Israel vs. Diaspora Roots
Many American Jews do not feel a
historical attachment to Israel.
They see themselves as descendants of the Jewish Diaspora; the
dispersion of Jews from the land of Israel to other communities.
They trace their culture and roots from Eastern Europe,
and embrace its cuisine, music, humor, and customs.
Their grandparents’ stories and pictures
do not come from the Middle East,
they come from Europe.
Many Jews in America in the 20th Century
Knew Holocaust survivors personally.
Knew in their gut that Israel was the haven
they could run to if crisis hit.
Believed Israel was a scrappy small country
battling a much larger opposition that
wanted to destroy them.
Believed that Israel was a ‘beacon of
democracy’ in the region.
Many Jews in America in the 21st Century
Are increasingly the children of
inter-faith marriage.
May not go to Hebrew School.
May not have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
May go on a trip to Israel through Birthright,
but treat it as a great free trip abroad.
See an Israel today that older
Jews no longer recognize.
Why The Judaica Project?
The best way to confront anti-Semitism is by supporting Joyous Judaism. Embracing
the pride and joy of being Jewish and
upholding Jewish values.
To feel confident in these difficult times of
anti-Semitism is to understand that
Jews are a part of a long tradition.
To understand Jewish history, values,
teachings and texts.
Knowledge is Power: the best
way to fight antisemitism.
The Judaica Project.
The Judaica Project is a series of images,
sculpted from wood, that illustrate
several core Jewish values and its heritage.
www.sgartinmotion.com/the-judaica-project
Any of these images can be
downloaded for free.
Post them online.
Produce a placard for group discussion.
Hang them on a wall.
They will hopefully be used as a basis for
discussion and education.
Knowledge is Power!