Yom Ha’Atzma’ut 2018 On One Foot על רגל אחת Introduction

On One Foot על רגל אחת ,With this special edition of our publication series the seeds. We hope that you will take these seeds, sow them and water them in the garden of your family and your own lives, and that these seeds enrich your celebration of Israel’s 70th year. And you can enjoy these even without standing “on one foot!”

This issue is dedicated to the theme of Ahavat Yisrael/Love of Israel. “Israel” here refers to the State of Israel, the , and the citizens/people of the State of Israel. To help celebrate this special birthday of Israel, you will find in this edition: • Dr. Powell’s meditation on the meaning of Israel • Reflections of time in Israel from a student on SIEP (Short Israel Exchange Program) and from Ari Dembo, History Faculty • Thoughts of Israel and Peace by Robert Ahdoot, a Math Faculty Alumnus who tutors many of our students and is an author on education • Articles by students in various Hebrew classes celebrating 70 years of Israeli innovations in the areas of technology, medicine, agriculture, and the military, introduced by Dalit Shtevy, Hebrew Faculty • Junior Gabi Dayan’s understanding of “Israeli cuisine” • Shakshuka recipe from Yonatan Rosner, Co-Director of Jewish Life • Article celebrating the writing of Israeli author David Grossman, recent recipient of the Israel Prize in Literature and a review of a movie of one of Grossman’s novels, all by students from Iris Cohen’s Hebrew classes • Junior Maya Luzon’s discussion of Israeli author Haim Be’er’s provocative ideas about “the Israeli family” • Rabbi J.B. Sacks, Co-Director of Jewish Life, reflects on Israel not as our homeland, but our home • We honor faculty and alumni who served IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) for their service to Israel and our people by including throughout photos of them in uniform.

We hope that you will take these “seeds,” sow them and water them in the garden of your family and your own lives, and that these seeds enrich your celebration of Israel’s 70th birthday. You might want to share and discuss some of these at a family dinner table in honor of Israel. However you use this, you can enjoy these even without standing “on one foot!”

Yonatan Rosner and J.B. Sacks Producers and Editors of Al Regel Ahat Co-Directors, Jewish Life Lieutenant Yonatan Rosner Co-Director of Jewish Life IDF Service: 1997-2001

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank the following for helping to produce this special Israel edition of Al Regel Ahat:

• All of our contributors, students and faculty (and faculty alumnus) for your passionate expression of ahavat Israel/love of Israel

• Grace Hutchison and Cheri Mayman of Marketing for their excellent work on graphic design

• Jordyn Kieffer for her technical help in placing all these articles on our new blog, JagHUG at http://jpub.dths.org/ My Personal Israel Journey by Dr. Bruce Powell Head of School

In 1945, my parents moved from New York to California. World War II had just ended, my father had survived the war as a Marine, and Los Angeles became home. Walking down an L.A. street one day my mother saw a hotel sign that read, “No Jews and dogs allowed.” Shocking indeed, especially for people who had just spent five years saving the world from antisemites and totalitarians. My mother felt both angry and somewhat debilitated.

Fast forward to May 14, 1948.

The stunning news arrived that David Ben-Gurion had just declared the establishment of the State of Israel. The next day my mother walked past that same hotel, this time feeling strong, proud, and totally free. She now had a Jewish state, a Jewish army, Jewish independence, Jewish freedom, and, in addition to America, another place to call home.

I was born in 1948, three months after ben Gurion made his stunning declaration on behalf of the Jewish people. I have never known a moment without an independent Jewish homeland. And, I have spent most of my adult life as one of the hovevei Tzion, lovers of Zion.

For me, the establishment of the State of Israel, in essence the establishment of the third Jewish Commonwealth, a nation re-created 1,878 years after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, and subsequent exile of the Jews, is the single most profound event in modern Jewish history. Indeed, the re-creation of a nation, a feat never accomplished before in the history of the world by any other people, is, in my view, a statement of unrivaled vision, dedication to an ideal, and a that never forgot the essence of its soul.

It also defined the cosmic chutzpah of the Jewish people. (The Talmud explains that “chutzpah” is one’s triumphant struggle over adversity.)

The Canaanites never imagined that they could rebuild their nation; nor did the ancient Greeks, or Romans, or Byzantines, or anyone else. Only the Jews had the audacity to say, “If you will it, it is no dream.” Only the Jews never lost hope. And, within that hope was the seed of action. Today, Israel stands as material proof that miracles do happen in our world. In 70 years, Israel has evolved into a first-world economy, a world class educational system, a technology powerhouse, a medical mecca for the Middle East, an agricultural innovator, and fields a military force guided by Jewish values and the rules of war— not an easy task in a very tough part of the world.

