I enjoyed reading this post sooooo much. It both made me laugh and brought back this memory. My mother and I attended a cousin’s wedding in Tel Aviv in 2007. My cousin had to (by law) go to a Mikva bath, even though she had no desire to do so. She asked me to accompany her. I watched as she bathed in disgust. I was disgusted, too. Religion by force … hmmm, must be a theocracy. Indeed it is. And it’s disgusting. I have so much respect and admiration for your faith and appreciation of Jewish history and culture. I always learn. And I often laugh. Eternally grateful 🙏✊
Brilliant! Also, one could mention that if all Jews in the world concentrate themselves in tiny Israel, what an easy target! Imagine if all the Jews in the world had been living in Germany in 1939.
When a fundamentalist/literalist Minister told Mark Twain that by poking fun at Christianity would end up in hell, Twain replied: "Well in that case, I'll be in the company of some mighty fine people."
Congratulations, on taking the same route regarding excommunication!
Those of us living in the diaspora outside of the Zionist bubble need your beautiful response. I Thank you!
Were we not taught to be learned and question? The actions of Netanyahu party are disgraceful and will only grow more hatred towards Jews everywhere even if we Jews are made from a different cloth.
Too many innocents have died in way too many countries.
Loved this. As a Humanistic Jew(ess), I suppose I have already been excommunicated. I love the rituals and honor my ancestors but, thanks to my synagogue, I don't have to believe everything I read, yes even the bible!!!
I don't use g-d yet I am spiritual. I remember growing up with my mother excited about Isreal. But she never went nor did I.
Please send me an invite to Amsterdam. I can bring chocolate macaroons!!
Perfect! The hypocrisy of our fellow Jews (both inside Israel and outside) who are traitors to basic Jewish teachings, values and morality, is breathtaking. They deserve to be skewered and called to account. Thanks for your voice.
Thank you, Rabbi Rami for speaking to another bullie in the world. I appreciate all of your teachings and writings and for our clear, honest comments and posts.
As it is written in the Talmud, Order Nezikin, Tractate Makkot, Chapter 3: Fuck Haggai Segal. I've been to Israel 7 times and do not plan on ever going back until trash like him and all his right-wing hijackers of Judaism crawl back under their rocks.
I love the word Doykayt! (maybe mispelled, sorry!). I love it because it is rather like "Dasein" which is the word Heidegger used. We need to be where we are, in the now, and with each other, and we need to know we are at home, in this universe; and that God does not leave us orphans, and He promised not to abandon us. I love your clear witnessing to the value of diaspora-- the great Dandelion of Jewish history, and the importance of belonging in the community we are belonging with and to. I love the book "The Future is Peace". I love those two men. They share tears and grief, the loss of loved ones, the daily violence, and their lives, and their existence, in spite of the Israeli rabbinate. Let us smoke a peace pipe together and commit to the diaspora, and to the future of peace. Let us believe it is possible to stop seeing others as enemies, and begin to believe we can solve problems together with respect and courage and love. May you be blessed. May all that is Holy hold you in love.
You are so awesome Rabbi Rami!! I love everything about this letter! Your passion for justice and your sense of humor is very appreciated!!
Shalom! Salaam! Peace!💖🙏🏼
I enjoyed reading this post sooooo much. It both made me laugh and brought back this memory. My mother and I attended a cousin’s wedding in Tel Aviv in 2007. My cousin had to (by law) go to a Mikva bath, even though she had no desire to do so. She asked me to accompany her. I watched as she bathed in disgust. I was disgusted, too. Religion by force … hmmm, must be a theocracy. Indeed it is. And it’s disgusting. I have so much respect and admiration for your faith and appreciation of Jewish history and culture. I always learn. And I often laugh. Eternally grateful 🙏✊
Brilliant! Also, one could mention that if all Jews in the world concentrate themselves in tiny Israel, what an easy target! Imagine if all the Jews in the world had been living in Germany in 1939.
When a fundamentalist/literalist Minister told Mark Twain that by poking fun at Christianity would end up in hell, Twain replied: "Well in that case, I'll be in the company of some mighty fine people."
Congratulations, on taking the same route regarding excommunication!
Thank you for your honesty and courage Rabbi Rami, against terrorists inside some branches
of the Jewish people and leaders. I appreciate your explaining the issues and the history.
5 years until Amsterdam !!
Those of us living in the diaspora outside of the Zionist bubble need your beautiful response. I Thank you!
Were we not taught to be learned and question? The actions of Netanyahu party are disgraceful and will only grow more hatred towards Jews everywhere even if we Jews are made from a different cloth.
Too many innocents have died in way too many countries.
Loved this. As a Humanistic Jew(ess), I suppose I have already been excommunicated. I love the rituals and honor my ancestors but, thanks to my synagogue, I don't have to believe everything I read, yes even the bible!!!
I don't use g-d yet I am spiritual. I remember growing up with my mother excited about Isreal. But she never went nor did I.
Please send me an invite to Amsterdam. I can bring chocolate macaroons!!
.
Perfect! The hypocrisy of our fellow Jews (both inside Israel and outside) who are traitors to basic Jewish teachings, values and morality, is breathtaking. They deserve to be skewered and called to account. Thanks for your voice.
You’re in great company with Spinoza
Beautifully (and humorously) said, Rabbi. Everything good about our faith is in writing like yours. The rest. . .is commentary!
Thank you!
Thank you, Rabbi Rami for speaking to another bullie in the world. I appreciate all of your teachings and writings and for our clear, honest comments and posts.
As it is written in the Talmud, Order Nezikin, Tractate Makkot, Chapter 3: Fuck Haggai Segal. I've been to Israel 7 times and do not plan on ever going back until trash like him and all his right-wing hijackers of Judaism crawl back under their rocks.
Great one Rabbi Rami!
I love the word Doykayt! (maybe mispelled, sorry!). I love it because it is rather like "Dasein" which is the word Heidegger used. We need to be where we are, in the now, and with each other, and we need to know we are at home, in this universe; and that God does not leave us orphans, and He promised not to abandon us. I love your clear witnessing to the value of diaspora-- the great Dandelion of Jewish history, and the importance of belonging in the community we are belonging with and to. I love the book "The Future is Peace". I love those two men. They share tears and grief, the loss of loved ones, the daily violence, and their lives, and their existence, in spite of the Israeli rabbinate. Let us smoke a peace pipe together and commit to the diaspora, and to the future of peace. Let us believe it is possible to stop seeing others as enemies, and begin to believe we can solve problems together with respect and courage and love. May you be blessed. May all that is Holy hold you in love.
Everything they saw we are, we are. And we are very proud of ourselves.
Love this one....