Comments on: Raising American Jews Through an Israeli Lens

By: Jennie Starr

Jennie Starr — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:36:39 +0000

Eleazar I waited to reply to this post, for a variety of reasons. But, you'll see in my next blog post a reflection on a visit with our guests from Shaar HaNegev, San Diego's Sister City. Among the things we talked about was the ever challenging subject of Jewish life in Israel and what that means for families and communities who are not Orthodox. My kids have said for years, that "when we move to Israel" Ima will open a Tarbuton there. For years I told them it wouldn't be necessary as Israel's a Jewish state and Jewish life is culturally rich naturally there. I'm beginning to understand your comment now more and more.

By: Michelle Maltin Furman

Michelle Maltin Furman — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:32:12 +0000

Wow, Jennie! Awesome article!!

By: Alan Kholos

Alan Kholos — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:33:18 +0000

You are inspiring!

By: Jan Tannenbaum Connick

Jan Tannenbaum Connick — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:07:27 +0000

Great article Jennie! You have created something wonderful for your kids, family and so many others in your community – you should be proud!

By: Terri Loew

Terri Loew — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:45:33 +0000

I don't quite have the words yet, however, it starts with , WOW!

By: Jennie Starr

Jennie Starr — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:58:01 +0000

Great comments. Yes, and yes. Meaning, yes it would have and might yet be easier to make aliyah. One of my most interesting experiences yet was meeting an Israeli female IDF officer who told me she was living in Israel and yes, built something similar with "tarbut" emphasis in her Israeli town for her kids. Had to laugh.

Avi, yes we do a healthy mix of old and new. With respect for both.

David, the resh is ironically critically important only to Israelis who can't take the sound of an American accent speaking Hebrew. I know, why should we care. Yet, for some reason its a nice to have.

By: Jennie Starr

Jennie Starr — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:58:01 +0000

Avi, yes we do a healthy mix of old and new. With respect for both.

By: David Brent

David Brent — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:13:46 +0000

kol ha kavod. But is it really important to be able to pronounce the "resh" properly? If so, I am dafuk.

By: David Brent

David Brent — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:13:46 +0000

kol ha kavod. But is it really important to be able to pronounce the "resh" properly? If so, I am dafuk.

By: אבי קסנר

אבי קסנר — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:28:01 +0000

I grew up in American and educated with an Israeli culture that existed 20 years before I was born. I hope the Tarbuton makes an effort to reflect recent Israeli culture rather than an idealized culture of the past.

By: אבי קסנר

אבי קסנר — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:28:01 +0000

By: Eleazar Morris

Eleazar Morris — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:37:48 +0000

Wow. So, in order to find the proper mix of Judaism and Israel to instill in your children, you had to build your own cultural center? As a parent of 2, I understand well this sense of responsibility. Wouldn't it have been easier to just make Aliyah? Israel needs people like you, who build community centers!

By: Eleazar Morris

Eleazar Morris — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:37:48 +0000