For me, and for many American Jews, Israel is part of our Judaism. It is a beacon of hope for Jews anywhere in the world who need refuge, or, more importantly, need to recharge their Jewish vision and energy. Israel is the reason my mother gained her dignity as a Jew in America; and it was the reason my parents, and I, are such proud Americans. As Louis D. Brandeis once said, “To be good Americans, we must be better Jews.” So too with Israel: the more we support Israel and understand its meaning in our Jewish lives, the more we then understand and appreciate our American journey.

I, for one, will never take the existence of Israel for granted. Indeed, I do not take American democracy for granted either. These are two existential gifts to the definition of human freedom and dignity.

And finally, Israel, for me, represents the ultimate purpose of Jewish existence: continuity of our tradition, and contribution of our eternal and powerful Jewish values to the world. Israel is the essence of Jewish continuity—it is the essential source from where we came and sets a beacon for our future. And within that continuity, Israel’s contribution to humanity, its aspiration to truly be a “light unto the nations,” sets the standard for us as individuals, as free American Jews, and fulfills the vision of the Torah, demanded by our prophets, “Justice, justice, you shall pursue.”

As we embrace the State of Israel, we embrace our history and our future. Reflection of Israel Experience Trip by SIEP participant

Throughout this amazing SIEP trip, I discovered many new things about my Editor’s Note: Identity, as well as enjoying the amazing experiences that the ancient land of In sophomore year, Israel has to offer, such as swimming in the Dead Sea and visiting Jerusalem. many of our students Being around other Jews always made me feel more connected and part of participate in a three- a community. I also really enjoyed spending time with my host family. week exchange They were very nice people, and I loved being able to share Shabbat dinners program with their with them and learn about their special customs. Israeli counterparts in Tel Aviv, called SIEP I think the most meaningful part of my trip was visiting the Kotel and saying a (Short Israel Exchange prayer at the wall. This single event had a very significant effect on my identity Program). At the end and on my Judaism. Previous I never felt a very deep connection with Judaism, of the experience, even when celebrating the holidays, attending Hebrew School, and becoming each student writes a Bar Mitzvah. However, simply standing next to this ancient structure, being reflection and describes surrounded by others who share the same faith, and the thought that past, the impact of this present, and future generations of Jews have or will come here to pray just as I experience on their have, really made me realize just how special this place truly is. I also loved that Jewish identity and while walking in, I was politely greeted by an Orthodox man who began to wrap growth. The following my arm in tefillin and explain the prayer. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t as faithful is one example of such or traditional as he, for he knew that we were both part of the same people reflection. who have lasted thousands of years. I have never had an experience as deep and meaningful as this one.

My favorite reflection from the Israeli experience was writing a “stream of consciousness” piece while in the hills of the Desert. I took great pleasure in this activity. I felt very free and spiritually connected as I admired the stunning view of the colorful sands from the top of the hill I climbed. Although I really wish we could have spent even more time there, it’s a place that inspires me to return to Israel.

All in all, this trip was, without a doubt, life-changing. Despite the anxiety I had to endure through a 14-hour flight and being so far away from home for so long, I was able to overcome these worries and have an incredible experience that I got to share with my American friends and my Israeli buddies. I look forward to returning to this astonishing place. Sergeant Adina Cohen Department Chair IDF Service: 1976-1978 I Got Israel by Ari Dembo History Teacher

I didn’t love Israel.

Uprooted from my home, torn away from family, community, from who I was, a big fish in a small pond.

Aliyah, the move to Israel, was a move to the unfamiliar. I was now an insignificant fish in an unfamiliar and strange ocean.

Imagine being thrust into a classroom of strangers.

Imagine school being taught in a language you don’t understand.

Imagine trying to stay afloat among kids who share nothing of who you are, and you sharing nothing with them.

No, I did not love Israel.

Israel: a strange mix of ethnicities, smells of falafel, alien tastes of hummus, me’orav yerushalmi [a popular Jerusalem meat dish].

A world of struggle, a world of constant stimulation, a world where everyone wants to know your business, and privacy is not a concept faithfully guarded.

Neighbors from next door would just drop in, go to your kitchen, and lift the lids of your pots to see what was cooking.

No I didn’t love Israel!

No I didn’t get Israel!

Israel got to me!

