Thought for the Week

Shabbat Balak

Dear Members and Friends,

In Jewish tradition, there is one foundational principle: a profound respect for words. Language does not only describe reality, but it also has the power to shape it.

In this week's Torah portion, we read the story of King Balak and the prophet Balaam. Balak instructed Balaam to curse the Jewish people, hoping that harsh words could lead to their downfall. To king’s surprise, after consulting with God, Balaam refused. Despite intense pressure from the king and repeated attempts to change God's mind, Balaam ended up blessing the Jewish people instead. Why does this matter? Because in Judaism, words carry immense weight. They can build or destroy, bless or curse, heal or harm.

Today, I want to address something particularly significant and sensitive for many of us - the complexity of the language we use when we speak about Zionism today. Words such as Israel and Zionism can provoke different emotional reactions. For some, these words evoke feelings of pride, belonging, and solidarity. For others, they are linked to concepts such as 'occupation' or 'apartheid.'

How do you navigate this complexity without losing sight of your identity, sense of belonging, and ethical values? Is it possible to have a civilised conversation about Zionism today?

Zionism, at its core, is the belief that Jewish people have a connection with the Land of Israel. The political Zionist movement has successfully fought for the right of the Jewish state to exist. However, long before political ideology, Zionism started as a powerful theological Jewish idea, deeply rooted in our texts, tradition, and culture. There are countless references to geographical locations in the Jewish canon, liturgy and thought. Many of the festivals we celebrate reflect the agricultural cycles of the Middle East, rather than those of the UK, Morocco, or Poland. Jewish people have a profound attachment to the Land, whatever we think of its current political leadership. From this perspective, Judaism is Zionist at its core.

Yet, when some words enter this conversation, many Jewish people feel deeply uncomfortable. The term 'occupation' is used by some to describe Israeli control over the territories historically owned and internationally recognised as Palestinian. The word 'apartheid' carries a very heavy weight, comparing Israeli policies toward Palestinians with the institutional segregation and discrimination once prevalent in South Africa. Another profoundly challenging term is 'nakba,' the Arabic word meaning "catastrophe.' It is used to describe the displacement and expulsion of thousands of Palestinians during the 1948 war. What Israelis celebrate as Independence Day is remembered by Palestinians as a day of profound loss and tragedy.

These words are complex precisely because they embody different narratives and lived experiences of the Israeli and Palestinian, Jewish and Arab stories. It hurts to hear that your struggle for liberation and connection can cause oppression to many other people who also have a connection to the same land. Such words trigger deep emotions and intense reactions. I once witnessed a service where the word ‘nakba’ was used in a sermon. The moment it was spoken from the bimah, a congregant stood up and walked out, visibly upset.

Discussing such words within our Jewish community can be challenging and risky. They can spark fierce debates, disagreements, or even hostility among friends, family members, or community groups. This is why it is essential to approach these topics with sensitivity, respect, and careful consideration of their nuances. It is important not to slip into extreme positions and speak in slogans. It is essential to listen to each other and believe that each side ultimately wants peace and prosperity.

But nuance does not mean silence. Avoiding difficult conversations will not resolve the underlying issues. It often makes them worse. As a Jewish community committed to justice, ethical responsibility, and truth, we must engage with complex topics. Judaism is not only about prayer and Torah study. Judaism guides us morally and ethically in every area of our lives. Yes, words can hurt, but they also have the power to heal.

Today, unfortunately, the religious approach to Zionism is frequently associated with extremist right-wing ideologies. People who call themselves religious Zionists make exclusive Jewish claims to the West Bank, often portray all non-Jews as enemies, and explicitly speak about plans to displace all Palestinians from Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. This is not our vision for Judaism. This is not our vision for Zionism.

Progressive Judaism has the responsibility to reclaim a moderate, nuanced religious approach to Zionism.  It is indeed true that the Torah refers to the Land of Israel as the Jewish people's inheritance. At the same time, the Torah also explicitly commands us to care for refugees, to love our neighbours, and to treat both the Land and all its inhabitants ethically. Moreover, our texts make clear that our right to the Land is conditional and requires us to uphold ethical obligations, justice, and compassion towards all who live there and our neighbours.

We live in a very challenging era – the era of extreme divisions and polarisations. This time demands new terms, new approaches and new ways of speaking. Let us be mindful of the immense power of words. Let us use this power to clarify, to heal, and to achieve peace.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Igor