Anti-Zionism V Anti-Semitism
Dear Rabbi, I struggle to understand why you equate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism so often. To me, they seem like two entirely different issues: one is a political critique of a state’s policies or existence, while the other is discrimination against Jewish people. Why do so many insist that criticising Israel is inherently anti-Semitic? Isn’t it possible to be opposed to Zionism without being against Jews or Judaism?
Adnan

Dear Adnan
Anti-Zionism has become the modern-day face of antisemitism. Today’s antisemitism is often disguised, allowing people to deny that they hold any bias against Jews. “I’m not a racist,” you might insist. “I have no problem with Jews or Judaism; my issue is with Israel.” But here’s the reality: among the 56 Muslim countries and 103 Christian-majority nations, there is just one Jewish state – Israel – occupying one quarter of one percent of the Middle East. And yet, Israel is the only one of the 193 UN member states whose very right to exist is regularly questioned, with Iran and various groups openly advocating its destruction.
Antisemitism fundamentally denies Jewish people the right to exist with the same freedoms and protections as others. In our era, anti-Zionism has become the tool for denying Jews their own national identity. Yes, Zionism and Judaism are distinct concepts, as are Jews and Israelis. But to many of those who harbour Anti-Semitic views, this distinction doesn’t matter. Jews in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere still face targeted hate, regardless of where they live or what they believe. And that reality, sadly, speaks volumes. If you have a problem with Israel, Adnan – check yourself. Chances are you probably hate Jews.

I Fell In Love – Now What?
Dear Rabbi
I am a Jewish woman who fell in love and recently got engaged to a lovely man I believed to be Jewish. However, I just discovered that his maternal grandmother was a reform convert. Since reform conversions are not recognised by the United Synagogue, I now realise that we cannot marry under the guidance of my Rabbi or any Orthodox Rabbi. This has devastated both me and my family. Is there anything that can be done?
Nadine
Dear Nadine
I’m so sorry to hear about this difficult discovery. Sadly, you’re not the first person this has happened to, and I always wonder why this only comes to light when the relationship is so far down the line. I appreciate that some people only “discover” this information at a late stage, but I think, many choose to keep it a secret which begs the question, what does it say about a relationship that starts out with such fundamental secrets.
In accordance with authentic historical Judaism, Jewish identity is passed down through an unbroken line of Jewish mothers. Alternatively an authentic conversion, under Orthodox auspices is recognised to uphold that continuity.
Your situation is indeed difficult, but it serves as an important reminder for others who are committed to marrying within authentic, historical Jewish guidelines. When dating or considering a serious relationship, it’s wise to confirm where the family belongs or belonged to a synagogue. If the answer is anything other than an Orthodox congregation, it may be worthwhile to investigate further. Making these inquiries early on can prevent painful surprises later and help uphold authentic Jewish values.
Your options at this stage are only one of two: You can discuss seriously the option of conversion. That would involve time and necessitate you both committing to an observant Jewish lifestyle (not the kind where you promise to give money to the poor and fight for climate change, but cheeseburgers and fasting on Yom Kippur are optional – one, two, three, dip into the sea, halleluj-ah you’re Jewish). Or, say your goodbyes.

The Art of Communication
Dear Rabbi
My wife often tells me that I am too hard with my words, even when I don’t mean for them to be. I want to communicate better, but I sometimes feel like I’m just being honest or direct. Isn’t it better to not “lose my voice” and not hold back on how I feel or on what I want to say? Gideon

Dear Gideon
Once a king had a dream in which all his teeth broke except for only one. He became very tense and immediately summoned a dream expert to interpret his dream. The dream expert said: “This is a most unfortunate dream you had. It means that all those close to you are going to die out fairly soon and only you will remain.” The king was deeply upset about this interpretation and immediately had the dream expert thrown into prison for causing him so much angst.
He summoned yet another dream expert. He told him the following: “It is a positive dream. It means you will live longer than your close ones. Good luck!” The king was elated and rewarded the dream expert with much gold.
Both spoke the same message but their words differed. On the basis of how they expressed themselves one was rewarded while the other was punished. Words can inspire and words can demoralise. Choose yours wisely.