Walking home from school one day, in 10th grade, thinking of a girl called Naomi, realizing I was thinking about making out with her, I stopped and my mind was filled with wonder: I was thinking in Hebrew! Israel got to me!

Finding myself, excited to the point of ecstasy as Maccabi Tel Aviv won the European basketball cup in an historic victory over CSKA Moskva! Israel got to me!

Watching the Eurovision song competition where little Israel, my country won!! With a song in Hebrew by Izhar Cohen!!! Israel got to me! Seeing Anwar Sadat, the leader of Egypt, speaking in the Knesset, shaking hands with Menachem Begin and hugging Golda Meir, calling her “little grandmother”--filled with awe and wonder and miracles in our time, Israel got to me!

Running up a hill with stretchers and full kit and backpack, sleeping with my M16 with me oily and smelly in my sleeping bag, determined to be a “Hayal Mitztayein” (honored soldier), Israel got to me!

Hitchhiking home from Be’er Sheva from a place they call “Ei Sham” (“Somewhere”) all the way to the hills of the northern Galilee taking “trempim” (hitchhiking) in full uniform, wandering alone, walking along the road lined with tall trees in a pitch black night with only my M16 and the stars for company, Israel got to me.

Standing at the cemetery, burying my friend Tal whose jeep had been blown up by a mine in southern Lebanon, crying with all my school friends dressed in the uniforms of their respective units at our loss, his sacrifice, Israel got to me!

So many memories that could fill a novel, so many experiences.

Finally I realized, I got Israel!

Chief Petty Officer Ari Dembo History Faculty IDF Service: 1981-84 Sergeant Orit Shwartz Tenth-Grade Dean IDF Service: 1988-90 Thoughts on What Peace Looks Like by Robert Ahdoot Tutor and Former Math Faculty Author of One-on-One 101: The Art of Inspired & Effective Individualized Instruction

For several years after college, I lived and worked in Israel. It was a magical time.

On a whim, either by myself or with a friend, I would sometimes bus down to the Egyptian border for a Sinai paradise visit. I’d stay at a -style encampment, steps from the Red Sea, with Saudi Arabia visible across the water.

Then after a few days, it’d be possible to fly to Tel Aviv and be on time for work that morning. It was during those days when I experienced the vast possibilities for what peace would do for our world.

It’d be a world where we could travel anywhere, experience their culture, their cuisine, their history, and offer the same for those visiting us. Life would be a vibrant collection of options. We’d only be looking at maps, not looking over our shoulder.

Nowhere in the world is the vision of peace more at the forefront than in Israel. It’s the world’s top peace endeavor, as the effects of having a just and vibrant Israel would ripple throughout the world.

The people of Israel and in neighboring countries already eat the same foods, listen to similar music, and often hail from the same original country. Even the word for “peace” is essentially the same in Hebrew as it is in Arabic. Keep dreaming of peace, singing of peace, and live with it in your hearts. Then it’ll happen.

The view from my hut one beautiful morning in Sinai. Hebrew Department Contributions

Introduction by Dalit Shtevy, Hebrew Faculty

To prepare for Yom HaAtzma’ut, Israel Independence Day, all Hebrew classes focused on two topics:

First, in honor of the impending 70th year of Israel’s existence as a country, we explored 70 years of Israeli innovations. Israel has grown and become a nation of many new innovations. Students ​researched innovations in the fields of medicine, agriculture, technology, the military and self-defense, and in philanthropy/humanitarian aid. ​They researched how those innovations are making a difference for people, natural resources and the economy. ​

Our other topic was Israeli cuisine. We watched the movie: “In Search of Israeli Cuisine.” This Netflix Documentary Film by Roger Sherman explored Israeli food and culture.

Each of the students wrote on various aspects​ of one of these topics. Please enjoy the efforts of students from various classes below!

Hag Samei-ah--A joyful 70th birthday today to Israel and a wonderful day to all of you!

70 Years of Innovation by Sami Kaplowitz., Katie Schacht, Maya Spencer, Bella Oransky, Sophie Newman

Israel is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. They have produced inventions such as video games and environmentally friendly electric cars, and these are just a few items that have come from this innovative country. They don’t only bring fun games to the table, but also things that we use in our everyday lives!

We learned a lot about the creation of the app Waze. Before this app was popular, it was called FreeMap. But, in 2006, it came out in the app store as Waze. This app was invented because it helps with traffic. It sends people different ways to clear streets at the busiest times of the day. The app was created by three Israelis: Ehud Shabtai, Amir Shinar, and Uri Levine. Today, it can be used for navigation and traffic all over the world, and many people make accounts so that they can chat with drivers around them. This product was made because many cars do not have a navigation system and, in addition, because it helps reduce traffic during rush hours. For many drivers, it is hard to navigate without this app and that is why it was such a great invention! Another fun fact about this app is that it can tell you where is the cheapest place to purchase gas.

