Comments for Jewish Quarterly

Comment on The Not So Civil Society by charles Plotkiin

charles Plotkiin — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:37:44 +0000

I think I agree with you, and do support your fund and also Gesher. You could help some of us slow old timers read your argument if you were a bit more succinct. I kept reading for a while, then looked at how much more there was to go, admired your thoroughness but gave up on continuing the scrolling.

Comment on Liberal Zionism: A Contradiction in Terms? by Yisrael Medad

Yisrael Medad — Wed, 09 May 2012 06:23:12 +0000

The main problem with Liberal Zionism or, better: the Zionism of Jewish liberals-cum-progressives, is that they ultimately are working for the establishment of yet another Arab regime, Islamic-driven, which for the past 90 years has represented a complete negation of the Jewish national idea, and since coming into pre-state formation as an “Authority” has shown itself to be undemocratic, aggressive, supportive of terror, purveyor of incitement including anti-Semitism, unwilling to engage in genuine efforts for peace, negating any form of compromise, territorial or otherwise, and, to top it off, dictaroial and repressive to the very people it is supposed to assist: Arabs, including no governmental transparency, lack of civil liberties, basic human rights, no press freedom, etc.

If this is the state Beinartism is promoting, well, as we say in Yiddish: a loch in kop. But in doing this, Beinart, Judt, Chomsky, et al., are being dishonest, immoral and highly unethical towards Jews (and undermining their security), Israel (threatening its existence) and Arabs (who will continue to serve as canon fodder for Arab anti-Zionist terror) and all for quite an egotistical reason: so that they can better live among the Goyim.

Comment on Can Two Walk Together? by Yisrael Medad

Yisrael Medad — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:53:39 +0000

This is such an ideological anachronistic warping of history to suit Yehoshua’s viewpoint. Of course, the entire play is unavailable to me but this “to produce another attack on me” by DBG when he was the one calling VJ “Hitler” and “Fuehrer” and when nthe Labour factions of the Histadrut were attacking VJ from 1923 on is outlandish.

To put these words in VJ’s mouth on Uri Tzvi: “Uri Zvi Greenberg isn’t a moral or a spiritual authority. He’s a hysterical, humourless man still haunted by the trauma of the trenches. And I’ll let you in to a secret – unlike you, I’m not keen on his poetry.” is a bit sacrilegious. In 1934 Atzag was already working for the Revisionist movement in Poland, editing journals and newspapers.

Oh, and if the translator wants to be faithful, this term “a wall of steel” is mistranslated. And since it’s one of Jabo’s most well-known phrases, thanks to Shlaim, it should be Iron Wall קיר הברזל, from his 1923 two-part article.

But if this is sponsored by the NIF, I can understand Yehoshua’s moblized literature.

Comment on Liberal Zionism: A Contradiction in Terms? by ZIONISM ABOVE LIBERALISM | Cartoon Kippah

ZIONISM ABOVE LIBERALISM | Cartoon Kippah — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:07:38 +0000

[...] a recent Jewish Quarterly article, Rebecca Steinfeld argues that Liberal Zionism is a contradiction in terms. This is the latest contribution to a debate that has [...]

Comment on Liberal Zionism: A Contradiction in Terms? by ThePhotoTimes.com

ThePhotoTimes.com — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:00:20 +0000

Space incorporates art and Judaism…

LUIS FERNANDO RODRIGUEZ TTN Rabbi Daniel Grodnitzky stands in front of the Kugel Gallery. The gallery opened on South Street in February.The Kugel Collaborative on South Street provides a space for Jewish art students.Rabbi Daniel Grodnitzky noticed th…

Comment on Proximity Talks by London Sketchbook | Sarah Glidden

London Sketchbook | Sarah Glidden — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:45:34 +0000

[...] week I went to London for an assignment for the Jewish Quarterly, a cultural journal based there who I do comics for. It was Jewish Book Week and they asked me to come to make a piece about it. The illustrated [...]

