Controversial Aliyah question in Teaneck
There was a very interesting post today over at Teaneck Talk, a local blog written and maintained by the Orthodox community of Teaneck, NJ (a very well known and popular town in the New York City area). The author of the article writes how, although the area of Teaneck has an exceptionally high rate of Aliyah and people moving to Israel, there has been an equally alarming number of people making Yerida (leaving Israel) and moving to the area while also starting to take up some of the more high profile positions (Shul president, etc.) of the religious community.
The author takes a very hard tone against these practices and even suggests shunning those who move into Teaneck after leaving Israel. It is a very interesting topic and there has been a number of comments posted on the blog (including one by yours truly).
What does everyone think of this? As someone who has dedicated a good part of their life to the Aliyah cause - including this blog - I am very interested to hear what my readers think about the possibility of making certain positions unavailable and, perhaps even shunning, the people who move into an area after making Yerida. I think hearing from everyone would help to shape my opinion as well and I am anxiously looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks.
Ari
Tags: Aliyah, blog, community, Moving to Israel, Orthodox, religious, Teaneck, Yerida
September 8th, 2008 at 3:04 am
I think it proves that way too many American Jews put Israel above their own country. Disgraceful, if you ask me.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Interesting perspective Country First. Just to play devil’s advocate, may I ask why you think this is putting Israel above their own country? They’re certainly not suggesting anything negative towards America?
Ari
September 8th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
It is an essential part of the American ideal, expressed in that poem by Emma Lazarus inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty, to be welcoming. But heaven forbid that someone should “insult” Israel by coming to America. Those who do that deserve second-class treatment.
September 8th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Makes sense. But they’re not saying that anybody should not be welcoming. Just that, from a somewhat religious perspective, they should not hold certain public positions.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:01 am
My son’s rabbi in day school is a former Israeli. I find it hard to see how he can teach about love of Israel and the holiness of the land when he does not practice what he preaches.
September 21st, 2008 at 7:37 am
That’s interesting Alvin. May I ask if that question has ever come up to the rabbi from one of the students and, if so, how he responded?