Don’t Be Afraid to Stand for Change: A Look at Reform Judaism's Big Win in Israel

And they spread an evil report of the land which they had spied out unto the children of Israel, saying: 'The land, through which we have passed to spy it, is a land that devours it inhabitants; and all the people that we saw in it are men of great stature. (Numbers 13:32)

The votes are counted and the results are in. We, the Reform Jewish Movement, celebrated an important and significant victory for our movement. In winning 56 seats out of 145 we will be taking the largest delegation to the World Zionist Congress in October ― maintaining our place as the largest Zionist organization in the United States. In so doing we showed the world that Reform Jews are connected and passionate about Israel, and are deeply concerned with maintaining Israel’s democratic nature, fighting for religious pluralism and equality. As a movement we showed that we could be counted on to stand up, mobilize, and affirm all that we know to be true. While we were able to secure a healthy plurality, this process humbles and reminds us of the many challenges before us as we go forward.

It’s not always easy to stand up and say something unpopular. I often try and imagine what was going through the minds of Caleb and Joshua as they set out to “tour” or “spy” in the Land. I’m sure you know the story (but if you don't, check out this d'var Torah) that 10 of the 12 spies returned with a disparaging report that the land was an “Eretz Ochelet Yoshveiah­ – A land that devours its inhabitants.” Caleb and Joshua returned claiming quite the contrary that they found and “Eretz Zavat Halav U’Dvash – A land flowing with milk and honey.”

Were they looking at the same place and touring the same terrain? Would we presume to be believe that they were naïve and missed the dangers and challenges presented in the majority report? Why did the 10 “spies” return with their disparaging report? Was it merely slander as the midrash suggests? Or was it genuine fear of taking on this formidable challenge? Were the band of 10 scared of facing the power brokers? Did they not want to risk their own comfort and security? Was it simply easier to return and say that the obstacles are insurmountable so let’s not attempt this exercise in futility?

Many Israelis don’t take on the powers that be when it comes to issues of religious pluralism and democracy as it may be inconceivable to them that change might occur. It is easy to be one of the multitudes who read the headlines and turn off, disengage, and ignore the challenges that face us.

Just like Caleb and Joshua, we must look at our challenges and towards the potential of what can be. It is easy to be dismissive and express sentiments of this sort: “I don’t want to participate since Reform Jews are not welcome in Israel,” or “As soon as Israel recognizes me, then I’ll go and be involved…” We’ve all heard that rhetoric, and too often I hear similar statements in visits to congregations and gatherings across North America.

It is difficult and often uncomfortable to stand up in the face of giants and say that even if our land does not always appear to be a land flowing with milk (democracy) and honey (pluralism) we are committed to making it so. Despite our challenges we know that Israel is a tremendous success story that needs our love, attention, and involvement in fulfilling its potential.

In October, we will bring our delegation (our team of “scouts”) to Jerusalem. We will do our best to make our voices heard, and to use our strength and power to have our values represented. Like the scouts before us, we will return and give our report.  When that time comes, it will take courage to be like Caleb and Joshua - and all those joining us in this holy endeavor - to serve as your representatives in the face of great opposition, by showing our solidarity and desire to fulfill our dreams.