It’s hard for so many of us to imagine a life without instant messaging. We use it everyday, whether it be texting, direct messaging, or quick photo messages. This only came about in 1996! Invented by Mirabilis, an Israeli technological company, instant messaging offered the first effective and efficient instant communication. It also allowed others to see whether their messages had been received and even read. Offering real time text or message transmission over the internet, instant messaging has transformed to many other platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Whatsapp.

Scuba diving has been not only a fun past time enjoyed by many ocean enthusiasts, but necessary for the advancement of ocean science all around the world. Unfortunately, traditional scuba tanks have a limited air supply, and time under the water is limited. Fortunately, in 2005 Alan Bodner founded Like-A-Fish Technologies. Like-A-Fish Technologies has developed a hands-free diving system that draws oxygen from water, as a fish does when it breathes through its gills, which led to a smaller apparatus, giving both commercial and recreational divers more freedom and mobility. This is an innovative scientific discovery that will pave the way for many inventions to come.

Contrary to what one might think, baby monitors are very recent invention, at least the high-tech state of the art innovation is. Babysafe was developed in 1991 by the CEO, at the time, of Hisense, a manufacturing company now based in China. Babysafe is a system installed in a child’s crib in order to monitor their breathing rates, aiding parents daily by detecting minor to serious issues. Later, Hisense made a five-year contract with the U.S. company Babysafe, owned by Israeli businessman, Sagi Ben-Dov.

It seems like such a necessity that one wouldn’t even consider raising a child in this day without one of these gadgets. We thank Israel for these and many more inspired innovations, and we look forward to the next 70 years.

Israel’s Innovations in Medicine by Senior Eddie West, Junior Ashley Konheim, and Junior Chayson Greenfield

Although Israel has only been around for only 70 years, a plethora of inventions have come from this small but highly influential country. One area that Israel has been extremely influential in is medical technology. Israel has had numerous innovations in the constantly growing field of medicine. Without Israel’s leadership, the technology and development in this area would be completely different.

One of the ways that Israel has changed the field of medicine is the revolutionary ReWalk technology. ReWalk is a wearable exoskeleton that paralyzed people can put on and regain some of the mobility that they lost. Those with spinal cord injuries are able to regain motion in their hips and knees. Whether you have recently lost movement, or have been disabled your entire life, this technology might work for you. This amazing technology has touched the lives of many and was created right in Yokneam, near Haifa, by Amit Goffer. These exoskeleton suits are used around the world, and already have helped millions of people regain the ability to walk, after being paralyzed, some of whom have been disabled and stuck in a wheelchair for decades. Thanks to Israel’s culture of innovation, and self confidence such an invention was able to be created and has benefited countless paralyzed people across the world.

In 2013, Tony Peled and Yair Steinhardt invented Gamida, developing stem-cell therapy products. It is used to treat blood cancers, solid tumors, non-malignant blood diseases such as sickle-cell anemia, autoimmune diseases and genetic metabolic diseases. On September 9 the first successful transplant took place at Duke University Medical Center. Without the technology that was developed in Israel, it would not have been possible for this surgery to take place.

Another innovation that was created in Israel is the Endoscope camera. This is an extremely powerful tool that has great potential. When swallowed, this pill works as a tiny camera, allowing doctors to look at pictures of one’s intestines. Eight hours after swallowing this pill, doctors can see HD quality 360-degree camera footage of the digestive system. This allows doctors to have a much more intimate and detailed look into the person’s body, and can prevent things like tumors and other diseases before they even start, by studying things such as plaque build up. Compared to other endoscope cameras on the market, this pill is 40 percent smaller and produces images in much higher quality resolution than previous technology. This pill has shown to be extremely useful and is further evidence that Israel is at the forefront of medical technology. Although there are now many endoscope camera brands around the world, Israel’s version was one of the first to be practical and small enough for more common use, and has helped this technology achieve widespread use and acclaim. Israel Keeps Growing: 70 years of Israeli Innovation Agriculture by Junior Samuel Gross and Freshman Ethan Rubin

Israel, young and prosperous is a country that lives up to the image of a small yet mighty David. Constantly coming up with new innovations and inventions. Israel has faced much adversity: wars, terrorism, and religious tension. Yet the country thrives.

