non-Zionist Jewish congregations in the DMV?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Personally I believe there is a wide range in what constitutes Zionism. I think most American Jews believe in a Zionism where Israel is both Jewish and a pluralistic democratic state, but it is increasingly doubtful that Israel can be all of those things.

Many American Jews believe in a Zionism where Israel maintains its Jewish identity even at expense of pluralistic, democratic values but many do not and whether those latter people are really Zionists is where the rub is.

There will be a “Peace Bloc” within the pro-Israel march on Tuesday to continue to make the case that people can be pro-Israel, pro-peace and pro-democracy. I think the Reconstructionist movement is part of the Peace Bloc so you could consider looking at those congregations (like Adat Shalom).

What are the goals of the Peace Bloc?

I am not involved in organizing it but I assume it is to express support for Israel and its right to self-defense, to support release of the hostages, to oppose anti-semitism, but also to show support for helping the civilian population of Gaza (recognizing the horror they are going through), respecting international law, and recognizing that Israel cannot achieve just and lasting peace by military force alone.

"Right to self defense" lol what an amazing turn of phrase to describe what Israelis are doing in Gaza atm. Really great PR term.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you were Jewish you would know that this question actually doesn't make any sense (as pp's post) and you would already know where to look to answer this question. There would be people in your life or who you associate with that would give you leads. Your question only makes sense if you became Jewish today or Jewish only for the purposes of making this post. You seem to not have a single connection in the community.

I just posted about the Jewish Humanist shuls. I don’t support the current policies in Israel. I also am a strong supporter of a two state solution.f You can absolutely be Jewish and not a Zionist.

You do realize that the two-state solution only works if the “second state” doesn’t have as its public and professed mission “destroy first state” right? I mean, Hamas is not shy about this goal. The Palestinian people in Gaza ELECTED members of Hamas to serve as their official leadership. So how does one suggest that a two-state solution happen when one of the states wants to destroy the other—as its primary goal.???

This usually happens when one state steals the land of the other state. As is the case with Israel and Palestine.

Please learn history before weighing in on things you clearly don’t know about. The British Mandate of Palestine was not a country. It was British controlled. The UN divided it into two states, Palestine and Israel. Palestine could never accept this and kept attacking the new state of Israel and lost land in the process.

Now if we’re talking the more recent incursions into the West Bank, agreed. But the trope of Israel entirely “stealing” Palestine’s land… no.

So the moral of the story is… the Brits are immoral scum who f*cked up all parts of the world they meddled with and now sit back and casually observe the results with a detached and bemused air.

There is so much more that has happened in human history since the end of the colonial era. Many states that were colonized have been independent for a long time now. That part of history isn't discussed in popular culture and on tik tok so it is not know about. No one knows much if anything about the African world war of the late 20th century. The conflict between China and Vietnam in the mid to late 20th century. So the let's get revenge and take back what is ours from the white supremacist settler colonist narrative is faulty-ignores wide periods of human activity, periods that included conflict between people who looked like each other.

So you believe that colonialism was not a cause of these African and Asian wars?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Personally I believe there is a wide range in what constitutes Zionism. I think most American Jews believe in a Zionism where Israel is both Jewish and a pluralistic democratic state, but it is increasingly doubtful that Israel can be all of those things.

Many American Jews believe in a Zionism where Israel maintains its Jewish identity even at expense of pluralistic, democratic values but many do not and whether those latter people are really Zionists is where the rub is.

There will be a “Peace Bloc” within the pro-Israel march on Tuesday to continue to make the case that people can be pro-Israel, pro-peace and pro-democracy. I think the Reconstructionist movement is part of the Peace Bloc so you could consider looking at those congregations (like Adat Shalom).

What are the goals of the Peace Bloc?

I am not involved in organizing it but I assume it is to express support for Israel and its right to self-defense, to support release of the hostages, to oppose anti-semitism, but also to show support for helping the civilian population of Gaza (recognizing the horror they are going through), respecting international law, and recognizing that Israel cannot achieve just and lasting peace by military force alone.

"Right to self defense" lol what an amazing turn of phrase to describe what Israelis are doing in Gaza atm. Really great PR term.

I think the whole point is that what Israel is doing in Gaza is not consistent with the right to self defense.

[Anonymous]

We’re a half Jewish family. We tried out going to temple when our kids were little so they could attend Hebrew school. At the time we ruled out the temples with the big banners supporting Israel. I cant imagine going to one of those now. Instead of joining a temple, why not join a multi religious peace group? What are we praying for, if not for peace?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Personally I believe there is a wide range in what constitutes Zionism. I think most American Jews believe in a Zionism where Israel is both Jewish and a pluralistic democratic state, but it is increasingly doubtful that Israel can be all of those things.

