What signifies the Spiro Ark’s work is the plethora of subjects and approaches we present.
We are not representing any particular political or religious particular affinity.
Amongst our followers, students and supporters you can find people who represent the entire spectrum – from the ultra orthodox to the heretic and to the non Jew – anyone who is searching for knowledge, for wanting to be exposed to intellectual and artistic challenges.
In most events you are likely to find people who hold similar view to your own; the committed mix with the community, the left wing of the political spectrum populate the events directed at their own and those on the right wing naturally support their own. When do these contradicting ideologists have the opportunity of “listening to the other”.
Those who listen to opposing ideas to their own have the opportunity to think, often strengthening their own ideas and sometimes analyzing their opponents’ ideas. Jewish sources teach us to question and to debate believing that although Halacha is as to Hillel, Shamai still can be heard and his arguments weighted out before final decision is taken.
An open approach where people can air their ideas is far more effective we believe than an aggressive approach which is destined to put off and create an antagonism.
If anyone believes in their own conviction they should be able to discuss, answer challenging questions and hope to persuade others.
There are other subjects which the Spiro Ark presents over which there is no argument or difference of opinion, good art, good music, evocative films, learning the languages which provided the Jewish people with a spine and a thread of unity are taught via manner which pays tribute to this historical phenomenon.
And there is the third element of the triangle of Jewish heritage: the land of Israel: can a Jew ever live without relating to the land of his or her ancestors?
If one is not familiar with the Bible they need only to attend “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” when from the stage came the electrifying lines: “Children of Israel are never alone, for we have been promised a land of our own” and the thousand people in the audience join in with deep emotion.
These evocative lines need substance, to show the historical link as well as the great achievements of Israel in all fields.
Indeed, like in any country the political sphere is unclear and often causes us great embarrassment. But we must not forget achievements in agriculture, science, the arts… which are remarkable and are in many ways eliminating problems in the world or bringing inspiration in their effect.
So the Spiro Ark and its department Tzavta addresses these points of great achievements on a regular basis. You do not have to wait for YOM HA-ATZAMAOUT or to film festival season to be exposed to the best of Israel. It happens nearly every day, certainly every week.
We are doing the hard work but you can become a partner. Bring new ideas, help organizing, distributing these programmes wherever you are.
We are prepared to go nearly “to the end of the world” to share our inspiring programmes with you, your communities or your groups of friends who prefer “not to belong”.
So, as the Israelites said when Moses offered them to receive the new law: NA-ASE V’NISHMA.
We will do and then listen to the explanations why. For it is through doing, through involvement, that things do penetrate to the psyche. So, as they say in Arabic and also in Hebrew YA-LLAH (come on) stop waiting for others to do it all, get a grip and become involved – the Spiro Ark will provide you with the contents.
Please come and write your impressions of every event you have attended.
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