Israel grows in many ways, in this case, agriculturally. Israel is mostly desert, surrounded by sand, and the hot scorching sun. For many years the country suffered droughts; which forced the whole country to impose huge limitations on water usage. Israeli Simcha Blass founded Netafim as a solution. One day while in an orchard, he found many trees parched, starving for water, and on the brink of death--except for one tree. This tree was green, evidently healthy, and fruiting. The reason for this was the tree’s location next to a leaking pipe. The small droplets of water became sufficient enough for the tree to thrive. This led Blass to develop drip irrigation. Drip irrigation is the process that saves water by allowing water to drip through a pipe and travel directly to the root of the plant, delivering nutrients.

Drip irrigation proved to be a “win-win” situation on many levels. It helped Israel get out of a monumental drought, proceeded to helped all farmers, not only in Israel but around the world. His company helped farmers use less water, grow more produce, and make more money. Blass’ idea changed the world of agriculture, helped preserve our planet and water, helped alleviate poverty, and, lastly, put more food on the shelves. Netafim, the drip irrigation system made by Blass, is the most successful irrigation company in the entire world.

Israel is booming in all ways and all directions. Israel began by Jews returning to the land to farm it and put Jewish values into action. It seems fitting that Israel’s agricultural innovations, such as Netafim, have helped it gain new heights, and that Israel has used such innovations to help it reach new heights of tikkun olam (helping the world) as well.

70 Years of Innovation in the Israeli Defense Forces by Freshmen Sam Davidson and Omri Soha, Seniors Lola Chen and Shira Rosen

Over the past 70 years, Israel has grown and become a nation of many innovations. During these years, the Israeli Defense Forces have had to defend and protect Israel. Although Israel’s military is small, they have been ranked the 14th most powerful military in the world. This is due in part to their many innovations.

is a system that has ( ִ כ פַ ת בַ רְ ֶ ז ל ) One of the most well known innovations is the Iron Dome. The Iron Dome the capability to identify and destroy projectiles before they land in Israeli territory and is considered one of the most effective anti-missile systems in the world. In November of 2012, Hamas, launched about 1,500 rockets towards Israel; the Iron dome succeeded in intercepting 420 incoming missiles.

The Israeli Defense Forces has also advanced in the use of drones, remote-controlled pilotless aircraft or missiles. Israel, in fact, initiated the idea of using drones in war.

Similar to the drone, the wall radar was also invented in Israel. Wall radar is a radar system that uses ultra- wideband technology to produce three-dimensional pictures of the space behind a wall from a distance of up to 20 meters. The wall radar technology makes it possible to detect anything that could be harmful behind the wall. The emergency bandage is one of the many life-saving innovations created in Israel. This item is a specially designed, first-aid device that is used to stop bleeding from hemorrhagic wounds caused by traumatic injuries Invented by the Israeli military medic Bernard Ben-Natan, the emergency bandage was created with a built-in pressure bar to stop bleeding.

The human backpack is another life saving innovation created in Israel to help unconscious or wounded soldiers. Imagine a baby carriage but for fully grown soldiers. They strap the backpack on to the injured person, and then strap the person onto an able-bodied person’s back. It then allows the healthy soldiers to carry around their injured friends while exerting less energy.

These are just some of the innovations created in Israel. Not only have these innovations helped protect the state of Israel, but they have helped people all over the world.

What is Israeli Cuisine? by Junior Gaby Dayan

Many think Israeli cuisine is a thing of its own, that stands by itself as a cuisine. However, I believe that there is no such thing as “Israeli food.” As the State of Israel was only established 70 years ago, Israelis have not had enough time to develop an entire culture of food. So what Israeli cuisine truly consists of is cuisine from all around Europe, North Africa, and all places from where Israelis made aliyah (immigration to Israel). Many different cultures/places are represented in Israeli cuisine, such as Turkey, , Belgium, Morocco, and Hungary. Things like hummus, Israeli salad, schnitzel, and shakshuka [Eds. note: recipe follows] are all examples of things that have been incorporated into Israeli cuisine. Yet they often did something with these different cultural expressions to make it their own.

Israelis believe that food is not political, so even eating the food from a sworn enemy of yours is okay. But while food is not political, it can be personal. People felt as if cooking Israeli cuisine is an experience that is very special and personal. Everyone always refers to their grandmothers’ recipes. So much gets passed down from generation to generation. However, “making it their own” is important. This combination of the past and present, the culture we brought with us and the Israeli culture we are continuing to create, is what make Israel and Israeli cuisine so special.

