Israeli And Diaspora Jews‘We Are Siblings, Not Cousins

Key Findings:

Bar-Yosef, an Israeli Jew, discusses his personal experience of defining identity, being part of an assimilated Romanian Jewish family. He recounts his father's emphasis on being both Jewish and Romanian citizens, and his own journey of discovering Jewish identity in Israel.

Bar-Yosef’s upbringing involved learning about Judaism from a historical perspective rather than solely religious texts (with his mother incorporating certain traditions) to prevent his from feeling different from his peers. He recalls the significance of his Bar Mitzvah in Jerusalem and how it influenced his sense of Jewish national, religious, and civilizational identity. Bar-Yosef believes that the primary loyalty should be to the country one chooses to live in while embracing a sense of belonging to the broader Jewish community with shared values and civilizational roots.

Bar-Yosef emphasizes that differences exist not only between Israelis and diaspora Jews but also within each community. He acknowledges the vibrant and influential Jewish community in the United States, attributing its success to decades of commitment and investment. He recognizes the critical role played by the American Jewish community in supporting Israel and boosting the self-confidence of Jews worldwide. He argues against the notion of distancing or rivalry between American and Israeli Jews, advocating for mutual pride, respect, and the retrieval of a common language.

Bar-Yosef underscores the importance of dialogue to address shared history, destiny, and the collective responsibility of the Jewish civilization. He references the work of the Jewish People Policy Institute, which highlights opportunities for ongoing conversations to enhance mutual understanding and bridge the gap between Israeli and American Jewry. While acknowledging that not all Israelis or American Jews share his perspective, Bar-Yosef believes that many can relate to his experiences. He expresses hope in Rabbi Cosgrove's approach and stresses the need for a united sense of purpose for Judaism to flourish as a religion, nationality, and civilization.