Is Israel our Golden Calf?
 | By Rabbi Aaron Gol...
February 20, 2011 | Share |
Is Israel our Golden Calf? Once a central metaphor for prayers, poetry, hopes and latterly ideologies for Jews throughout the ages, whether living in good times and especially when living in threatening environments; the State of Israel is a reality. It is no longer a dream. It is no longer the stuff of fairy tales that could define it as the Cinderalla struggling against the ugly sisters, or biblically of David fighting Goliath. The State of Israel is not mature but it is maturing and as with teenagers, there is often some incredible productivity balanced by some grotty behaviour.
To read the complete sermon see http://www.npls.org.uk/Sermons/New/KiTissa5771.html
COMMENTS
Sun, 02/20/2011 - 23:46 Rate this: 0 points | Britain is a mature democracy. Do you agree with everything the UK does? So much for your "adolescent" argument. Would you label it "grotty behaviour"? Really? |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 01:22 Rate this: 0 points | "I am delighted to announce this morning that we will be sharing a trip to Israel in late October early November with our Methodist neighbours." Good-oh! I'm sure you'll be persuading them to drop the antisemitic motions they passed at their 2010 Conference. http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/another-reason-why-methodist-vote-was-anti... http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/shame-methodists Won't you.....? |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 01:29 Rate this: 2 points | The Methodisy Church has embraced anti-Semitism as official policy. That you associate with these racists simply acts as a fig leaf for their racism, and legitimizes their hateful stance. You should be ashamed. |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 07:54 Rate this: 0 points | Your title is about as maladroit as it gets. The 'Golden Calf' was an idol made by Aaron to satisfy the Israelites during Moses' absence, when he went up to Mount Sinai. In what way can Israel possibly be an 'idol'? How many people walked out when you gave this sermon? Maybe you would do better as a Methodist Minister? |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 07:58 Rate this: 0 points | And by the way it's 'Cinderella' not 'Cinderalla' |
jandrsimonson (not verified) Mon, 02/21/2011 - 08:35 Rate this: 0 points | In what way can Israel possibly be an 'idol'? The love and worship of god has been replaced by the worship of the state of israel. How idolotrous can idolatry get ? |
Watchful Iris (not verified) Mon, 02/21/2011 - 08:53 Rate this: 1 point | Yes, Rabbi...now your entire worth is shattered by that typo. I'm sure my beloved will agree. |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 08:57 Rate this: 0 points | "Perhaps that all changed with the existential wars of the State of Israel: the Six Day War and Yom Kippur War." Has this genius not heard of the War of Independence? "Perhaps it was the Lebanon Wars and intifadas, too many to ignore" What is this halfwit babbling about? If only there were slightly fewer wars and intifadas, he would have ignored them? And he is barely literate: "Now Jewish Communities leaders in the Diaspora launched Solidarity Tours and urged the quieting of dissenting voices" As others have said, his associating with Methodists is a disgrace. |
Anonymous Mon, 02/21/2011 - 08:57 Rate this: 2 points | This comment by Yoni1 has been moderated |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 10:29 Rate this: 3 points | Criticising Israel is fine. But 'Golden Calf'? The Golden Calf was an idol, with no redeeming features whatsoever: it could not be criticised as its very existence was worthy of criticism. A rabbi, especially a Liberal one, should be aware about language that too easily resonates with centuries of Christian anti-Judaism, that said Judaism and the law was itself the Golden Calf of the Jews. And proudly boasting about sharing the company of the Methodists, given their appalling conference and report. Way to go, Goldstein, giving some pretty dreadful modern Christian anti-Zionists more ammunition of that order. All I can say is that RSY-NETZER has gone a long way down hill since I was in it, if Rabbi Goldstein is anything to go by. What does he think he is playing at? |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 10:34 Rate this: 3 points | 'Perhaps it was the Lebanon Wars and intifadas, too many to ignore, that opened our eyes and minds to the inequalities.' Less of the 'our', pal. At least have the courage of your convictions and take responsibility for them yourself. |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 10:52 Rate this: -2 points | Indeed, Macairt. The whole silly rant is informed by this pathetic person's huge vanity. He speaks for himself only. |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 14:10 Rate this: -3 points | Not entirely sure it's a golden calf. However, it is the be all and end all for many, so much so it in fact replaces religion. |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 15:42 Rate this: -2 points | Having a strong national homeland for the Jews is vital, and anyone who doesn't understand this (incl. this pompous and ignorant 'rabbi') is to be pitied. Millis, as usual, can't see the difference between being a 'critical friend' and being a demented demoniser. |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 15:46 Rate this: -1 points | Millis, you're not a friend - critical or otherwise. Would the author call the UK's behaviour "grotty"? I notice he doesn't answer. |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 16:12 Rate this: 0 points | Here, Rabbi Goldstein, get a gander of this: |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 16:13 Rate this: -1 points | Amber, he rarely if ever answers - just hits and runs. |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 16:28 Rate this: -2 points | Like all the other morons, antisemites and cowards who mark down sensible posts but are too stupid, cowardly and antisemitic to say anything meaningful. |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 16:30 Rate this: -3 points | Yvetta, he doesnt owe you or anyone else an explanation or an aswer. |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 16:33 Rate this: -1 points |
Yes he does. If he's not prepared to defend his ideas then he shouldn't post them in a public blog should he? |
jandrsimonson (not verified) Mon, 02/21/2011 - 19:31 Rate this: 1 point | Matt why don't you sue him or complain to mummy ? Don't tell me Yvetta IS mummy ? |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 19:36 Rate this: -2 points | Piss off, Simonson - you are probably the most useless idiot visiting this blog. |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 21:28 Rate this: -2 points | Matt always has something worthwhile to say, and always says it well. Why the JC tolerates antisemites on these is one of the despicable wonders of the world. |
Mon, 02/21/2011 - 23:57 Rate this: -2 points | Yvetta, you are right. It is scandalous that bigots and anti-Semites are permitted to spout an endless stream of hatred and bile on the blogs of the JC. JC, are you happy with this? |
Tue, 02/22/2011 - 17:22 Rate this: -2 points | stella - that sick individual doesn't do fun - just bigotry and hate |
Tue, 02/22/2011 - 18:13 Rate this: -2 points | So is Rabbi Goldstein going to post back here so we can hold him to account for this? |
Tue, 02/22/2011 - 19:07 Rate this: -3 points | Matt - apparently not. It's just a hit and run job - no scrutiny required. |
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amber
Sun, 02/20/2011 - 23:44
Rate this:
"Grotty behaviour"?
Oh, please...not another one.