Lakeland - Religion - Articles about Israel

Coattails to the Kotel

I�d like to thank Beverly and Rabbi Eddie Fox for sending me a copy of Lakeland's Temple Emanuel Menorah. It offers an interesting insight into Jewish life in the United States.

Many of you know that some aspects of life here in Israel can be difficult. However, there is another side to the story. The Menorah demonstrated that in one way it�s easier to live in Israel � and that life in the United States may be more difficult.

That aspect is Judaism.

It�s easy for us to live a full Jewish life in Israel, without thinking much about it. It may be more difficult to experience Judaism in some parts of the States, where Jews live among a Gentile majority.

However, it is heartwarming to read stories such as your solidarity for Israel rally back on July 25th, 2006. We in Israel certainly do need as many exhibitions of your support as possible. It was also wonderful to read that so many senior representatives of other religions showed their concern for the future of our Holy Land during a terrible war with our hostile neighbors in Lebanon, who reject our very existence. The presence of figures representing a multitude of faiths in Lakeland underlined the centrality of Israel in Jewish life, as well as in the lives of other major religions.

Yes, Israel faces existential questions. But despite all of its physical security, it�s also difficult to be a Jew in the United States. "S'iz shver tzu zein a yid" (ask your grandmother what that means).

Perhaps the concept of difficulty is relative. As an American Jew, you may enjoy physical and financial security, at the price of religious insecurity. As an Israeli, you may benefit from religious security, at the expense of constant strife with hostile neighbors.

Must there be a choice? Can't we benefit from all forms of security?

Perhaps it is possible. Rabbi Fox and Beverly have maintained and encouraged a vibrant Jewish community in Lakeland. Rabbi Fox has made it possible for Lakelanders to have their cake and eat it too. (Just be sure to hold off on that cake until you keep T.A.B.s on Beverly�s Temple Approved Bakers). He has made it possible to enjoy a sense of religious security in the surrounding environment.

I want to commend Rabbi Fox and Beverly for their successful efforts. May they have the strength, energy, and enthusiasm to do so for many years to come. Shana Tova from Israel to the fine Lakeland Jewish community.

Where do you want to go now?