….In Regards to the Leadel Live Event
Inside-Out: Influencing Israel From a Global Jewish Perspective

It's like you (Israeli Jews) see being Jewish as being your parents' Child, but in the states, it's like being your spouse's Spouse

There is much to say about yesterday's event. From what was said on the panel to the great audience (it was a packed house) and the vibe we had at the Heseg House and on the Web, we could start anywhere.

But if there's one thing that really got me thinking, is what Dr. Ed Retting had to say about the different ways Jews in Israel and Jews in the European Union vs. Jews in the US and "America" view their "Jewishness".  He said, "It's like you (Israeli Jews) see being Jewish as being your parents' Child, but in the states, it's like being your spouse's Spouse" that's really saying something about the way we define our Jewish identity - a meta identity issue.

Ed thought that talking about it can help bridge the gap, or should one say ocean, between the two views. I must say, I think talking with a better understanding of the terms is always a big step in the right direction, but I'm just not sure that it'll be enough. What we do agree on is that this is a huge issue and that we must start doing something about it.  Even considering yesterday as a start to this understanding and 'doing', we can't do enough, quickly enough…