Comment on Non Jewish Jews by Muslims and Jews: beyond clichés and mutual demonisation « Antony Lerman

Muslims and Jews: beyond clichés and mutual demonisation « Antony Lerman — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:47:36 +0000

[...] Sadly, Sabbagh’s presentation, supposedly an exposition of the ‘Lies of Zionism’, though heartfelt was misjudged. As one participant pointed out, while there are certainly Zionist lies, any competent researcher would also find lies in presentations of the Palestinian and Arab case. And the legitimacy of his argument was fundamentally damaged by the subsequent concerted critical pressure on him from quite a number of participants for his endorsement of Gilad Atzmon’s antisemitic book. [...]

Comment on Non Jewish Jews by Slices Of World « Soupy One

Slices Of World « Soupy One — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:27:43 +0000

[...] Kahn-Harris’s reviewed Gilad Atzmon’s recent book: “The book is a peculiar mix of polemic, philosophising and personal narrative which creates a [...]

Comment on Charlie Chaplin: Jewish or Goyish? by Charlie Chaplin on Ron Paul for president | The Conspiracy of King Arthur

Charlie Chaplin on Ron Paul for president | The Conspiracy of King Arthur — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:13:22 +0000

[...] out this article … As nearly as can be determined, Charlie Chaplin is virtually part Jewish almost most of the time [...]

Comment on Proximity Talks by Proximity Talks – A Comic For the Jewish Quarterly | Sarah Glidden

Proximity Talks – A Comic For the Jewish Quarterly | Sarah Glidden — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 06:27:41 +0000

[...] http://jewishquarterly.org/2011/09/proximity-talks/ [...]

Comment on Occupying God by Couple of thoughts | Maximum Balance Foundation LLC

Couple of thoughts | Maximum Balance Foundation LLC — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:43:03 +0000

[...] Occupying God : Jewish Quarterly It was the first post-reformation cathedral in England and was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, who had designed over fifty churches in the City of London, already a major centre of banking and international trade. By the … Christian socialist R.H. Tawney writes of the 16th century’s ‘constant appeal from the new and clamorous economic interests of the day to the traditional Christian morality, which in social organization, as in the relation of individuals, is still conceived to be the final … http://jewishquarterly.org/ — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:58:52 -0800 [...]

Comment on Charlie Chaplin: Jewish or Goyish? by Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand CUT! « raincoaster

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand CUT! « raincoaster — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 03:25:17 +0000

[...] For reference, this walk is virtually part Jewish almost most of the time. [...]

Comment on Walking the Wire by Walking the Wire « Eclectic Culture and Opinions

Walking the Wire « Eclectic Culture and Opinions — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 02:04:34 +0000

[...] and to laud those who start afresh over those who try to improve what already exists. Read more: Jewish Quarterly Eco World Content From Across The Internet. Featured on EcoPressed Obama Takes Steps to [...]

Comment on Charlie Chaplin: Jewish or Goyish? by T. Day

T. Day — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 19:39:24 +0000

It is sometimes difficult to ascertain the true heritage of the peoples who were outcasts in that area of Europe. Jews, Gypsies and Armenians were quite often found living together or relatively near each other … second class peoples to the Russians and Turks who drove them farther and farther into sometimes uninhabitable segmented areas. So it is highly possible that Chaplin had a Jewish ancestor, and even though it can’t be documented, he instinctively felt it was true. Some people have higher levels of inherited memory than others. I am sure a DNA test would solve the mystery.

Comment on Charlie Chaplin: Jewish or Goyish? by The Ambiguously Jewish Charlie Chaplain | TribeVibe

The Ambiguously Jewish Charlie Chaplain | TribeVibe — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 21:28:31 +0000

[...] dozens of result of people asking and occasionally answering the same question. In a particularly interesting post in the Jewish Quarterly, Holly Pearse explores Chaplain’s unique [...]

Comment on Charlie Chaplin: Jewish or Goyish? by J Regan

J Regan — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:45:58 +0000

I should have added that Chaplin knew of his Romany heritage, and it was not until, I believe, 1976, the year prior to his death, did he find the letter/document confirming that he was, in fact, born in an aunt’s gypsy caravan.

