“There are so many ways to be Jewish, and there are so many ways to be religiously and spiritually Jewish, that don’t involve Orthodoxy and that don’t involve living in the Jewish state.”
The Interviewee – Hannah Spiro (Born 1990), student at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. Born in Washington, DC.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“The Jewish State is incredibly important to me personally and to the Jewish people in general.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Deeply.”
Do you affiliate yourself with a specific denomination in Judaism? What is your view regarding the dominance of the Orthodox denomination in Israel religious establishment?
“I identify as a Reconstructionist Jew, and I am deeply saddened by the dominance of Orthodoxy in the Israeli establishment.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“To a significant extent, yes.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“There are so many ways to be Jewish, and there are so many ways to be religiously and spiritually Jewish, that don’t involve Orthodoxy and that don’t involve living in the Jewish state.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“I believe the Diaspora has a lot to offer Israel and vice versa.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“Several times, and once, at length. It is a beautiful place in so many ways to which I feel deeply connected. I love the land, I love the Jewish cultural production, I love Hebrew and Jewish text infusing everything. I also feel a lot of racism, religious tension, and ethnic tension in Israel, which breaks my heart.”
What was your best experience of Israeli culture in the past year (book, music, TV, movie, theater etc.)?
“The Idan Raichel Project.”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“The DC Jewish community is very large and very diverse. All movements are represented here, and there are many opportunities for involvement at every age.”
