Reflections from Our First Day Preparing for the WZC
I arrived on Sunday morning and spent the day with dear friends in Tel Aviv- mostly recovering from the long flight. On Monday, I travelled to Jerusalem and arrived at the Jerusalem Campus of the Hebrew Union college – Jewish Institute of religion. This is where I began my Rabbinic studies in 1982 and, I must confess, as I walked up the long stairs leading into the main entrance I felt a great deal of nostalgia. It was here that I met my classmates, fell in love with the city of Jerusalem, and reinforced what has become a lifelong passion for Hebrew and the state of Israel.
Once we arrived at the college, We began our intensive preparation for today’s (Tuesday) beginning of the World Zionist, Congress (WZC). We all know that the next several days will be filled with conflict, political machinations, and attempts to demonize and marginalize the large coalition of progressive Jewish institutions, organizations, and values that make up our coalition. We learned about how our delegation cannot back down in the face of pressure, ignorance, and prejudice from the far-Right delegations. As liberal Jews, we represent a vitally important segment of world Jewry. We cannot allow those on the religious or political right to force their will upon our constituencies and communities – no matter how much they feel they are entitled to do so. Some of the resolutions put forth by the far right that has been submitted to the Congress include:
Annexing the West Bank in its entirety
Settling Gaza
Enforcing Jewish sovereignty on the temple mount.
And other actions that are antithetical to those of us who believe strongly in attempting to find a pathway to peace and coexistence with the Palestinians – despite the difficulties in achieving this goal.
Our coalition called #Arzenu is comprised of progressive, reform, and liberal Jewish communities from around the world (and we have delegates from Argentina, Hungary, New Zealand, Australia, South America, Canada, and the United States… To name a few). We have received a strong mandate designed to ensure that those on the far right will not be able to dictate the future of the national institutions of Israel that this Congress funds and represents. We are here to give a strong voice to Jewish values that see the image of God in all of God’s creatures – not merely those who ascribe to a narrow, xenophobic, and, all too often, racist interpretation of what it means to be a Jewish state.
Our resolutions revolve around issues such as:
Ensuring and protecting the rights of women.
LGBQT+ equality
Protecting the security and stability of liberal Jewish institutions in Israel
Working to build bridges between Jewish and minority communities in Israel
This does not mean that we ignore the very real, existential and painful threats that Israel is facing. To be a critic does not mean to abandon our brothers, sisters, family, and friends who daily experience the threat of enemies – both local and international – who would see us destroyed. To walk the fine line between self preservation and xenophobia while simultaneously upholding a vision of tikkun olam for the future is a difficult task, but we cannot falter in our attempts to make it come to fruition.
Even though we may see the world differently than our ideological counterparts, it’s also important to stress that we are all here because we love the State of Israel- with all of its flaws - and are committed to building, supporting, and promoting the Zionist ideal of a free, democratic and strong Jewish State. We are all proud and committed Zionists - despite all of the hateful rhetoric that our enemies (from within and without) may put forth.
Today, the real work begins, and we are all committed to finding pathways of compromise and coalition building – should the opportunities arise. Knowing that we are not alone and that our delegation is comprised of remarkable individuals makes our burden lighter.
I look forward to further reports as the days continue. In the meantime, pray for peace in Jerusalem.
Joe Black is Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Emanuel in Denver, CO. After a 38-year career as a pulpit rabbi, serving as Senior Rabbi at Temple Emanuel and Congregation Albert in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as beginning his rabbinic journey at Minneapolis’ Temple Israel, he is now focusing on writing and perfoming his original music – as well as doting on his family – especially his grandson, Ezra Borofsky who lives with his parents in Brooklyn.
Joe received his bachelor’s degree in education from Northwestern University in 1982 and his master’s degree and rabbinic ordination from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1987. In 2012 he received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from HUC-JIR. Rabbi Black serves as a Chaplain in the Colorado House of Representatives and is Past President of the Rocky Mountain Rabbinical Council. A Nationally recognized musician, he has recorded 5 albums of original Jewish music and published two songbooks. He also is an accomplished writer and poet.
Rabbi Black has published several poems and articles in leading national literary and academic journals. He is a frequent contributor to anthologies and collections of Jewish writing. He has recorded seven critically-acclaimed albums of Jewish music, a songbook and two videos. Two of his songs, Boker Tov and The Afikoman Mambo have been made into Children’s books and distributed by the PJ Library. His most recent book, There Once Was A Man From Canaan: The Five Books of Limerick, is a collection of Limericks based on each torah portion. He has performed his original music in many communities in the United States and Canada and has received numerous honors for his performance and composition.
Rabbi Black is a pioneer of Jewish Contemporary music. He has performed for congregations and communities around the world. His recordings and books have received accolades from sources as diverse as The New York Times, Haddasah Magazine, Parent’s Choice, The American Library Journal and Kids First: The Coalition for Quality Children’s Video.
As a musician, Rabbi Black is known for his guitar virtuosity, soaring voice and lyrics that are at the same time, funny, inspirational and thought provoking. His music is an extension of his Rabbinate.
He currently is writing a new book titled. The Spirituality of Creativity.
