“Jews living outside of Israel are truly challenged when it comes to holding on and creating new Jewish identity. The question of who is a Jew outside of the state is a deeper question and has long term ramifications.”
The Interviewee – Binah Malka Stinnett (Born 1978) Project Coordinator in a Jewish Non-Profit. Born in Long Beach, California native. Who has lived in Israel, Made Alyiah, Converted to Orthodox Judaism in Jerusalem at 20 and lives in New York City currently… all this by the age of 28.
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 existence of the Jewish sate is extremely essential important to me and I think its safe to say the Jewish people in general. Sure we (the Jewish people) all have different view about how the state should be lead but Israel is the foundation of key Jewish ideas and identity.“
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“I have never really given this question true thought but, surly I’m committed to doing my part in order to keep and defend the existence of Israel. I’m just not sure what my ‘role’ would be in that process.”
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’m affiliated with Orthodoxy if I must be affiliated with a denotation at all. My choice to affiliate with Orthodox is a refection of where I stand when it comes to the acts of practice within the Jewish faith. Also many views found within Orthodox Jewish law reflect how I see myself and family some day living our Judaism in the further. I think any detonation within Judaism is problematic but, in some cases I see its the ‘benefits’ of having the sate so heavy influenced by Orthodoxy (have a view of traditional Jewish law).“
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
“No, but I understand how acts taking place in Israel may be seen by an uneducated public as a refection on Jewish people and Judaism as a whole and that problematic.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“Jews living outside of Israel are truly challenged when it comes to holding on and creating new Jewish identity. The question of who is a Jew outside of the state is a deeper question and has long term ramifications.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“Unclear.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“Israel the people. Not Israel the state. BUT the fact that Israel as a nation has help so many other communities Jewish and non Jewish alike. Defending and help JEWISH communities in need outside of Israel should be a top priority. ”
Have you ever been to Israel? if you have, can you summarize your impression from the Israeli reality?
“I have many times. I’ve even lived in Israel. I’m not sure how to summarize my impression of Israel’s reality as it holds its own merit and can not be compared to anything in existence.“
What was your best experience of Israeli culture in the past year (book, music, TV, movie, theater etc.)?
“Living in Jerusalem, walking to the theater to see a dance performance, and then going to the restaurant Yudelah in Machne Yehudah!”
Can you tell us a bit about the Jewish community in your hometown? Is it organized? Are there any community activities?
“There aren’t a lot of observant Jews and its pretty spread out. Which is why I’ve moved so often (one location being Jerusalem, Israel).”