Staff Sergeant Roman Shnaider Hebrew Language Faculty IDF Service: 1995-98 ShakShuka by Yonatan Rosner Co-Director of Jewish Life

Enjoy this simple recipe of my wife’s favorite comfort food. It’s not only tastes great but also fun to say: Shak-Shu-Ka!

Serves 4 Ingredients: 4 T. oil, for frying 2 cloves of garlic, crushed 5 large tomatoes, peeled and diced (or 1 1/2 cup canned tomatoes, crushed) 1 T. Zhug, Pilpel Chuma or Harissa or mixture of crushed garlic, paprika and hot peppers to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/2 t. ground cumin (optional) pinch ground caraway (optional) 2 T. tomato paste 8 eggs 1 onion 2 peppers Directions: Preheat oven to 325°F.

Slice the onion and red peppers. Heat the oil in a large deep skillet and lightly fry the onion, peppers, and garlic. Add the tomatoes and seasonings and cook for 15-20 minutes over low heat, partly covered.

Add the tomato paste cover and simmer for a few more minutes. Adjust the seasonings. The sauce should have a strong, piquant flavor.

Break the eggs one by one and slide onto the tomato sauce, arranging the yolks around the pan.

Turn heat low and cook until the egg whites set (about 5-7 minutes). Partly cover the pan to prevent the sauce from spraying around the kitchen. Cover completely if you like your eggs “over hard.” L to R: Talia Sobol, Class of 2009 Attar Dagan, Class of 2008 Ido Mizrahi, Class of 2009 Lior Sasi, Class of 2009 Karin Aviv, Class of 2010 Ellea Rubinstein, Class of 2010 Sivan Louria, Class of 2010 Herschel Weintraub Alex Beard Gadi Shemesh Class of 2010 Class of 2010

Hebrew Literature Review by Students of Iris Cohen Hebrew Faculty

Editor’s Note: David Grossman Our students cultivate by Junior Riley Creditor and Freshman Shoshana Lease their love and connection to Israel In honor of celebrating Israel’s 70th birthday, we are recognizing David Grossman not only through our as he wrote many works of literature and has now won the 2018 Israeli Prize his multiple exchange lifetime of contributions to Hebrew literature. programs but also by reading and Israeli author, David Grossman, was born on January 25, 1954 in Jerusalem. He responding to Israeli served in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) and fought in the Yom Kippur War. His literature and poetry. first book, Duel, was published in 1982. He has won 13 awards since his first, the In Iris Cohen’s Hebrew Bernstein Prize for Hebrew novel in 1985. His books have been translated into class students learned more than 30 different languages. Three of his books have been adapted into about and read the movies [see a review of one of these below]. He is married and has two children, work of Israeli writer, Yonatan and Ruthi. A third child, his youngest Uri, was killed during the 2006 David Grossman. Some Lebanon War. Grossman paid homage to Uri in his novel Falling Out of Time. of their learning and experience is reflected here. Movie Review: Someone to Run With Directed by Oded Davidoff Based on David Grossman’s Novel by Junior Sam Pinkus

Imagine a struggling musician, a lovestruck teenager, and a messy world. Put all of these things together and you get Someone to Run With by 2018 Israeli Literature Prize winner, David Grossman. Passionate guitar player Tamar runs away from home, changing her identity. Meanwhile, upon finding her dog, Assaf goes on a wild journey struggling and determined to find Tamar. After being taken to a home for homeless, aspiring musicians full of drugs and thievery, Tamar reunites with her brother and is determined to free them both. Simultaneously, Assaf is running around the streets of Jerusalem searching adamantly for clues that will lead him to an unfamiliar girl, putting himself in serious danger along the way. Through plotting, mischief, and boldness, the siblings are able to run away from a life where trust is nonexistent. However, with members of the home on their backs and watching their every move, getting away is harder than expected.

Through constant suspense, excitement, and real moments, Someone to Run With keeps viewers on their toes at all times. Filled with questions, danger, and a glimpse into a life that while unfamiliar, indeed exists, Someone to Run With is a must-see movie. To find out what happens next with the siblings and the relationship between Assaf and Tamar, pick up a copy of the movie. However, because so many questions and ideas remain unanswered, it is incredibly worthwhile to read the book as well, in order to find out the answers to the many contradicting questions Someone to Run With offers. המשפחה הישראלית מאיה לוזון

