mentalblog.com comments:
Tzemach; Klal Yisrael is subject to centrifugal forces that pull us in different directions. Our sense of social unity and cohesion is not being renewed by recent history. I guess that this is not the first time in our history when things have been like this. But I share your angst. Logically, the answer has to be to repair the leadership function. I think an agenda to reestablish the role of Chabad would be better than languishing in pain. Regards,
May I ask what brought on your disappointment?
We anticipate markers of recognition and appreciation. If you don't have recognition it is not only disappointing in itself but it devalues the work you have done. You lose your bearings and balance.
Pmh, your comments are very nicely made.
Tzemach, it's not that "we are no longer a tribe" but that we are now a bunch of different tribes. Instead of Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh LaZeh, one tribe will happily sell out another tribe if it's profitable (e.g. the expulsion of Gush Katif and the Spielberg's soft view of Pal terrorism).
This survival of the (one) Jewish people for so very long was based on principles that so many Jews reject today.
tzemach,
i would like to know where you situate the Jews being a "tribe" chronologically. Was there ever such an ideal time that we have fallen from?
hatzlacha rabba
chakira, I think it is hard to understand for someone who only knows America.
Can you elaborate on that very terse statement and add some examples please??
sorry I have to attend to the cause of my disappointment.
Jewish telegram: start worrying, details follow.
Tzemach,
"OK, I am at the bottom of disappointment today but this is besides the point....
We anticipate markers of recognition and appreciation. If you don't have recognition it is not only disappointing in itself but it devalues the work you have done. You lose your bearings and balance."
this seems to be the more germane avenue to explore as the source of your angst rather than the stuff about "my fellow jews".
are the "recognition and appreciation" you seek supposed to be generated by this blog or from the other aspects of your life?
it is hard to share in one anothers unhappiness (even for ones own family), to paraphrase Tolstoy "Happy people are all alike, every unhappy person is unhappy in his own way."
Dear Tzemach, I am sorry that you are feeling disappointed and dejected. This too will pass.
Just a sidelight:
The Jews are NOT a tribe, but a confederation of 12 tribes. There have been many, many periods in Jewish history when the tribes were more dis-united than united. At one point, if my memory of TaNaKh isn't fooling me, the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel were even actually at war, Heaven forbid.
I think I know what you mean, however, about the relative absence of Jewish solidarity in America compared with the Old Country. It may have something to do with the overt oppression over there.
Freedom is better, even with some of the problems that come with it.
I hope you are feeling better soon.
TA--I have had many moments in which I bitterly ruminated on the lack of nepotism when it would be most organically appropriate. But, it worked out, for now.
I have to agree with the poster of the original blog entry.
I'm currently converting and I'm sadden to see the lack of brotherhood between many Jews (particularly the 20-year old college crowd that I run with).
I BELIEVE that if you seek out Jews like you and me; Jews who want to help others and lead the good Jewish life; you will one day find them. Keep your hope alive because when there's a will, there's a way.
Where do you live? That would help in understanding how you have come to your conclusion. If you live here in Israel, I can understand that you think this way. Here in Israel we have divided ourselves into so many different groupings: Ashkenaz, Sephardim, Hassid, Chabad, Litvak, Modern-Orthodox,hiloni (secular), left-wing, right-wing, ad nauseum. And the politicians only help to exacerbate the problem. We are in a dangerous situation right now brought about by Ariel Sharon's expulsion of Jews. I pray that we will come to our senses!
Chaya; Eretz Yisrael has no monopoly on divisions between Jews; only the Middle East catalyst effect!
TA,
Your despair is as correct as it is necessary. It is only when all of Am Israel is in such a despair that we will be ready to accept the leadership and changes we need to make the world right again.
Clarification on societal divisions in Israel: The divisions here are promoted by the politicians who profit from these divisions. Shimon Peres, YSV'Z, has for years actively peddled the idea that Israeli villagers (AKA settlers) are the main impediment to peace and that they must be removed and disabled, while Islamo-Fascist Palestinean terrorism is not the problem at all. In his view, the killings of Jews is the fault of the Jews. His successor, Amir Peretz, is now selling discrimination against Sephardim like himself, in order to sell his New Age Communist approach. The Russians, Litvaks, established wealthy families and others all push the ideas of division, instead of cohesion, to give their feeble political platforms some credibilty. And so often, they will sell out the nation just to get a 4-cylinder car for themselves from the public purse.
The Israeli public, incidentally, is quite aware of this and despises the lot of them. This is one of the reasons that the upcoming election may offer some large surprises.
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