Ellen Horowitz: Grasping at Flags and Straws

[Israel Insider]

Last week Jewish Republicans were frantically prospecting for a Jew-friendly sign – any sign - in the great Northwest wilderness. And Eureka! A video clip revealed that Sarah Palin’s office window sports a small - but noticeable - Israeli flag.

Meanwhile, Jewish Democrats were desperately panning for a few nuggets of their own, and it seems they have hit Pentecostal pay dirt in the form of Palin’s recent attendance at a nasty Jews for Jesus sermon at her present church, and her spirited delivery of a commencement speech to young missionaries a few months ago at a church she had attended for decades.

The concept of a Jesus-loving, moose-hunting, hockey-Mom-turned-governor of Alaska, is far more goyishe than yiddishe – and that makes for great Jewish humor. This is blockbuster sitcom material and the comedians and cartoonists are having, and will continue to have, a field day for days, and possibly for years to come. But I have hunch that Palin has the true grit to ride this out.

Extraordinary as she is, Sarah Palin is only human, and juggling high political office and the campaign trail with a special-needs infant, soldier son, and unwed pregnant daughter engaged to a self-proclaimed “f - - -in' redneck", has given Americans on both the left and right of the political spectrum something to laud, laugh, cry, and shrie about - because Sarah Palin is but a microcosm of everything that’s great and embarrassing about America and the human condition.

So lighten-up Jewish Republicans, because all’s fair in love and war; and while Palin is sure to be admired, she will also be relentlessly lampooned by Comedy Central, harpooned by Greenpeace liberals, skinned alive by the people from PETA – not to mention ravaged by the packs of media hounds who are howling, prowling, and out for blood.

But in all seriousness, the prospects of a determined Pentecostal Vice President has increased the angst among some Americans who feel legitimately threatened by the relentless evangelical battering of the sacred wall separating church and state. This Israeli mother – who does not vote in U.S. elections – is similarly concerned about maintaining a respectful distance and border between Judaism and Christianity. And this has become increasingly difficult given the evangelical biblical spin on, and fusion of, “Judeo-Christian” values, heritage, and faith.

Sarah Palin, the Great Mother of the North, appears to be very capable and may be a tremendous asset to the McCain campaign, but she is not our savior - unless you’re a “Jewish believer” in another “perfected” American female fundamentalist by the name Anne Coulter who claims, "the survival of Israel is inextricably linked to the survival of the Republican Party and its evangelical base."

That Sarah attends churches affiliated with the Assemblies of God is something that should make every Jew squirm a bit, but her attending a sermon by a Jews for Jesus leader is less of a concern for Israelis than some of the more disturbing legislative meddling in Israel’s affairs that we hope any prospective evangelical Vice President will avoid.

There have been ongoing attempts by Capital Hill pro-lifers to influence Israel's stance and legislation on abortion and stem cell research.

Evangelical groups have repeatedly used the 1998 Congressional International Freedoms of Religion Act as a means to promote missionary activity while preventing Israel from adopting and enforcing anti-missionary legislation. Religious freedoms grounds are also being used to bolster the case for “messianic Judaism” (Christianity) in Israel, and in attempts to introduce changes in the Law of Return.

Accusations leveled by the State Department, ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice), and evangelical lobbying groups have depicted Orthodox Jews as violent persecutors of the church and messianic groups in Israel.

In some respects Israel’s relationship with American Evangelicals takes on a certain Esauvian quality. Biblically and quite literally speaking, Sarah Palin is "a cunning (skillful) hunter, a [wo]man of the field". She also has a hankerin’ for large, hairy redheads that seems to be taken straight out of Genesis.

After she blesses the Assemblies of God Masters Commissions students in their mission to go out and “bring people in”, she goes on to say that, “You guys are all a bunch of cool looking Christians… People are going to be interested in Jesus Christ through you because of the way you look. This red-headed Sasquatch for Jesus…you look good!”

The Wasilla Hollywood trailer promoting the Masters Commission is downright dark and frightening with its special fiery effects and ominous voice-over proclaiming that the missionary program is “one of the keys in God’s plan for Alaska , the United States, and the entire world”

Sarah concludes her speech to a group of young missionary graduates by saying…
“I grew up at Wasilla Assemblies of God, nothing freaks me out about the worship service.”

But it does and should “freak out” some of us Jews, because - for us - it is strange worship.

Sarah Palin is an entrenched Christian Fundamentalist who admittedly “grew up” in a church which statements of belief include the following :

WE BELIEVE...in The Millennial Reign of Christ when Jesus returns with His saints at His second coming and begins His benevolent rule over earth for 1,000 years. At that time many in the nation of Israel will recognize and accept Him as the Messiah, the Savior who died for them and all mankind.

