Israel
has many of the same cultural and social issues that existed in my
native United States. Sadly, one challenge facing this new country is
the problem of children at risk. Thousands of young people in this
nation live in homes where abuse is prevalent. Drug addiction is a
problem in our homeland, physical abuse and neglect are common, and
incidents of sexual harassment occur. Many parents work two jobs as is
too often the case in America. Children, therefore, may have their
educations neglected and their social supports are often inadequate.
Programs exist to give youth from very challenging homes an alternative
lifestyle and brighter future. I visited the Tel Aviv
Residential Group Homes recently to obtain information for the readers
about their wonderful efforts to provide support for 150 youngsters. The
children come from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim backgrounds. Some are
from immigrant backgrounds including Eritrea.
My career in The
United States was to publicize programs for people with disabilities
from age sixteen to sixty and youth from challenged families. Some of
these individuals lived in supervised settings. Many lived in private
homes. This was my first experience learning about programs for youth (ages ranged from six to eighteen) in
Israel. Is there a greater Mitzvah than offering youngsters, who are
so young of age, a chance to build decent lives? The goal of the program
is to empower the children and integrate them in to society through a
normative and supportive home life.
To quote director Orit,
“The residential group facility places the young individual in the
center of the educational and emotional care. We believe that every
child can advance and realize his/her potential. We give these kids the
opportunity to do just that!”
The home is located in a quiet and pleasant residential part of Tel Aviv.
The children live two to three in a room and receive around-the-clock
care from thirty dedicated professionals. There are several buildings
which are divided by age groups. The residents attend thirty to forty
schools throughout the city. “We have our youngsters attend the same
schools that they attended prior to coming to live with us,” explains
administrator Dafna. "The program strongly promotes continuity. Family home visits take place twice a month".
"The
residential center provides all the child’s basic needs plus assistance
with school work, 'Chugim' or extra curricular, social programs and
sports groups, as well as counseling on social and familial issues.
There are also supplementary activities for those who excel in sports,
computers, and the arts which are financed by private contributions.
Special efforts are made for people with disabilities".
Most of
the youngsters leave the residential home at the age of eighteen to
serve in the Israeli Defense Forces. Contact is still maintained and a
special apartment is available for some of the graduates with no homes
outside of the military.
The program is more than sixty years old and was founded by Israel Rokach - the first mayor of Tel Aviv. Funding for is provided by both the City of Tel Aviv Ministry of Welfare and private donations. Staff are both paid and volunteer. To learn more please respond to this post.
The greatest mistake that I have made in my life was to wait until the age of sixty to study the holy teachings of my faith Judaism, passionately. I am blessed to live in Haifa, Israel, in the land where our ancestors gave us the greatest gift possible, that of our spirituality. The purpose of this post is to educate, not promote debates or controversy. I am writing this from my own personal perspective as a fervent believer in the Jewish religion.
The concept of one G-d has its roots in the land of Canaan. The three major monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam trace their roots back to this wonderful nation. Haifa, "The City of Peaceful Co-existence" is a incredible place in which to study Judaism and the faiths of others. Jews, Christians, Muslims and others live together fairly well in the final resting place of Elijah The Prophet and world center of The Baha'i.
I have studied the Talmud at a Kollel or adult Orthodox study program. My Masorti or conservative congregation offers classes in the Kaballah, The Talmud, and the Old Testament. You will see me once or twice a week at our local Chabad center where I learn the Torah. I have studied the New Testament with Christian friends to better understand and respect my neighbors. I believe that my love for my own faith is strengthened by learning about the beliefs of others. Judaism calls for us to respect and reach out to our neighbors. Hillel, when asked by a prospective convert to Judaism to teach him the whole Torah while he stood on one leg, replied: 'That which is hateful unto you do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole of the Torah, the rest is commentary. Go forth and study.'
I and my family before me are lifelong followers of the Masorti or conservative stream of Judaism. It represents a “third” way; not secular Judaism; not ultra-Orthodoxy; but a Jewish life that integrates secular beliefs - Halakhah with inclusion and egalitarianism. Masorti (tradition) followers recognize the realities of today’s world. There are more than two million of us most of whom are found in The United States.
The Torah is the first part of the most holy scripture of Judaism - the Tanach or Old Testament, where (in Judaism) the law of God as revealed to Moses is recorded in the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures (the Pentateuch). The five books of the Torah start with the world's beginnings and end as the Jewish people prepare to enter the land of Israel.
The Tanach or Old Testament consists of three divisions--the Torah and the Prophets and the Writings.The name Tanakh is an acronym of the first Hebrew letter of each of the Masoretic Text's three traditional subdivisions: Torah ("Teaching", also known as the Five Books of Moses), Nevi'im ("Prophets") and Ketuvim ("Writings")—hence TaNaKh.
