Rabbi Konigsburg's Blog

In Parshat Shmini, Aaron and his family receive the commandment that the priests are not to serve God while intoxicated. Rabbi Simcha Bonem explains that one should serve God out of one’s own joy and not from the joy which stems from being under the influence of alcohol. As such, the commandment ensures that the priests are owners of their emotional and psychological state, and are wholehearted in their service to God without external influences.

This is a frame I use when thinking about my relationship to Israel. I want to own my understanding of Israel and arrive at my own conclusions. This is why I attended AIPAC's (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee) Policy Conference earlier this week. Not wanting to merely repeat what has been framed by the media or my friends, I wanted to gain a wider understanding of the American-Israel relationship. There I heard from Republican and Democratic members of Congress and of past and current administrations, who spoke of the importance of working together to ensure that Israel and anti-Semitism would never be a partisan issue used for partisan purposes. I heard from leaders, both American and Israeli, who identified the advantages that the strong relationship has on both countries. I heard from Muslims and Christians who explored the moral imperative of supporting the democratic state in the MiddleEast. Along with 18,000 other delegates, I listened to the commitments of many leaders, and we sent a clear message that there is strong support for Israel in this country.

For me, my trip to Washington was a way of serving our community more wholeheartedly. I know there is always more to learn about Israel, but I feel responsible with owning my own conclusions. Moreover, for me, my attendance is a statement that there is nothing more American than making my voice heard and lobbying my representatives with issues that are important to me. While I am more than a single-issue voter, it is undeniable to me that American support is crucial for Israel’s wellbeing. As we once again encountered the all too familiar news of rocket attacks in Israel, I recognize that it is American support that supplies the Iron Dome technology, and that strong American partnerships provide security for Israel. I am proud that at its best, American society stands for the moral good, and that Israel too stands up for what is right.

I say all this acknowledging the struggles of non-Jewish Israeli residents and the Palestinians. I am also not blind to the internal and religious fight over the character of our Jewish state. I am one of many Jews who love Israel but also disagree with some Israeli policies and leaders. And I recognize that even in our own country, there is a daunting amount of work tobe done to live up to our own ideals. But I respect the duly elected officials who shape Israeli policies, and recognize that it is Israelis who must choose their own destiny. I respect the processes of our country and work with all representatives even though we don’t see eye to eye on every issue. I know that I can use my voice to criticize policies elsewhere, as I have done, and will continue to do. But not at AIPAC. At AIPAC, I am an American, committed to a stronger American-Israel partnership. And with my American voice, I will work to educate our elected officials of the importance of this strong relationship. And like the priests who served God, I will do so in my own voice, and not under the influence of strategically selected sound bits. I invite you to join me in bringing more nuance to the American conversation on Israel, both with our own elected officials, and with our own family and friends.

Shabbat Shalom