WE BELIEVE...A Final Judgment Will Take Place for those who have rejected Christ. They will be judged for their sin and consigned to eternal punishment in a punishing lake of fire.

Like our forefather Yitzchak, we Jews tend to be terribly impressed to the point of blindness by looks and those who can walk the walk and talk the talk., And because of our tendency to fall into traps, I would think we should use the Talmudic approach of "respect and suspect" whether sizing-up Palin, Obama or any other politician or preacher.

We have to remember that neither the born-again status of Bush, the bible-teaching background of Carter, nor Clinton's bedside promises to his dying pastor regarding Israel, have managed to invigorate or strengthen the Jewish state’s position regionally or internationally.

Sarah Palin is an impressive figure who may put Mcain over the top, and she could very well direct her evangelical influence and constituency towards reaching out in a positive manner to Israel. Alternatively, if we don’t keep our guard up, we may be witness to "outreach" efforts in the form of unwanted Christian influence.

So if you’ll permit me to get biblical again, some commentators see Yaacov’s prayer of " Please save me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Eisav", as an indication that Yaakov was more frightened of Eisav as a loving brother and friend than of a violent Eisav.
And our sages and great teachers recognize that "all the actions of the forefathers are auguries for their descendants;" With this in mind, it would appear that a polite and respectful insistence of a separation between the church and the State of Israel would be in keeping with our forefather Yaacov's footsteps.

When it comes to the American election, this Golan mother of six – who has been known to handle a Glock, a few goats, and wrangle with a pet wolf – will watch from a distance, and hope and pray that the best man or woman win. And like Yaacov, we as a nation and as individuals will have to turn inward, wrestle with our demons, and come out on top - regardless of the changes in a U.S. administration.

The writer and her family live on the Golan Heights. She is the author of "The Oslo Years: A Mother’s Journal" and is working on a book that takes a critical look at the Israel-Evangelical relationship.

[wharold]

Ellen, don't you find it tragically ironic that the same crowd that bemoans Palin's xianity "taking over America" is absolutely in denial about jihadi aim to actually take over America?

[ellen]

Wharhold,
I find the entire dynamic of this campaign to be insane. These two-party elections take on the flavor of a team sporting event - where people are 100%
no-questions-asked behind their candidate and party. And nobody is playing fair. We need to get real, use some foresight, and view the issues and personalities with a critical eye.

There is legitimate concern over the erosion of the wall separating church and state. It is a very different issue than that of global Jihad. I think it's a matter of priorities, issues and personal worldview and focus. It doesn't necessarily have to fall along the line of liberals vs conservatives.

I have great concern over both candidates. For those who think I am Christian obsessed, please know that I spent five years working on a book that explored Arab and Islamic Terror and the stupidity of Israel and the West.
http://www.osloyears.com

[wharold]

Ellen, I didn't notice the Republicans totally behind McCain until he selected Palin as his running mate. She changed things and from the hundreds of comments I've read on US blogs, it's coz she's the closest thing to a regular person yet.

I do find it interesting that in American elections, there is the possibility of writing in your candidate, whomever that may be, however slim his chances.

As a Noahide from Canada, I see the left's erosion of family be the real concern. Xians see it too and say something. When they do, the left gets intolerant in the extreme. I don't see it as a separate issue but as something separated in intent; to compartimentalize and then dismiss only to turn it on xians as another item those crazed Crusaders are on about.

You're right that the issue doesn't have to fall along liberal/conservative lines but it would be reassuring to know the Democratic party at their 4 day convention had the guts to admit there's something called !slamic terrorism, while the Democratic blogosphere equates xians and family values with the Taliban.

[Paul I. Adams]

Wharrold, concerning the "errosion of the wall seperating church and state..." this is a myth! it is not a phrase in the US Constitution or even the Bill of Rights! It is a comment from hanwritten notes by Jefferson! Due to the imperious and exclusive nature of the Anglican or Church of England in Britain, the US framers determined that government had NO BUSINESS establishing a (coerced) national religion, and that all people should have the right to freedom of religion and the practice thereof. HOWEVER_ from the writings of ALL the founders we understand that it was stated and understood that "without Christian values and leaders, this unique government in all the earth, would stumble...." Our government was clearly founded upon Biblical principles, and with "denominational variety intended and protected," and reflected in "party differences in procedural course"...but the purpose was NOT in embracing a multi-religious venue.
Actually, it sure seems that Israel is the same with regard to Judaism. Although, like us a certain basic centrality exists, yet-for instance, the full embrace of Islam and sharia law does not lend itself to Israel's framers intent.

