Beth Am Israel

04/23/2010 - The Zealots of Israel

My dear friends,

As I sit here in Rome, the home of the longest surviving Jewish community in Europe (dating back to 3 BCE), I wonder to what degree were the Romans of 2000 years ago responsible for the Diaspora, and to what degree were the Jewish zealots responsible, for choosing to do battle with the Roman Empire?  See  http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/revolt.html

I am surprised that the listserv comments about the Obama-Netenyahu  confrontation have focused only on the errors and perceived anti-Israel bias of the Obama administration. Is there no other voice at Beth Am?

The only person I can exchange opposing ideas with is Arnie Feldman. He has become very critical of Obama and very troubled by the potential impact of the new US policy on Israel. He agrees with much of what has been posted on the listserv. 

I, on the other hand, believe that Israel has more control over its own future than many believe. I see the ultra-Orthodox Settlers as similar to the zealots of 2000 years ago They pose a great threat to Israel's soul and survival.  Let us not forget that the most significant Israeli victim of violence was Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin , who was killed by an ultra-orthodox Jew in November 1995 . His act was preceded by statements justifying such acts. "The rhetoric reached its peak in the spring of 1995, when Orthodox Rabbi Abraham Hecht of Brooklyn said that Rabin's assassination would be acceptable under Jewish law because his plan to withdraw Israeli forces from the occupied territories put the lives of Jewish settlers in danger." (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_n34_v112/ai_17829286/)

"What can we do to reduce their power over Israel's future? What are your thoughts?

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On 05/02/2010 Bala Rebbe said...

Wisdom from Shlomo the V.I. from Narbeth

Dear Rebbe,

I rejoice to learn that you are in Rome. I direct your attention to the Tratoria de Giggetto. It’s in the Ghetto near the Old Synagogue. Their grilled artichokes are justly famous. Additionally, after systematic and
exhausting research (someone had to do it), I have determined that thebest gelateria in Rome is at the north end of the Piazza Navona. Enjoy!

The balance of your message raised grave problems that require careful thought. In it you refer to politicians, institutions and organizations and ask how can we make the world a better place? Well, the view of the world obtained from a corner in the basement of the library behind the
boxes offers a different perspective. With respect, I do not believe that the answer to your question is to be found in institutions and politics. All things, good or bad, are caused by individuals. When you and I look out at the world and drop our heads in sorrow, we are looking
at the consequences of two things: madness and evil. To address your question, we must ask how can we respond to madness and to evil?

To respond to madness, look to our Brother Arnold and psychoanalysis. For all of its failings, and there are many, psychoanalysis is still our best hope in the struggle against madness because it is constructed on
an explicit recognition of the reality of the unconscious. In many instances, human behaviors are driven by motivations to which the individual does not have conscious access, and in many instances, these
behaviors may be profoundly contrary to the individual’s best interests.
You cannot end unconsciously driven, self-destructive pathologies with politics. We have six thousand years of documented history teaching us this.

If we are to save the world, it will be done one mind at a time.

And how are we to respond to evil? As we have always done, with humble but honest witness and with prayer.
So treat the mad and pray to Hashem. And every now and then take the Rebitzen to the Piazza Navona for gelati. There is a bench nearby where I used to spend my evenings enjoying a gelato and looking at the young
people. Think of me when you are there.

Yours in Idiocy, Shlomo the Village Idiot of Narberth

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Previous Posts

09/21/2010 Acknowledging outstanding contributors (Most Recent)
05/17/2010 - What If Joseph Had Shared His Coat
04/23/2010 - The Zealots of Israel (Current display)
03/27/2010 - And God hardened Pharaoh`s heart
02/22/2010 - Chazzan Harold`s Dilemma
02/15/2010 - Get Ready for Purim!!
02/09/2010 - Question from a confused Jew
02/05/2010 - Puppets at Beth Am
01/30/2010 - Photo: Rebbe and Arnie chatting
01/25/2010 - Response to Reb Joe Finkelstein
01/11/2010 - Mah Jongg
01/07/2010 - Eagles Prayer Improved Results
01/06/2010 - A Prayer for The Eagles
01/03/2010 - Shalom from the Bala Rebbe