Can American Judaism Survive the Israel Divide?

Rabbi Weinblatt was interviewed by Jonathan Tobin of jns.org for his weekly podcast, “Think Twice”.

We discussed how rabbis are going to respond to the surge of antisemitism fueled by blood libels against the Jewish state and to refrain from using this as an opportunity for virtue-signaling  support for false charges of “genocide” being hurled against the Jewish state.  Too many Jews and rabbis rely on The New York Times and NPR for news, which base their coverage on an uncritical acceptance of an anti-Israel and pro-Hamas narrative. As I unequivocally state, “we should not allow our relationship with Israel to be defined or determined by Israel’s enemies.”

To watch and hear the interview, click here:  https://youtu.be/KwKf3tEZ4Dc?si=aHxwe8yEM49gFXuE

Empowering Zionist Rabbis & Their Communities

In this episode of Proudly Jewish: Conversations on Israel and Jewish Identity, Cantor Eyal Bitton welcomes Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, the founding rabbi of Congregation B’nai Tzedek and the visionary leader behind the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition. Together, they explore the essential role of Zionist rabbis in shaping Jewish identity, supporting Israel, and uniting Jewish communities across the globe.

Rabbi Weinblatt shares the motivations behind the creation of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, discussing how this non-partisan network of over a thousand rabbis provides crucial support, resources, and a sense of solidarity for rabbis who champion the Zionist cause. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by Zionist leaders, the significance of Jewish unity, and the broader implications of current political dynamics for American Jewry and Israel.

Throughout the episode, Cantor Bitton and Rabbi Weinblatt tackle pressing issues, including the growing divide within the Jewish community, the rise of antisemitism, and the need for a strong, steadfast voice in support of Israel. Rabbi Weinblatt also reflects on the future of Zionism in America and the critical importance of maintaining a robust connection to Jewish heritage and values.

This episode is a compelling listen for anyone interested in Zionism, Jewish leadership, or the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing the Jewish community today.

Jonathan Tobin explains how the ZRC was established to counteract decline in pro-Israel sentiment

In Jonathan S. Tobin’s recent featured column in JNS, he questions if Reform and Conservative Judaism support for Zionism can be revived, noting the disaffection for the Jewish state growing among Jewish liberals. He explains how the decline in pro-Israel sentiment spurred the establishment of the ZRC in 2019, with the goal to give voice …

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