Not all Jews think the same: let’s debate
JVL Introduction
We welcome any shift in the narrative that differs from “you cannot separate Jews and Zionism”. This articles discusses a collection of essays by clergy and community leaders within Progressive Judaism, some of whom are and some of whom are not zionists. They do worry when Israel does things that are hard to equate with what they see as Jewish values this is of concern. Unusually the essays reflect a range of perspectives about Jewish identity, Zionism and Israel.
Rabbi Levy, a co lead of Progressive Judaism said that “exploring these tough questions is not a sign of disloyalty to Israel or to the Jewish community….and “What the government of Israel does reflects on us as Jews and reflects on our Judaism. Therefore, it is our Jewish obligation to be in dialogue with that in some way.”
It is certainly refreshing and all too rare to have a range of views in one book and to recognise that there is a debate to be had; it is one we welcome.
LL
This article was originally published by The Guardian on Tue 28 Apr 2026. Read the original here.
Israel’s direction poses ‘existential threat’ to Judaism, UK’s leading progressive rabbis warn
Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy say criticising Israeli government is not disloyalty but a Jewish obligation
Loading article text…
It is time the BBC and MSM started to reflect the views of Progressive Jews and not constantly repeat what the BOD say. Why no representatives from JVL on programmes sucj as r4 Today.