09-08-2011, 03:21 AM
Hi Ed,
Thank you, again, for your very thoughtful response. All of the points, that you mention here, are well taken. I can definitely appreciate-and sympathize-with your dilemma of trying to discern the "good guys" from the "bad guys." It can be very difficult! I wish that there was a post-modern Moreh Nevukim, ("Guide for the Perplexed" -by Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon>better known as Maimonedes). At the same time, I must beg to differ on the subject of Zionism. You say that it is regarded as a Jewish movement by "some." I see Zionism as the legitmate-and majority-political expression of the Jewish people. Interestingly enough, it should be noted here that there is always room for dissent within Judaism. This is vividly shown within Israeli politics. Granted, there are so-called Christian Zionists; who are fundamentalists. I know that not every Jew-(regardless of being American, Israeli, etc.)- sees eye to eye with the fundamentalists. I remember a certain Hasidic rabbi's statement in the 1980's; regarding the Christian fundamentalists. I am not quoting verbatim: "Let them walk on the opposite side of the street. If they want to help Israel, then fine. But we should not trust them-(given Christianity's horrid past of anti-Semitism)."
Regarding the "wetikos," your description reminds me of Erich Fromm's "automaton conformity" in his book Escape from Freedom. Ed, I respect and applaud your multi-faceted pursuit of knowledge and truth. I, too, have gone through many twists and turns in the road. I have several strikes against me: a.) I am a Jew; b.) I am a long-time student of Kabbalah; c.) I am a 32' K:.C:.C:.H:. Scottish Rite Mason; d.) I am not part of the herd......
Thank you, again, for your very thoughtful response. All of the points, that you mention here, are well taken. I can definitely appreciate-and sympathize-with your dilemma of trying to discern the "good guys" from the "bad guys." It can be very difficult! I wish that there was a post-modern Moreh Nevukim, ("Guide for the Perplexed" -by Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon>better known as Maimonedes). At the same time, I must beg to differ on the subject of Zionism. You say that it is regarded as a Jewish movement by "some." I see Zionism as the legitmate-and majority-political expression of the Jewish people. Interestingly enough, it should be noted here that there is always room for dissent within Judaism. This is vividly shown within Israeli politics. Granted, there are so-called Christian Zionists; who are fundamentalists. I know that not every Jew-(regardless of being American, Israeli, etc.)- sees eye to eye with the fundamentalists. I remember a certain Hasidic rabbi's statement in the 1980's; regarding the Christian fundamentalists. I am not quoting verbatim: "Let them walk on the opposite side of the street. If they want to help Israel, then fine. But we should not trust them-(given Christianity's horrid past of anti-Semitism)."
Regarding the "wetikos," your description reminds me of Erich Fromm's "automaton conformity" in his book Escape from Freedom. Ed, I respect and applaud your multi-faceted pursuit of knowledge and truth. I, too, have gone through many twists and turns in the road. I have several strikes against me: a.) I am a Jew; b.) I am a long-time student of Kabbalah; c.) I am a 32' K:.C:.C:.H:. Scottish Rite Mason; d.) I am not part of the herd......