Many American Jews believe in a Zionism where Israel maintains its Jewish identity even at expense of pluralistic, democratic values but many do not and whether those latter people are really Zionists is where the rub is.

There will be a “Peace Bloc” within the pro-Israel march on Tuesday to continue to make the case that people can be pro-Israel, pro-peace and pro-democracy. I think the Reconstructionist movement is part of the Peace Bloc so you could consider looking at those congregations (like Adat Shalom).

What are the goals of the Peace Bloc?

I am not involved in organizing it but I assume it is to express support for Israel and its right to self-defense, to support release of the hostages, to oppose anti-semitism, but also to show support for helping the civilian population of Gaza (recognizing the horror they are going through), respecting international law, and recognizing that Israel cannot achieve just and lasting peace by military force alone.

"Right to self defense" lol what an amazing turn of phrase to describe what Israelis are doing in Gaza atm. Really great PR term.

I think the whole point is that what Israel is doing in Gaza is not consistent with the right to self defense.

That is why they are called the Peace Bloc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re a half Jewish family. We tried out going to temple when our kids were little so they could attend Hebrew school. At the time we ruled out the temples with the big banners supporting Israel. I cant imagine going to one of those now. Instead of joining a temple, why not join a multi religious peace group? What are we praying for, if not for peace?

Any chance you're the not- Jewish half?

( to be fair I previously was put off by such signs as well and mostly saw them at conservative synagogues)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re a half Jewish family. We tried out going to temple when our kids were little so they could attend Hebrew school. At the time we ruled out the temples with the big banners supporting Israel. I cant imagine going to one of those now. Instead of joining a temple, why not join a multi religious peace group? What are we praying for, if not for peace?

Because she’s Jewish …?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not Jewish but just wanna say, really respect you OP for taking this stance and standing up for what is right. Kudos.

were you under the impression that American Jews all support Netanyahu and don’t care about civilians? maybe you should reflect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you were Jewish you would know that this question actually doesn't make any sense (as pp's post) and you would already know where to look to answer this question. There would be people in your life or who you associate with that would give you leads. Your question only makes sense if you became Jewish today or Jewish only for the purposes of making this post. You seem to not have a single connection in the community.

I just posted about the Jewish Humanist shuls. I don’t support the current policies in Israel. I also am a strong supporter of a two state solution.f You can absolutely be Jewish and not a Zionist.

You do realize that the two-state solution only works if the “second state” doesn’t have as its public and professed mission “destroy first state” right? I mean, Hamas is not shy about this goal. The Palestinian people in Gaza ELECTED members of Hamas to serve as their official leadership. So how does one suggest that a two-state solution happen when one of the states wants to destroy the other—as its primary goal.???

In 2006, Hamas won 44% of the vote in parliamentary elections (yes, more than any other party, but not a majority). Hamas has since been running an authoritarian regime. There have been no elections in 15+ years.

Yeah … “Hamas won 44% of the vote” .. just like Hezbollah got a majority vote in the Lebanese government. In case you didn’t know it, these terrorist groups bully themselves into power but yet the civilians are now responsible for the actions because “ they voted them in”… sad !

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Personally I believe there is a wide range in what constitutes Zionism. I think most American Jews believe in a Zionism where Israel is both Jewish and a pluralistic democratic state, but it is increasingly doubtful that Israel can be all of those things.

Many American Jews believe in a Zionism where Israel maintains its Jewish identity even at expense of pluralistic, democratic values but many do not and whether those latter people are really Zionists is where the rub is.

There will be a “Peace Bloc” within the pro-Israel march on Tuesday to continue to make the case that people can be pro-Israel, pro-peace and pro-democracy. I think the Reconstructionist movement is part of the Peace Bloc so you could consider looking at those congregations (like Adat Shalom).

What are the goals of the Peace Bloc?

I am not involved in organizing it but I assume it is to express support for Israel and its right to self-defense, to support release of the hostages, to oppose anti-semitism, but also to show support for helping the civilian population of Gaza (recognizing the horror they are going through), respecting international law, and recognizing that Israel cannot achieve just and lasting peace by military force alone.

"Right to self defense" lol what an amazing turn of phrase to describe what Israelis are doing in Gaza atm. Really great PR term.

Yes, that's exactly the point the peace bloc will be making — that Israel has a right to self-defense but has gone way past that in Gaza (and also separately that the West Bank situation is intolerable and unsustainable).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Personally I believe there is a wide range in what constitutes Zionism. I think most American Jews believe in a Zionism where Israel is both Jewish and a pluralistic democratic state, but it is increasingly doubtful that Israel can be all of those things.

Many American Jews believe in a Zionism where Israel maintains its Jewish identity even at expense of pluralistic, democratic values but many do not and whether those latter people are really Zionists is where the rub is.