Comment on Charlie Chaplin: Jewish or Goyish? by Holly A. Pearse

Holly A. Pearse — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:40:56 +0000

Yes, I have. And, yes, the Hill side of his family described themselves as “Gypsy,” though I think that is not always a clear-cut descriptor in British/Irish usage. The point of this article was that Chaplin was not Jewish, but often labelled as such, and occasionally he described himself as Jewish.

At times, he emphasized French, British, Irish, Jewish and Gypsy heritage. While the French and Gypsy are recurring in the literature, only Sydney seems to have confirmed Jewish ancestry.

Comment on Charlie Chaplin: Jewish or Goyish? by J Regan

J Regan — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:36:18 +0000

Have you not read the many biographies on Chaplin?

He was of Romany (Gypsy) descent.

Comment on JQ-Wingate Prize by J Lit Links | Jewish Book Council Blog

J Lit Links | Jewish Book Council Blog — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:11:04 +0000

[...] are announced for the 2011 Jewish Quarterly-Wingate Prize: Lisa Appignanesi, Michael Prodger, Emily Kasriel, and Dr. Daniel Glaser. Read more [...]

Comment on Elena Shvarts (1948-2010) by 2010 – Deaths S « The Graveyard

2010 – Deaths S « The Graveyard — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:03:47 +0000

[...] Шварц) (May 17, 1948 – March 11, 2010) Poet Guardian obit; Independent obit; Jewish Quarterly tribute Sicherman, Dr. Harvey (1945 – December 25, 2010) Sievey, Christopher Mark (aka Frank [...]

Comment on There’s No Place Like Home by Joseph Finlay

Joseph Finlay — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:26:11 +0000

I’m not sure I understand your point. I argue against an ethnocentric connection to Judaism. Certainly I have a connection to past Jewish communities that is in patt ethnic, but I think that we would be better off theorising Jewish communities as communities of practice, rather than a people glued together by common descent.

Comment on There’s No Place Like Home by gringras

gringras — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 10:42:09 +0000

so you’re okay with connecting ethnocentrically to Judaism just so long as it’s universalist?

Comment on 100 years of Kibbutzim by VICTIMS OF OUR VISIONS: ASA WINSTANLEY ON THE KIBBUTZIM | SHOAH

VICTIMS OF OUR VISIONS: ASA WINSTANLEY ON THE KIBBUTZIM | SHOAH — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 07:16:57 +0000

[...] Lawrence Joffe, “100 years of Kibbutzim”, Jewish Quarterly, 23 July [...]

Comment on 100 years of Kibbutzim by Victims of our Visions: Asa Winstanley on the Kibbutzim | Jewbonics

Victims of our Visions: Asa Winstanley on the Kibbutzim | Jewbonics — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:36:43 +0000

[...] Lawrence Joffe, “100 years of Kibbutzim”, Jewish Quarterly, 23 July [...]

Comment on 100 years of Kibbutzim by Asa Winstanley » The Receiving End of our Dreams: book review of “A Living Revolution: Anarchism in the Kibbutz Movement”

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:13:57 +0000

[...] Lawrence Joffe, “100 years of Kibbutzim”, Jewish Quarterly, 23 July [...]

Comment on The Smile on the Dog by offgrid

offgrid — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 04:06:14 +0000

I think Yahshua the Nazarene was a Spinozist. He said the “Kingdom of God is within you” and always referred to God as “the cosmic spirit within all things”

Avoon, Abwun, Ab, Aleph-Bet. The One that exists in all others.

We need to go back and study the letter/numbers. yod-heh-shin-vav-heh. What does it mean. ? Yes, What does it mean.

Comment on Delegitimising the Delegitimisers by Ronnie Horesh

Ronnie Horesh — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:22:59 +0000

One possibility might be to give the private sector, including non-governmental organizations and philanthropic group, incentives to build peace in the long run. Which probably means focusing on the next generation. There are things that a motivated private sector can do that governments cannot. Diverse, adaptive projects are needed, not top-down, one-size-fits-all policies.

