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A new study by the Jewish Federations of North America has raised a key question for American Jewish identity and community: are you "a Zionist," and what does that mean? A sizable number of American Jews now decline the "Z" label, in some very progressive circles it has even become an epithet ("Zio"), yet for other American Jews a strong and positive connection with Israel is a core piece of their identity.
The truth is that we're arguing about terms as well as ideas. According to this study, 88% of American Jews surveyed believed that "Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish Democratic state." Yet they don't agree on what to call that position:
SELF-CHOSEN LABELS (of Jews surveyed)
37% = Zionist
7% = anti-Zionist
8% = non-Zionist
18% = not sure
30% = none of the labels describe them
So while almost 90% support a Jewish democratic Israel, less than half of those comfortably call themselves "Zionist."
Part of the split is that we can't even agree on what "Zionism" means! From the Jewish Telegraphic Agency article about the survey: "....Among [all] Jews, 36% said Zionism only meant “the right of the Jewish people to have a Jewish state.” More than one in four Jewish respondents said they thought Zionists were expected to be “supporting whatever action Israel takes,” and 35% said Zionism meant “believing Israel has a right to the West Bank and Gaza Strip.” Watching online arguments about how much US Olympic athletes should or should not criticize things their country has and is doing reflects a similar debate over loyalty and identity. Another conceptual gulf about what Zionism means demonstrated by this survey: "about 80% of anti-Zionist Jews say 'supporting whatever actions Israel takes' is a tenet of Zionism, while only about 15% of self-identified Zionists share the belief."
If you had taken this survey, where would you fit on that label list, and why? An important strength of Kol Hadash is enabling people to make up their own minds, and to coexist in one community with both diverse perspectives and shared core commitments. That means that some disagreement is a feature, not a bug. We can only know who each other is and what we believe through conversation and respect.
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Rabbi Sharon Brous, founder of the pathbreaking Ikar congregation in Los Angeles, promises “Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World” in The Amen Effect. Does her exploration of Jewish sources provide real possibilities for Humanistic Jews to resist isolation, resolve conflict and bridge differences?
Have you missed a recent Shabbat Service or want to re-watch one you enjoyed? Follow this link to view past programs.
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Steering Committee Meeting
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Thursday, February 12, 7:30pm
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You are always invited to attend Steering Committee meetings. There is no commitment to join the committee or attend future meetings. Curious? Contact Steering Committee Chair, Andrea Friedlander scchair@KolHadash.com.
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Have you wanted to make challah (traditional braided egg bread for Shabbat) yet were hesitant to do so on your own? Join with other parents of young children as we learn and make challah together. At the end of this class, you’ll bring your challah home to bake it. Kol Hadash Youth Education Director Ilana Shaffer will lead this class.
This class is especially for parents of young children (up to age 8) and will be held at our congregational home at the North Shore Unitarian Church (2100 Half Day Road in Deerfield).
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Development Committee Meeting
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Monday, February 16, 7:30pm
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This committee plans our annual gala parties and works on fundraising ideas. If you'd like to attend this meeting or have questions, please contact David Hirsch at development@KolHadash.com.
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This month we will discus The Measure by Nikki Erlick. All are welcome to join us even if you didn’t finish or read the book. Everyone is welcome - always. Questions? Contact David Hirsch scifibookclub@KolHadash.com.
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For cultural Jews, what could be more important than studying Jewish culture? Visit our website to see a full schedule and learn more.
Feb 24 - Tanakh/Hebrew Bible - The Hebrew Bible after the Torah includes fascinating texts of history (claimed and verifiable), folk literature, even skeptical philosophy. It represents another 500 years of Jewish cultural and intellectual evolution.
Want to get reminders about upcoming Adult Education classes? Email Jeremy at info@KolHadash.com to receive reminders.
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Wishing Rachel Samlan full recovery from recent medical treatment
Ron Schwartz has advanced kidney disease, and needs a kidney transplant. Learn more here.
Do you have news? We'd love to share it. Engagements, Weddings, Babies, B Mitzvahs, Anniversaries, Graduations, Awards, Nominations, Appointments, Honors, Achievements. Email Jeremy in the office at info@KolHadash.com with YOUR news.
Honor a mitzvah, wedding, a yartzheit, passing, or other special event with a donation. Celebrate a friend or loved one or wish them well in a time of difficulty by making a donation in their honor.
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Watch the powerful Holocaust legacy film and hear from its award-winning director Yoav Potash. Feb 26 from 6pm to 8:30pm CST.
In the small town of Gniewoszów, Poland, all signs of its once-vibrant Jewish life have vanished — even the tombstones from the destroyed cemetery were stolen, erasing nearly every trace.
In the acclaimed documentary "Among Neighbors," the town’s oldest residents, now in the twilight of their lives, break decades of silence, sharing secrets they have carried for a lifetime. The result is an evocative and heart-pounding murder mystery with urgent political relevance. The film has won the Audience Award at San Francisco Indiefest, the Special Award at the Warsaw Jewish Film Festival, and numerous other awards.
Learn more and purchase tickets.
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A holiday about noise? YES! Purim is the Jewish Carnaval, a time at the end of winter when rules give way to fun and costumes, games and treats are part of the celebration!
Our Purim Family Celebration this year will have some of our favorites, including a costume contest, several crafts, making hamantaschen [triangle holiday cookies], face painting, and reading the megillah [scroll of Esther] with lots of noise (yay! boo!). For for ages 3-15 and younger siblings are welcome.
We will also have a community service project.
All are welcome, no charge, feel free to bring friends and family!
Please contact our Youth Education Director, Ilana Shaffer, at youthed@KolHadash.com or 773-209-8266 with questions.
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Educational scholarship funds from grants administered by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago are available for Jewish college and graduate students. Approximately $320,000 is available each year for full-time students, legally domiciled in the metropolitan Chicago area, with career promise in their chosen fields. Assistance is available for those with financial need who are pursuing careers in the helping professions. Applicants must have been born and raised in the Chicago metropolitan area OR have one continuous year of full-time employment in the Chicago metro area prior to enrollment. Scholarships range up to $4,500.
Learn more.
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