just about a war between these two oppositional sides within Judaism or world Jewry. One is a doom and gloom view and prediction. We will argue ourselves to death or weaken ourselves to the point of irrelevancy. The other is a Pollyannaish rose shaded version of what maybe should be or could be. Perhaps, though, it assumes that people can raise themselves above disagreements, large and small, and commit themselves to a shared productive path and outlook. Huh!!
Remember, we are speaking of world Jewry, that rather amorphous crowd of individuals Jews who cannot agree on the basic elemental question of exactly who is a Jew, nor of the qualifications necessary to be included in that rather dangerous determination. In fact, if anyone can point out such a time when there was a complete agreement on this topic or indeed any other of primary importance for the Jewish people well, I would be highly shocked and skeptical.
Furthermore, there is a great big hole in either of these viewpoints for it takes not into consideration the attitudes and definitions prominent in the world outside of the world of Jewry. That world generally places its opinions and definitions in positions of higher relevancy and importance. Too often opinions, conclusions and definitions from within that world of Jewry are deemed of lesser importance and relevance; hence, they are discarded along the wayside. Too often, important figures within the world of Jewry are coopted into testifying in support of one opinion or another. Thus, we are quite inimical to the integrity of our structure and definition of the Jewish people. Not a good situation, but apparently, one in which we are forever entangled, all the weaker for it.
Why we persist in this is a question which has never received an answer. Even if well-meant, even if thought to be the calming of rather rough waters, we would be and should be quite cautious in an endorsement of one opinion over another, for too often within those calling for opinions from you, about you, there are indeed those who are supportive and those who would seed the rot from within, sit back and enjoy the disharmony emerging from an entity which is much better off remaining in at least a state of general agreement rather than airing it all out to those with harm in mind.
The bottom line of the situation above is a growth of self-hatred, a denser fog of confusion and a growth and increase in the numbers of those who do not know where they should stand, do not know where they are standing. Nobody understands the harm that they are doing to themselves, to their people, all in the name of finding and or creating a place for themselves - in a place where they should not be at all. The atmosphere is so rank with anger and instinctual response, so without thought, that even the unarguable which should not be a source of debate, becomes a major source of contention and antagonism. All the while, our enemies sit back and chortle away, holding their sides in glee.
It used to be that what happens inside the home is kept inside the home, not to be aired for public consumption, good, bad or indifferent. It meant that Jews conducted discussions on points of disagreement within themselves, providing no ammunition for their foes. Somewhere along the line we forgot about that, and we went about seeking support for one side or another from those outside the world, a dangerous policy, very dangerous, for where there is a crack one can lever that crack until it becomes an abyss and the unity of the people, so greatly needed, is destroyed.
Yes, some interference cannot be avoided for the topic is of worldwide significance, such as the kidnapping and imprisonment, the torturing of non-combatants and soldiers taken. Debate is raging but it is our people who suffer the consequences. Our people whose humanity is discounted. Our people whose fate has become a ping pong ball caught in not so warm and welcoming hands of others than ourselves. Why do we allow this? Why do we not tell them to either take the side of right, of humanity, or just buzz off. We will solve our problems in our own way and in our own time. But we do not and allow thusly for our enemies to pick at a hole they have created, enlarge it to dangerous proportions, and we have ceded control over our own lives and why? Because we allowed the discussion to emerge from within our homes, allowed the door to remain open, and others entered, much to our dismay and harm. Very much so. And we cannot rid ourselves of their interference and the harm they pose and have created for us.
Too often within the crowds of those forcing their way through our doors there are those who would help, they hope, and those who have patiently bided their time until such a moment, a time of supported interference, their purposes clear, yet they remain obscured, unseen in the eyes of the world. We are deemed intransigent, at the base of all the problems and would we merely listen to those seeking peace, preferably via our termination, all would be well for the world. As for us, well, that is for another time, perhaps more propitious for an outcome. But for whom? Certainly not for us. When would that possibly better time be? Dead silence is the answer. Always so, forever so, much to the perilous state of our being, our existing, among the peoples of the world.
Caught up in this cacophony of hate and toxic homicidal motivations, we lose sight of who we are, where we are and what we are. Too many damage their souls and fall prey to false arguments so beguiling, so comforting to those who are tired of the rank and hostile atmosphere around themselves. By joining the enemy, accepting their offers, negating ourselves, our history, our destiny, in the hopes for easier times, we are instead finding ourselves inside the rather unwelcoming arms of Iron Maidens. Too late to turn back, we now serve the enemy as they display the deserters before the world, "proof" of their views as righteous, along with invitation to join in with their cause.
Where and when does this end? Where and when do we understand that we must stand together. For if not ......
We must think ahead, and we must think behind. We must remember our yesterdays, the lessons learned from them and apply them to better tomorrows. Our todays will be the better for that effort and understanding, for with the proper use of yesterday, we will better the todays and enable brighter tomorrows. It is upon us to seek to improve the world. To leave it a better place for our being in and of it. No matter how deep and widespread the opposition is.
If we remember whatever the disagreement, whatever the side championed, always there must be the reminder that we are one nation, one people, one State of Israel to support even as it supports us. With that in mind we can fulfill our responsibilities on this earth.
By being true to the truths of our yesterdays, our todays and our tomorrows, we will remain true to ourselves and our people - and to the world.
So, world, gimme a break. Give my people a break for a change.
There will be no posting tomorrow due to a celebration. Be back on Wednesday.
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