I explain how a new financial instrument, Middle East Peace Bonds, might do this here: http://socialgoals.com/mepeacebonds.html

What could private sector individuals or groups do? They could finance sports matches between opposing sides, promote anti-war programmes on TV, set up exchange schemes for students from Israel and Arab countries. They might try to influence the financial supporters of conflict outside the region to redirect their funding into more edifying activities. They could offer the Palestinians and the citizens of neighbouring Arab countries different forms of aid, including education and scientific aid, and measures aimed at enlightening Arab citizens.

They could lobby, or work with, the Israeli and Arab governments to, say, give a higher priority to peace studies in schools, but they could also develop peace-teaching projects of their own. They could focus on enhancing the prospect of peace in the future. They could make strenuous efforts in Israel and the neighbouring countries to have some mixed classes of Jewish and Palestinian children at kindergarten and school. Both groups must have the chance of spending time with each other. At the very least there should be opportunities for the younger people from both sides of the conflict to meet, discuss, argue and form friendships.

Other examples of activities that a motivated private sector could undertake would be:

• Lobbying for the elimination of all state-sponsored anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish propaganda, in textbooks, radio, TV, newspapers and the internet; especially in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan.

• Promoting exchanges between Israel and its neighbours at all levels, to discuss matters of regional importance including: water resources, the environment, economic integration etc. Any agreed outcomes from such talks could be seen as a bonus: bureaucrats talking to each other may or may not achieve very much, but their talking in itself implies a recognition of the humanity of the other side, which would make armed conflict less likely.

• Lobbying western countries, including Israel, to give Arab countries preferential trade access to the Israeli market. Doing so would give everyone in the region the chance of economic growth and a better life for their children. It would give them a chance to build trust and take a stake in a peaceful future – a chance that the current Arab governments are largely denying their own people.

• Promoting opportunities for the populations of these countries to learn English (and even, eventually, Hebrew).

• Promoting genuine democracy in, and foreign direct investment into, the Arab countries.

It’s not for me, or anyone at this stage, to say what will work best. We don’t know. But Middle East Peace Bonds, with a long-term objective of sustained peace, would encourage the exploration and implementation of diverse, adaptive projects: they would also make sure that only successful ones would continue. A stark contrast with the current approach.

Comment on Wingate Prize 2011 by Judging the Wingate by Anne Karpf « Bagels and Books

Judging the Wingate by Anne Karpf « Bagels and Books — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:26:11 +0000

[...] the Wingate by Anne Karpf For more than five years I managed to avoid judging the Jewish Quarterly Wingate Literary Prize. There was always some pressing reason, professional or personal, not to, and then the thought of [...]

Comment on Wingate Prize 2011 by Book About Palestinian Poet Taha Muhammad Ali Wins Jewish Quarterly Prize « Arabic Literature (in English)

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 05:03:00 +0000

[...] Literary Saloon announced today that Adina Hoffman has won the Jewish Quarterly-Wingate Literary Prize for her My Happiness Bears No Relation to [...]

Comment on Reform or Die by Hagai Segal by Zev

Zev — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 07:16:24 +0000

This article is very relevant to the political system in Israel and the way that it has been corruptly manipulated in more ways then one. Despite the plethora of political parties in Israel there seems to be a serious lack of check and balances (as well as personal accountability) in the current Israeli system. One of the basic changes that Israel needs regardless if they should go to single member district system or not (such as the German system)is that they should require a two third majority vote in the Knesset to be able to ratify any kind of peace treaty so as to represent the people and to provide a needed review of the terms of the said treaty. For example notice the way the Oslo Accords were implemented with out first holding Knesset hearings and a thorough review of the provisions in the accords. Instead it they negotiated in secret and then signed by the late Prime Minister Rabin and Yasir Arafat as a fait accompli and only then was the Knesset given the option to vote on it. The Oslo Accords had proven to be a disaster and to this day the state of Israel had dearly paid the price in both blood and money for that irresponsible treaty that the Arabs never honored or took seriously and yet Israel is still being asked to continue making dangerous concession to the PA while they never had lived to the Oslo accords which they had signed and was foisted on the Israeli public.
As for reforming the political system in Israel, I would strongly recommend reading the book “Jewish Statesmanship Lest Israel Fall” by Professor Paul Eidelberg where he outlines what needs to be done to make Israel into an effective and accountable Jewish Democracy.
Zev Post C