Shayna Goldberg: Inside Israel’s Religious Zionist Community [Israel & Diaspora 3/5]
Nov 26, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Shayna Goldberg, a teacher and author specializing in the Religious Zionist community, shares her insights on the unique cultural landscape of Israel. She explores how Rabbi Soloveitchik and Rav Kook influenced modern Jewish thought, and contrasts the religious experiences in Israel versus America. The conversation highlights evolving attitudes toward women's roles in the IDF, the concept of modesty across cultures, and the dynamic nature of dating within religious Israeli communities. Goldberg's perspective sheds light on the multifaceted lives of religious Israelis.
Rabbi Soloveitchik's analytical approach emphasizes individual relationships with God, while Rav Kook enriches spirituality through unity with the land of Israel.
Differences in Halakha interpretation highlight a contrasting view in Israel, where Jewish law is a framework for spiritual expression rather than a strict boundary.
The cultural norms surrounding modesty in the Israeli Dati Lumi community allow for varied interpretations, in stark contrast to American Orthodoxy's rigid standards.
Religious Israeli women’s attitudes toward army service have evolved, reflecting a more integrated role in community life compared to their American counterparts.
Deep dives
Evolution of Community Goals
The episode discusses the formation of a new community called Eden in Beit Shemesh, which aims to create a thriving environment for those seeking a deeper connection to both Judaism and Israel. This community represents an opportunity for individuals, particularly those contemplating Aliyah, to establish their lives in a supportive surroundings. The Eden community will include essential facilities, such as a shul and a base medrash, making it an appealing destination for prospective residents. The project is timely, especially in the context of recent events that have prompted many to reconsider their connection to Israel.
Impact of Historical Figures
The conversation highlights the influential figures of Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik and Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook, and their corresponding philosophies that shape American Orthodox and Israeli Dati Lumi communities. Soloveitchik is noted for his analytical approach to Torah study, focusing on individual relationships with God and rational understanding. In contrast, Rav Kook's mysticism emphasizes unity, spirituality, and the Jewish people's connection to the land of Israel. These theological differences play a crucial role in understanding the cultural distinctions between Judaism as practiced in Israel versus America.
Differing Approaches to Teshuvah
A significant point of discussion is the varying interpretations of Teshuvah or repentance in the two communities. Rabbi Soloveitchik introduced the concept of Teshuvah as a return to one's self, promoting an organic and introspective understanding of repentance. This contrasts with the more process-oriented focus on sin in American modern Orthodoxy. The episode suggests that this philosophical distinction has wider implications, reflecting the differences in religious experiences and expressions within the Jewish communities in Israel and the diaspora.
Understanding of Halakha
The approach to Halakha, or Jewish law, is portrayed as divergent between the two communities, with American Orthodoxy often viewing it as a legalistic boundary. In contrast, in Israel, Halakha is integrated into daily life, seen as a framework for spiritual expression rather than strictly regulatory. This contrasts with how American Jews may experience Halakha as preventive measures against sin and assimilation. The conversation emphasizes that while Halakha remains vital in Israel, its application tends to allow for a more fluid interpretation, fostering a sense of identity rather than limitation.
Distinct Community Experiences
The podcast elaborates on the differences in community dynamics, especially regarding singles and younger generations navigating their religious lives. In Israel, it is suggested that there is less pressure on singles regarding observance, leading to more relaxed dating and social interactions. This contrasts with the often rigid expectations in American Orthodoxy, where sociological pressures can significantly impact one's religious identity. The less formal dating culture in Israel may allow for healthier relationships and a deeper exploration of religiosity among young people.
Role of Women in the Jewish Community
The dynamics of women's roles in religious life differ between Israel and America, particularly regarding their participation in the army and national service. In Israel, religious women increasingly enlist in the army or undertake Shavuot Lumi, contributing to the community in meaningful ways. Conversely, the American Jewish community tends to have more apprehensions surrounding women's roles in the military and national service, often illustrating a more conservative view of women's participation in public life. This divergence highlights cultural variations and evolving attitudes toward gender roles in religious practice.
Cultural Significance of Dress
The podcast engages in a thoughtful discussion on the cultural norms surrounding modesty, especially in how women dress within religious contexts. In the Israeli Dati Lumi community, there’s generally more acceptance of varied interpretations of Tzniut, including the choice to wear pants or establish relaxed guidelines regarding sleeve lengths. This openness contrasts sharply with American Orthodoxy, where strict adherence to traditional standards can significantly affect one's place within the community. The episode illustrates how cultural norms influence perceptions and practices related to modesty across different Jewish communities.
Navigating Identity and Connection
Finally, the conversation delves into the relationship dynamics between the Jewish diaspora and Israel, emphasizing the longing for a connection to the land. It notes that many individuals feel a profound desire to create their identity anchored in a connection to Israel, often inspired by their experiences during gap years or visits. The episode explores how this yearning is not simply about physical relocation but reflects a deeper spiritual calling that transcends geographical boundaries. In navigating their identities, many seek to integrate elements of their American upbringing with the vibrant cultural fabric of Israeli life.
This episode is sponsored by Eden Beit Shemesh. Contact Rina Weinberg at info@edenbeitshemesh.com for more details. Noam Taragin, son of our recent guest Rabbi Moshe Taragin, was seriously injured in Lebanon. We ask to pray for his quick healing: Noam Avraham ben Atara Shlomit. In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Shayna Goldberg—a teacher, mashgicha ruchanit, yoetzet halacha, and author—about the unique features of Israel’s Religious Zionist community. Jews in America are proud of the institutions and culture built over the past century, but we tend to forget that Israel’s Dati Leumi community has developed its own parallel—and vastly different—culture. In this episode we discuss:
How did Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Rav Kook lay the groundwork for our different religious communities today?
How does religious life in Israel compare with America?
How have religious Israeli women’s attitudes toward army service evolved over the years?
Tune in to hear a conversation about how deeply Jewish practice and spirituality penetrate everyday life in Israel’s religious communities. Interview begins at 12:42. Rabbanit Shayna Goldberg teaches Israeli and American post-high school students and is the mashgicha ruchanit in the Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash for Women in Migdal Oz, an affiliate of Yeshivat Har Etzion. She is a yoetzet halacha, a contributing editor for Deracheha: Women and Mitzvot, and the author of the book, What Do You Really Want? Trust and Fear in Decision Making at Life's Crossroads and in Everyday Living (2021). References: “Rabbi Soloveitchik Meets Rav Kook” by Jeffrey Saks
