I agree with much of what Waxman says but take exception to his remarks about ethnicity. Ethnicity is still a defining element in American culture, and one need only look at the African American and Latino communities for confirmation of this fact. There`s nothing wrong with that. And these particular ethnic identities are not as fluid as Waxman seems to suggest.
Waxman is right about the "old boys club," and it is partly this elitism that drives away many American Jews. Synagogues have become nothing more than country clubs where the wealthy and connected display their privileged exclusiveness, mainstream Jewish organizations are no better, and rabbis are out of touch with the needs of everyday American Jews.
What is needed is a Jewish culture that is relevant to being a Jew in America. Diaspora Jews don`t need Israel to define their Jewishness for them. They need a spiritual, cultural identity that can negotiate living in diversity. They also need to embrace Tikkun Olam. |
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