More than 100 people from synagogues across Richmond attended a community-wide panel discussion hosted at Congregation Or Atid entitled, “Thinking Jewishly: Zionism for All Jews – How Judaism Impacts Zionism and How Zionism Impacts Judaism.”

 

Brad Kaplan from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond speaks to attendees.

 

Moderated by attorney Schlomo Skaist, the panel consisted of Rabbis from various area synagogues.

Or Atid Rabbi Sherry Grinsteiner fielded the first question of the evening about her relation with Israel.

Born in Israel, Rabbi Grinsteiner, who has two sons and a large extended family there exclaimed,

“Why is Israel important? We are the light of the nations. Israel is a prerequisite to Judaism. I may not live in Israel, but I will die for Israel.”

Rabbi Rachel Salston of Temple Beth-El followed up on the question, stating

“I cannot separate my Zionism growing up in the 1990s.” She then asked, “Who gets to own the word, Israel?”

When asked if he thought the religious community opposed Zionism taking the place of Judaism, Rabbi Yossel Kranz of the Chabad Community Synagogue of Richmond responded with an emphatic “No!”

“Zionism is a man-made ideology,” stated Rabbi Dovid Asher of Keneseth Beth Israel. “Is there an ethic outside of Judaism? Do we judge Judaism by the people? Ideology, Judaism and Zionism are inseparable. Zionism is determining our own destiny.”

Rabbi Scott Nagel of Beth Ahabah explained that

“we need Zionists who don't live in Israel. We need to support Israel from afar. Zionism is not where you live but Jews should have a place where they are in charge.”

Rabbi Elisha Paul, Head of School,  Rudlin Torah Academy (RTA), Richmond’s Hebrew day school, said that Jewish literacy and the connection to Israel is important.

“We can't substitute education for a guest appearance. We are losing the PR War.”

“Thinking Jewishly," sponsored by the Federation was an evening for Jews around Richmond to bond with each other through the vibrancy of personal engagement. It was an evening where attendees were able to come together to enliven shared Jewish character, invigorate passion for being Jewish and challenge and learn from one another.

The evening included small group discussions centering around questions regarding one’s relationship with Israel and understanding of Zionism, and the next chapter of Israel’s story.

The evening ended with a rousing rendition of HaTikvah – The Hope – which helped the group to feel a sense of collaboration across denominations.