“I am Orthodox, and I believe it’s necessary for the survival of the Jewish identity of the state. Contrary to popular propaganda spread among the ignorant, Orthodoxy is the only one that is a legitimate extension of the original religion.”
The Interviewee – Rabbi Chaim Smulowitz (Born 1970). I was born in Brooklyn, moved to Queens a year later. Studied in yeshivos for many years and received my rabbinic ordination From Rabbi Avraham Pam Zt”l. I’m currently the ordaining rabbi of an international rabbinic ordination project, and wrote many books on explaining Talmud with the Tosfos commentary, available on Amazon. Lives in Oak Park, Michigan.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“It’s immensely important. Besides being a safe-haven for the world’s Jews, it also the biggest concentration of true Jewish scholarship and culture.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes, for the reasons mentioned above.”
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 am Orthodox, and I believe it’s necessary for the survival of the Jewish identity of the state. Contrary to popular propaganda spread among the ignorant, Orthodoxy is the only one that is a legitimate extension of the original religion. If the other so-called branches have a hold in the rabbinate it will cause so many Mamzeirim (illegitimate children) and non-Jews mixed among the population that it will wreck the same havoc as it did in the Diaspora, that people can’t take for granted that they can marry anyone else. Besides, it’s quite silly to allow people who don’t have the ability to learn a Tosfos deciding major halachic issues. Although many Jews in the Diaspora unfortunately are too unlearned and cannot tell the difference, however, Israelis are more sophisticated with regards to Judaism and, even if they’re not Orthodox themselves, understands this to be correct.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“I don’t feel morally responsible, but I don’t think they’re anyhow morally tainted in the first place.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“I don’t think they misunderstand the Diaspora Jew, nor do I think it’s their obligation to understand them either.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“I think they’re very thoughtful towards the Diaspora Jews.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Yes, and I think they have always been helpful to the extent they can.”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“Yes. Twice. It’s such a beautiful country. What can be more inspiring than praying at the Western Wall?”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there community activities?
“Oak Park, Michigan is a moderate size warm Jewish community. A lot of Young Jewish couples moving in, so it’s growing steadily over the past few years.”