The Oral Torah consists of the traditional interpretations and amplifications handed down by word of mouth from generation to generation and now embodied in the Talmud and Midrash. They are written compilations of Jewish teachings, laws, and legal case studies. The Torah contains narratives, statements of law, and statements of ethics. Collectively these laws, usually called biblical law or commandments, are sometimes referred to as the Law of Moses. These laws were the first part of the Torah. I am amazed at the complexity of depth of knowledge in the Talmud. It is possible to review and discuss one paragraph of the great body of knowledge for hours or yes, even days! For the sages of the Mishnah and Talmud, and for their successors today, the study of Torah was not merely a means to learn the contents of God's revelation, but an end in itself. 'We study to learn' is a common phrase used to describe this concept in Judaism. Traditional Judaism is a knowledge based faith.
The concept of One G-D was given to Moses and the Jewish people. Followers of Judaism were chosen to promote and protect the teachings and values of our faith. Humble servants of the universal creator are expected to follow the values of the Torah in all aspects of our lives. Moses was known for his humility. Jews believe that he was the most humble of all people. He was blessed to receive the holy laws due to his kind and gentle spirit. Moses is referred to by the Hebrew word Anav or meek. The word signifies complete gentleness and devotion to the One G-d, which is the heart of Judaism. My greatest challenge in life is learning to accept the fact that my actions are guided from above.
According to traditional Judaism, all of the laws found in the Torah, both written and oral, were given by G-d to Moses, some of them at Mount Sinai and most of them at the Tabernacle. All the teachings were later compiled and written down by Moses, which resulted in the Torah that we have today. It is believed that the Torah was created prior to the creation of the world, and was used as the blueprint for Creation. Most Modern biblical scholars believe that the written books were a product of the Babylonian exiled period (c.600 BCE) and that it was completed by the Persian period (c.400 BCE). The written compilations were in great part a response to the destruction of the Second Jewish Temple and subsequent exile of the Jewish people from ancient Israel. In the days of the first and second Temples, Judaism was an oral faith centered in ancient Jerusalem. Two thousand years ago Jews were expected to pray in The Temple. According to classical Jewish belief, the Temple acted as the figurative "footstool" of G-D's presence and a Third Temple will be built there in the future. Many of us believe that Israel is the Third Temple.
For thousands of years Jews have been studying texts in pairs or in groups, respectfully debating each other, and learning the stories and legal texts of Judaism. The study of the Torah and other texts in groups is believed to enhance the ability to learn and promote unity. Some people condense what they have learned about a certain subject into a d'var Torah, or a brief sermon, to help share knowledge with others. The 613 mitzvot (laws) direct the Jewish people in their actions of daily life and their beliefs including moral and ethical behavior. The Torah's importance can be seen in its use throughout daily life. Traditional Jews pray three times daily.
Another demonstration the importance of the Torah is seen in the display of the mezuzah.
The mezuzah is a small container displayed on the front door of many Jewish homes. It contains a prayer called the Shema which is taken directly from scriptures in the Torah... Shema Yisrael (or Sh'ma Yisrael). "Hear, [O] Israel") are the first two words of a section of the Torah, and are the title (sometimes shortened to simply "Shema") of a prayer that serves as a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services. The first verse encapsulates the monotheistic essence of Judaism: "Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is one," found in Deuteronomy 6:4 . The Shema is the most important prayer in Judaism. It should be said at least three times daily.
My Talmud classes are particularly interesting to me. I study in an Orthodox Kollel with three English speaking partners and mentors. A Kollel is an institute for Talmud study and the study of other Jewish literature for male adults. None of us is dressed in black or has beards. Yet, the other "students" at the Kollel accept us and warmly assist us at all times. The Rabbi even offered to plan a "Shiduch" or arranged marriage for me!
I also learn Talmud at my Masorti congregation. Our teacher is a women professor at The University of Haifa. Women are in positions of leadership in our movement and some are Rabbis. We study the same Talmud but one could argue that interpretations are more liberal in the Masorti movement than in Orthodox Judaism. We study to learn and I enjoy the classes immensely. Judaism, as in other faiths has different streams and of course different views and thoughts within each. Yes, there can be differences, even tension, between them, but the belief in one universal creator is shared between us. We may study the holy writings from different perspectives but perpetuating study, in my opinion, is far more important than varying interpretations. The Jewish people have returned to our ancient homeland where we can study and celebrate our faith in our ancestral and spiritual center.
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Inbal is the name of my favorite server at The Kapiot Cafe in Haifa. I enjoy the oogiot riba or jelly cookies at our local pub. I am a sixty five year old man with just a bit of a pot belly. Inbal is a twenty one year old resident of Haifa who is a student in dance and fitness buff. She works at the Kapiot once a week. She admonishes me often to eat better and exercise daily. "You must take care of yourself at your age, sir" she lectures me in a well meaning way. "There are several health clubs in our neighborhood, Earl". My definition of exercise is an Activity requiring physical effort, carried out especially to sustain or improve health and fitness.
Israelis like much of the world seem obsessed with health and fitness issues. Good for them. However, like much of the world, a lot of it is just talk. I am wrote this story while watching a smoking area filled with customers, more than an ample number of customers eating oogiot, and a very busy bartender serving lots of beer and peanuts. Statistics claim that only twenty five percent of Israelis are overweight, a figure far lower than Americans. Yet, I still see lots of pot bellies wherever I go in Haifa.
