At least in the USA, Taglit is sold as the guarantour of Jewish continuity. The argument goes that out youth are turning more and more away from traditional Jewish identities/organizations. Studies have shown that attendance on organized Israel trips has a notable effect upon this process, in terms of limiting it. So... Our children our sent to Israel to ensure that there will be Jewish life in america.
2 Problems:
1) If we can`t provide meaningful Jewish experiences for our youth at home, that encourage and inspire them to remain Jewish, we are in BIG trouble... Sending them off to Israel is admitting that our community cannot provide them with what they need. It also has a dangerous side effect. Their identities become overly connected to Israel and the Holocaust. If and when their politics change, they may lose all connections to Judaism. REALLY, American Jewish life is so rich... Arguably richer than in Israel. Why send them away. We should be accepting Israelis |
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