[ellen]

Most mainstream Americans were satisfied the with concept of "one nation under God" and being “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights”. Generic monotheism was fitting for a multicultural melting pot, and good for the Jews (it enabled the Christian, the Jew, the Hindu, the Muslim and others, to work and live together). I personally believe this was a source of blessing for America. But now Jesus is out of the cloisters , and sitting exclusively and squarely on Capital Hill. “Bible believers” may see that as progress against liberal secularists, but a number of loyal, G-d fearing U.S. citizens deem that a serious cultural, religious and political "regression – and it frightens them.

I think America's forefather's were brilliant, sensitive and wise, when they penned the Declaration of Independence and Constitution with references to G-d, while excluding references to Jesus.

I think conservatives in America would be far more successful and find less resistance if they put terms like "Jesus" back in the closet and stopped referring to "Judeo-Christian" and "Bible- believers" (which bible is being referred to?) Stick with G-d and the ten commandments. Stop pitting "Judeo-Christians" against "Islamo Fascists". It sounds like the last crusade and alienates a lot of patriotic, God-fearing Americans.

[ellen]

Radiantstreams,

I understand the abortion issue is a source of great division in America.

Israelis are also distraught with regards to the leniency of our laws. But they are at least based on the halacha. And it's important for me as an Israeli that American legislators neither pressure Israel on our stance, nor try and export American style legislation. As neither the pro-life or pro- choice position represents the complex and compassionate Jewish approach to the issue of abortion. Jewish law does not sanction a total ban on abortion, nor has it ever endorsed abortion on demand.

[Sharbano]

Halachah covers virtually all aspects of Jewish life. Without it there would be anarchy.

[bxpansive]

Regarding abortion: there is an organization in Israel that supports pregnant mothers-to-be so that they do not have to fear bringing up their newborns and supporting their families. 70 percent of their support goes for married women and 30% to single mothers - they have saved/supported 25000 newborns over the past 30 years. If you want to serve G-d regarding abortion, support the mothers and families instead of spending horrendous amounts of money on politics and marketing and putting money into a bunch of greedy people's pockets and 2nd homes in exotic places. The name of the charity in Israel is C.R.I.B.-Efrat - it is a much better place to spend one's money and energy than in perpetuating power issues.

[Yaakov K.]

The King James (or Christian) Bible is a translation of a translation, and so loses MUCH of the original Hebrew, sometimes deliberately, sometimes not. I can provide examples privately, on request.

At any rate, the original Hebrew says "Do not MURDER," meaning do not kill an innocent human being, with the last phrase having very definite LEGAL meaning. The Written Torah (the "notes," as it were, to the "lecture"
which is the Oral Torah, says absolutely NOTHING about abortion

[Sharbano]

So, essentially G-d created "man" for the SOLE purpose of going to Hell. Now that really makes a lot of sense. Instead, the purpose is Tikkun Olam, i.e. to make the world a better place. In other words to perfect the world. We are to essentially Finish Creation. This is what Kayin thought "he" was doing by bringing crops for an offering. His mistake Was he didn't bring his Best and This was his failing. As we see Hevel DID bring his best and it was accepted.

As far as abortion it is by interpretation in the Hebrew. Since there are NO punctuation marks in Hebrew it can be read to either a person or a person within a person, depending on where you put the punctuation. As it is said if two things can be interepreted in this way then Both are true. THIS is the beauty of the Lashon Kodesh. The KJV has Nothing to compare but instead is a cluttering of the true meanings.

[Yaakov K.]

A side point: "Tikkun Olam," or repairing the world, can only be achieved within the framework of acknowledging G-d's Kingship, i.e., that He rules, not Man. Tikkun Olam has NOTHING to do with political Liberalism, or pluralism, orany "ism" except JUDAISM.

[wharold]

What do you think of the following:

March 26, 1991
The U.S. Congress officially recognized the Noahide Laws in legislation which was passed by both houses. Congress and the President of the United States, George Bush, indicated in Public Law 102-14, 102nd Congress, that the United States of America was founded upon the Seven Universal Laws of Noah, and that these Laws have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization. They also acknowledged that the Seven Laws of Noah are the foundation upon which civilization stands and that recent weakening of these principles threaten the fabric of civilized society, and that justified preoccupation in educating the Citizens of the United States of America and future generations is needed. For this purpose, this Public Law designated March 26, 1991 as Education Day, U.S.A.