Haifa has the same health services as in The United States. We have several health clubs, several massage clubs, Pilate's studios, and a community park with an outdoor walking trail. Massage, whirlpool, and steam rooms. There are public swimming pools, hiking clubs, the beautiful sea, and organized sports activities for all ages. Football (soccer), basketball, swimming, tennis, and judo are the most popular sports. Inbal explained to me that our skin is the largest organ in our body and needs to be treated properly. I have learned to drink lots of water. I am a big believer in massage, whirlpool treatments, steam rooms, and pedicures.
I have been pleasantly surprised as an immigrant to Israel that most of the services that I enjoyed in America are available here in Israel. We can get a massage, enjoy a whirlpool, steam a bit, walk along a beautiful trail and then enjoy a Big Mac or visit Pizza Hut. Attitudes toward exercise are not all that different as in America. It is easier to say that you will do something than to actually do it.
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| The Bab's Tomb |
Haifa has a multicultural and multi religious population of 260,000, with a Jewish prevalence (91%). The well-integrated Arab minority is Christian (4.5%), Muslim (3.5%) and Druze (1%). Road signs in Cyrillic, alongside Hebrew, Arabic and English, are signs of the extensive Russian community here (25%). It is known as the city of peaceful coextensive and the third largest city in Israel. I am blessed to live in the Mercaz (central) community in Haifa. The community includes some middle class and upscale housing, several swank hotels, the city zoo, and of course the world famous Baha'i Gardens.
There is a popular expression in Israel: “In JERUSALEM people pray, in HAIFA they work, in TEL AVIV they have fun”. Haifa gives the impression of a world light-years away from the religiosity of Jerusalem and the skyscrapers of Tel Aviv. Here everything is different; the city is positioned on top of a magnificent bay, and although the typical white stone that is characteristic of the whole country prevails, the buildings and skyscrapers have a variety of styles, and the port is busy with bustling commerce. The many industries in the area are mainly concentrated in the so called Krayot, surrounding villages. The city is dotted with gardens. The most prominent is at the world center of the Baha'i religion, with the tombs of the Bab (Mirza Muhammad Ali) and Abbas Efendi, son and successor of the founder of the faith, Baha'ullah. The presence of the Baha'i for so long persecuted in various Middle East countries, is evidence of the tolerant social fabric of this city.
Haifa is the international headquarters for the Baha'i Faith, which began midst persecution in Persia in the mid-19th century. Baha'i s believe in the unity of all religions and believe that messengers of God like Moses, Jesus and Muhammad have been sent at different times in history with doctrines varying to fit changing social needs, but bringing substantially the same message.
The most recent of these heavenly teachers, according to the Baha'i s, was Baha'ullah (1817-92), whose arrival was heralded by the Bab. Baha'ullah was exiled by the Turkish authorities to Acre (Akko), where he wrote his doctrines and died in peace at the Bahji House.
The Bab's remains were hidden for years after he died a martyr's death in front of a firing squad in 1850. Eventually, the Bab's remains were secretly carried to the Holy Land. During one of his visits to Haifa in 1890, Baha'ullah pointed out to his son the spot on Mount Carmel where the remains of the Bab should be laid to rest in a befitting tomb.
At first, the Bab's tomb was housed in a simple six-room stone building, constructed in 1899-1909. In 1921, the Baha'i leader Abdu'l-Bahá (eldest son of Baha'ullah) was also buried in the shrine.
In 1948-53, Shoghi Effendi oversaw a major enlargement to the shrine designed in the Neo-Classical style by architect William Sutherland Maxwell. The Seat of the Universal House of Justice, where the governing body of the Baha'i Faith meets, was added in 1975-83. Also Neo-Classical in style, it was designed by architect Husayn Amanat.
The famous Baha'i Gardens (a.k.a. Terraced Gardens) were designed by architect Fariborz Sahba and constructed between 1990 and 2001. In 2008, UNESCO named the Baha'i Shrine a World Heritage Site along with the shrine and tomb of Baha'u'llah in Acre.
I enjoy wandering around my community, visiting the zoo, taking the daily tour of the gardens in English, visiting the Cinameteque theater and several museums which are in the mercaz, and of course eating. The Mercaz houses several high quality restaurants as well as your expected McDonald’s and lots of pizza and falafel shops.
My favorite gift shop in the area is Ahuva Art & Craft owned by Ahuva Kahana. The word Ahuva means beloved in English. She has been creating, designing and marketing jewelry and gifts since 1976. The store distributes art and jewelry items of her original design and of other Israeli artists. She originated the idea of opening a gift shop in Haifa to meet the needs of the believers of the Baha’i faith, Jews, Christians and other groups. The gift shop is located just a short walk from the Baha’i Shrine and Gardens. It is just one example of the dual-cultural nature of Haifa. This wonderful metropolis has indeed earned its reputation as The City of Peaceful Coexistence.
