Welcome to Mount Zion’s blog! As part of our Israel initiative for 2010-11, we’ve created an online resource for congregants to share ideas, information and news about Israel. We want this blog to serve as both an educational resource and a forum in which you can express your thoughts and opinions.
Just as Jacob wrestles with God before he is promised the Jewish nation, so do we wrestle with our relationship with God, Israel, and other aspects of the Jewish experience. As Rashi teaches us, however, “wrestling” is precisely what joins Jacob to God. Our questioning of Israel is an important aspect of our Jewish identities that, rather than separating us from the Holy Land, actually binds us to it.
On the main page of this blog, you’ll find several new articles every month about a specific Israel topic. You can respond — to the topic in general or to the articles — by clicking on the Comments link. The topics will change monthly, so check the list below to see what’s coming up. Please be respectful and keep responses to under 500 words. All opinions are welcome, and we hope that you feel comfortable engaging in the dialogue, and excited about participating!
From September 2010 through August 2011, the Mount Zion paper bulletin will include a two-page spread with your thoughts on these different Israel topics. Those printed contributions will be chosen from the comments you post here, and from those emailed to us directly.
On the Events tab, you’ll find information on Israel-related programming in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
In the Archive section, you can review the articles posted from previous months.
If you want to learn more about Israel –its history, culture, geography and more – go no further than the Facts tab (right now, this and other tabs may be works in progress!).
Finally, the Resources tab will provide you with other Israel-related websites, magazines, and books to help further your understanding of the Jewish State.
If you have any suggestions – or if you have questions about how to submit a response — feel free to contact us at pamleeds@charter.net.
Bulletin TOPICS (nOVEMBER 2010 - AUGUST 2011)
November: What is Israel’s greatest contribution to the world?
December: Can religious pluralism succeed in Israel?
January: Where are Mount Zion congregants’ partnerships in Israel?
February: A two-state Solution?
March: Through the camera’s lens: How media affects views on Israel
April: What is the greatest threat facing Israel?
May: How do progressive values and Zionism align or collide?
June/July: Planning a trip to Israel: What Israel do you see?
August: Where are signs of hope? People-to-people peacemaking.