There will be a “Peace Bloc” within the pro-Israel march on Tuesday to continue to make the case that people can be pro-Israel, pro-peace and pro-democracy. I think the Reconstructionist movement is part of the Peace Bloc so you could consider looking at those congregations (like Adat Shalom).

What are the goals of the Peace Bloc?

I am not involved in organizing it but I assume it is to express support for Israel and its right to self-defense, to support release of the hostages, to oppose anti-semitism, but also to show support for helping the civilian population of Gaza (recognizing the horror they are going through), respecting international law, and recognizing that Israel cannot achieve just and lasting peace by military force alone.

"Right to self defense" lol what an amazing turn of phrase to describe what Israelis are doing in Gaza atm. Really great PR term.

Yes, that's exactly the point the peace bloc will be making — that Israel has a right to self-defense but has gone way past that in Gaza (and also separately that the West Bank situation is intolerable and unsustainable).

Does JVP actually believe that, though?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re a half Jewish family. We tried out going to temple when our kids were little so they could attend Hebrew school. At the time we ruled out the temples with the big banners supporting Israel. I cant imagine going to one of those now. Instead of joining a temple, why not join a multi religious peace group? What are we praying for, if not for peace?

How can you be "half" of something?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you were Jewish you would know that this question actually doesn't make any sense (as pp's post) and you would already know where to look to answer this question. There would be people in your life or who you associate with that would give you leads. Your question only makes sense if you became Jewish today or Jewish only for the purposes of making this post. You seem to not have a single connection in the community.

I just posted about the Jewish Humanist shuls. I don’t support the current policies in Israel. I also am a strong supporter of a two state solution.f You can absolutely be Jewish and not a Zionist.

You do realize that the two-state solution only works if the “second state” doesn’t have as its public and professed mission “destroy first state” right? I mean, Hamas is not shy about this goal. The Palestinian people in Gaza ELECTED members of Hamas to serve as their official leadership. So how does one suggest that a two-state solution happen when one of the states wants to destroy the other—as its primary goal.???

This usually happens when one state steals the land of the other state. As is the case with Israel and Palestine.

Please learn history before weighing in on things you clearly don’t know about. The British Mandate of Palestine was not a country. It was British controlled. The UN divided it into two states, Palestine and Israel. Palestine could never accept this and kept attacking the new state of Israel and lost land in the process.

Now if we’re talking the more recent incursions into the West Bank, agreed. But the trope of Israel entirely “stealing” Palestine’s land… no.

There was also a later plan, after the initial two-state division was rejected, to have one non-Jewish state and limit Jewish immigration, which Jewish residents didn't accept and led to a lot of illegal Jewish immigration and attacks on British and Palestinian sites there. I'm Jewish and believe in Israel's right to exist (and in a two-state future), but if we're going to lecture people on history, let's not just elide the Irgun and Revisionist Zionism, especially given how influential the ideas behind that history in the 1930s and 1940s have proven to be on modern Israeli right-wing politics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re a half Jewish family. We tried out going to temple when our kids were little so they could attend Hebrew school. At the time we ruled out the temples with the big banners supporting Israel. I cant imagine going to one of those now. Instead of joining a temple, why not join a multi religious peace group? What are we praying for, if not for peace?

How can you be "half" of something?

One parent is Jewish and one parent isn't. This doesn't seem particularly complicated?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Personally I believe there is a wide range in what constitutes Zionism. I think most American Jews believe in a Zionism where Israel is both Jewish and a pluralistic democratic state, but it is increasingly doubtful that Israel can be all of those things.

Many American Jews believe in a Zionism where Israel maintains its Jewish identity even at expense of pluralistic, democratic values but many do not and whether those latter people are really Zionists is where the rub is.

There will be a “Peace Bloc” within the pro-Israel march on Tuesday to continue to make the case that people can be pro-Israel, pro-peace and pro-democracy. I think the Reconstructionist movement is part of the Peace Bloc so you could consider looking at those congregations (like Adat Shalom).

What are the goals of the Peace Bloc?

I am not involved in organizing it but I assume it is to express support for Israel and its right to self-defense, to support release of the hostages, to oppose anti-semitism, but also to show support for helping the civilian population of Gaza (recognizing the horror they are going through), respecting international law, and recognizing that Israel cannot achieve just and lasting peace by military force alone.

"Right to self defense" lol what an amazing turn of phrase to describe what Israelis are doing in Gaza atm. Really great PR term.

Yes, that's exactly the point the peace bloc will be making — that Israel has a right to self-defense but has gone way past that in Gaza (and also separately that the West Bank situation is intolerable and unsustainable).

Does JVP actually believe that, though?

JVP is not participating in this rally. The peace bloc, as I understand it, is mostly being organized by Americans for Peace Now and J Street, both of which believe in Israel's inherent right to exist but disagree with most of its policies toward Palestinians and the occupation.