Welcome!
We are excited to launch Makom's newsletter, a source of reflection and action concerning the place of Israel in Jewish life. We hope that with time, the traditional black-and-white image of Israel will recede, revealing a colorful diversity – not idyllic, not horrific – amazingly rich and downright accessible.
This first issue lays out Makom’s philosophy, focusing on one of its central themes – conversation. Marion Blumenthal and Jonathan Ariel explain the milieu that has given rise to Makom. Michael Fisher comments on conversation between Israelis and American Jews in the context of the conflict in Lebanon.
Having candid, open conversations on renewing Israel in Jewish life is a top priority in all of Makom’s community initiatives, including a unique program featured in this newsletter: Lay leaders were brought together in the community of Metrowest to confront the drawbacks of portraying Israel as terror-stricken, poor – or, on the other hand, flawless – and to contemplate alternatives.
This newsletter also introduces two columns that will appear in subsequent issues: 1) “Personal Bookshelf”, in which a Makom professional describes a book that influenced his or her engagement with Israel. We thank Avi West of Washington, D.C., for being the first to take up this challenge 2) “Makom Matters”, which features news from Makom communities as well as general Makom bulletins.
We hope you enjoy this issue, and we welcome any comments.
Pleasant reading!
