“Do you believe a Jew must be on the Rabinate’s approved list of Judaism’s and cultures in order to make Aliya or marry?”
The Interviewee – James Hendricks (Born 1972), Broker. I was born in Chicago.
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 importance of a Homeland to a People. So in general, of the utmost importance. To myself, the Homeland is important to defend along with Our People and Hashem. Also, I have certainly not ruled out making Aliya. So for myself and my family it holds the importance of a future home.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes! Such a commitment is the responsibility of every Jew.”
Do you affiliate yourself with a specific denomination in Judaism?
“Sephardic/ Modern Orthodox.“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“Yes. We maintain Our integrity and Our right to exist in Torah according to how we act as Priests to Humanity. Thus how minority groups in Israel – ethnic and religious – are treated is of the utmost importance. Also, how we cultivate and maintain relationships with Our Fellow Nations. Or to be more specific: As with every time We’ve held Our Homeland, We earn it and keep Israel based on Our adherence to Torah.“
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“We cannot afford hostile relationships with our neighbors and host countries. We are Israel’s greatest resource abroad.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“Destructive, hostile and dismissive to all Jews and Jewish Communities who are not Ultra Orthodox, Ashkenazi, Right wing, and/or in some manner beholden or outside the authority of the toxic ‘official’ Rabinate.“
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes. If they expect the same from Us.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impressions from Israel?
“I love Israel and Her People! Viva Israel!”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown?
“My hometown is Chicago. We have a large, prosperous, traditional, healthy, diverse Jewish Community there. Unfortunately in San Francisco where I live now we are large in number but heartbreakingly non-observant. Many of Us are working to change this.”
If you could ask the Israeli readers of this project a question, what would it be?
“Do you believe a Jew must be on the Rabinate’s approved list of Judaism’s and cultures in order to make Aliya or marry? Are you encumbered by restrictions yourself? If you answered no to the first question or yes to the second, why not do something about it?”