:Editor’s Note על המושג ״המשפחה הישראלית״. חיים באר נזכר במשפחה שלו ובקשר לסבתא שלו. בשבילו Students listened in Iris ללכת לבקר את סבתא זה כמו לנסוע לחוץ לארץ כי סבתא היא מקום אחר בו הוא הרגיש בבית. Cohen’s Hebrew class to המקום של סבתא הוא מוכר ואינטימי ונתן לו חיבור למקומות נוספים. הוא לפעמים גם ברח אליה an interview with the להתחבא מההורים. היא נתנה לו רקע ועומק ואת ההבנה שהחיים הם סיפור עם תחתית כפולה. writer Haim Be’er and היא הייתה בשבילו אבן שואבת. responded to his ideas about the characteristics הוא מזלזל בעובדה שיש משפחות שעוסקות בשטויות במקום בעיקר ומשקיעות אנרגיה מרובה of Israeli families. Here בדברים טפלים. לדוגמה, הוא מספר על התקופה שחיתן את בנו ונזכר כמה אנרגיה הם השקיעו Junior Maya Luzon gives בבחירת התזמורת ומה הם ינגנו ומה יהיה צבע המפיות וכו׳. הוא בטוח בזה שבמשפחה המורחבת אין אהבה או תמיכה רגשית ובעיניו זה קשקוש. לדעתו המשפחה היא עסק כלכלי שכן משפחה her understanding of יכולה לספק רשת ביטחון חברתית וכלכלית ונוסדה בשביל הדברים האלה. הוא מטיף על כך שאי the interview and her אפשר לצוות על הלב לאהוב כשהוא לא יכול, ועל התפיסה במשפחה הפולנית שכולם יהיו נחמדים personal reaction to כל הזמן ויהיו יחד. בעיניו זה הבל הבלים ושטויות ולדעתו משפחה נועדה רק לספק את אותה רשת .Be’er’s ideas ביטחון חברתית וכלכלית.

חיים באר מאמין שאהבה אמיתית אפשרית רק בין בעל ואישה או בין ההורים וילדים. הוא מסביר שבעל ואישה מסוגלים לאהוב ולעשות את הכל אחד לשני וגם הורים יאהבו ויעשו הכל בשביל הילדים שלהם. הוא גם מאמין שאין שום סוג של אהבה אמיתית בין אחים ואחיות ובין ילדים להורים שלהם. הוא אומר שכתוב בתורה שילדים רק מחויבים לכבד את ההורים שלהם אבל לא כתוב שהם חייבים גם לאהוב אותם. אחים ואחיות גם לא מחויבים לאהוב את אחד השני, כמו הסיפור של קין והבל בו מסופר על אח שהרג את אחיו. לעומת זאת, לדעתו של חיים באר, בין סבים ונכדים הכל משתנה. לסבא וסבתא יש רק אהבה בשביל הנכדים שלהם כי הם לא מחויבים לתת להם שום דבר אחר. הם לא צריכים לתת להם כסף, תמיכה או אנרגיה אבל רק נותנים אהבה.

חיים באר משווה את המשפחה לרשת ביטחון. הוא אומר שאם יש קטסטרופה בחיים של משהוא במשפחה, כולם שמים את הכל בצד וכאחד הם באים לעזור ולתמוך בו. הוא מסביר שכשהורים מגדלים את הילדים שלהם, הם נותנים להם את הכלים כדי להיות משהוא מוצלח בחיים אבל רוב הזמן ההורים מחליטים מראש מה הם רוצים שהילדים שלהם יעשו בחיים. לדוגמא, הוא מספר שכשהוא היה ילד קטן אמא שלו קנתה לו מדפסת וכך הוא נהיה סופר. לדעתו, המשפחה היא כמו מטען של טלפון נייד. אחרי שהילדים גדלים ויוצאים מהבית, כשהם צריכים משהוא הם חוזרים הביתה ו״נטענים״. הם מקבלים אנרגיה, אהבה, כסף ואת כל הצרכים שיתנו להם הצלחה בחיים ואחרי שהם מקבלים את זה, הם ״מוטענים״ מספיק כדי שוב לצאת מהבית.

אני מסכימה עם חיים באר כשהוא אומר ״אם משהוא ניפצע כולם כאיש אחד באים לעזור לו״ כי בעיניי במשפחות זה הכי חשוב להיות שם אחד בשביל השני בזמנים הקשים ושהאיש ״הפצוע״ רואה את כל משפחתו בצידו זה נותן לי ביטחון ויותר כוח להתגבר על המצב שלו. אני גם מאמינה ש״אי אפשר לצוות על הלב לאהוב כשהוא לא יכול״ כי למרות שמישהוא חלק מהמשפחה שלנו, זה לא אומר שאנחנו חייבים לאהוב אותם. עצם העובדה שמדובר בבני משפחה לא אומר שחייבת להיות אהבה ביניהם. דבר שלישי שאני מסכימה איתו הוא שהיחסים בין נכדים לסבא וסבתא הם הכי מלאים באהבה ובבחירה חופשית.

לדעתי, משפחה היא לא עסק כלכלי וכשאח אחד מתחתן, אני חושבת שזה יותר חשוב לתמוך בהם רגשית ולא בדרך כלכלית. בעולם היום, כל אחד דואג לעצמו וההורים בדרך כלל עוזרים וזה לא תפקידם של האחים והאחיות .

הנקודות שעליהן מדבר המשורר חיים באר בראיון , בין אם אנחנו מסכימים איתן או לא, מהוות השקפה מעניינת על המשפחה הישראלית. .

Amit Ninary Ido and Roi Mizrahi Sagiv Levi Class of 2016 Class of 2016 Class of 2016 Israel: Living Abroad and at Home by Rabbi J.B. Sacks Co-Director of Jewish Life

A story emerged from Russia years ago that expresses a truth about Jewish life. The secret police in the Soviet Union knocked upon the door of a Russian Jew. They accused him of corresponding with a foreign agent named Rabinovitz in the state of Israel. The Jew laughed and explain that he had been writing letters to his brother Hayim Rabinovitz who happened to live in Tel Aviv. The Russian officer then responded, “But don’t you know that you are not supposed to be in contact with anyone abroad?” The Jew answered with a shrug and stated, “You don’t understand. I am living abroad, and he is at home.”

Wherever we may live, America or elsewhere may be our home, but Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people. True, Israel is not paradise. It is not the Garden of Eden. It has its problems, and we do not have to agree with everything that any Prime Minister or Israeli government says or does. Israelis disagree with each other all the time--and rather vigorously. This is perhaps why they have so many political parties. In the 2015 Israeli elections, for example, some 17 different parties won seats in the Knesset (and many others tried to win seats)! Yet, with all of Israel’s difficulties and problems, Israel is today the spiritual center for all Jews. Period.

Let me go even further: what the State of Israel has achieved in humanitarian and rescue efforts, in the arts and sciences, in the resurrection of the Jewish spirit, in building up barren wastelands and settling cities, in its advances in education, in forging new innovations in technology, in the establishment of a democratic government, and in preserving Jews and Judaism entitles it to a moral claim on our lives.

Israel’s welfare and existence deserve the highest priority in the life of all Jewish communities around the globe and in the life of every Jewish household and, surely, in the heart of every Jew. Indeed, personal loyalty--although not blind loyalty--is today as in the past, one of the litmus tests of Jewishness (yiddishkeit) and religiosity. Let’s face it--there is no branch of Judaism today that does not support Israel wholeheartedly. The lone exception may be found among some small Hassidic and other small ultra-Orthodox sects. Such groups usually live by themselves--and no longer are part of the conversation of Judaism today.

David Ben-Gurion stated about Israel that, “This country made us a people; our people made this a country.” This geographically small entity continues to make us and shape us as a people. To the extent that we personally are willing to give to Israel, to lend to Israel, to invest in Israel, to speak up for Israel, to visit Israel-- to exactly that same extent do we feel our Jewishness and Judaism vital and alive.

Israel celebrates Yom Ha’Atzma’ut/Israel Independence Day beginning at sundown on Wednesday, April 19. The word Atzma’ut, “independence,” comes from the root, etzem. Etzem can mean “bone,” indicating that our people built this country by working “to the bone.” The generations of halutzim (“pioneers”) who came in the decades before Israel became a state sacrificed much for a state that they could not be sure would even come into being. Israelis continue that legacy of hard work today. Etsem also can mean “self,” and Israelis have always vigorously defended their right to be themselves, to determine their own fate, and to mark out their own distinctive Jewish territory. Finally, etsem can also mean “essence.” The essence of Israel cannot only be measured by Israel’s work ethic or their feisty individualism. Rather, they are a soulful country who look out for each other, even as they argue with one another. They soak up their biblical heritage even as they chart a distinctive course.

Supporting Israel, then, is supporting the ongoing charting of Jewish destiny. So we join with Israel in celebrating the “country that made us a people,” showing our support and love for our sisters and brothers there. For, at least in a spiritual sense, we are living abroad, and they are home. Stav Harel Class of 2016 22622 Vanowen Street West Hills, CA 91307 818-348-0048 | dTHS.org