By Yahav Barnea
Guest Columnist
Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss Parashat Vaykrah at Congregation Beth Torah. This particular Torah portion talks about the Temple and the custom of sacrifices. The priests are trying to educate the people to not just make sacrifices for G-d out of obligation, but to make these sacrifices with good intention and a pure heart.
The idea of giving and donating has been a common idea in Judaism for many years and is still relevant. We are asked to give to our congregation, our local community and our global Jewish community in which Israel is a major part. But how can we give with intention and pure heart when we don’t have that clear connection? How can we give when we don’t know or don’t have a personal relationship with the receiving side?
And that’s why I’m in Kansas City as the Israel Emissary. I’m not to make you give. Rather I’m here to create that connection, have that relationship. I can’t explain what connects me to Israel but it’s a deep connection that is rooted in my soul. I have a love-hate relationship with Israel: it’s the place where my grandparents found sanctuary after the Holocaust, and the place that has huge socio-economic gaps. It’s the destination for my mom, who decided to make aliyah from Canada. It’s the place where my parents met and fell in love but also a place that discriminates against people who are different in color, religion or race. So there are many pieces of Israel that co-exist and some are beautiful and some need repair.
I was born and raised on a kibbutz in the north of Israel where I was educated to love my country, work hard and give back to society. I remember growing up in the children’s house with all the kids from my age group, we used to go on trips to the fields and the dairy farm to see the cows. We grew up with nature all around us and learned to love that.
We also participated in the kibbutz holiday celebrations and took part in many traditions. I remember how disappointed I felt when all the kids in kindergarten were doing the Chad Gadia dance for Passover and I couldn’t be part of it because we had Passover with my family and not the entire Kibbutz.
Another aspect of the kibbutz was the alternative culture that was built there in contrast to the Diaspora Jewry from Europe that the kibbutz founders so desperately wanted to change. I think of it often here, now that I’ve experienced a very different kind of community culture in Kansas City. A community that defines itself through the religious aspects of Judaism, with the synagogues playing a strong central role. Surprisingly enough, my first “religious-Jewish-synagogue” experience was here in K.C. (and I have always strongly identified myself as a Jew).
It has been interesting getting to expand my personal definition of “Jewish” while I’m in Kansas City. Throughout my childhood, I knew very little about Judaism and religious traditions. When I joined the army and began meeting people who were different from me, I started to understand how much I didn’t know. Eventually I decided to major in Bible studies and become a Torah teacher. All of which opened me up to a new world but even then, my approach to the Bible and Judaism was intellectual.
I’m a Chiloni, a secular Jew. My Judaism is a culture and a heritage but not a religion. I grew up as far as can be from traditional customs of Judaism and as far as can be from G-d. Our socialist-Zionist ideology was our faith. We celebrated Jewish holidays in an alternative way with songs, dancing, stories, and most important: community. However different our Judaism looked, we, just as you are today, were part of a strong community.
So what defines me as a Jew? It might be my language. It might be my knowledge of the land of Israel or my passion to making it a better place. It might be my memories from the kibbutz. We can all create our own Jewish identity and add many layers to it. My Jewish identity is immersed in Israeli culture and society, in Zionism and Jewish thought and that defines me.
I thank each of you for making Kansas City my Jewish community, and I hope you will join me for a few glimpses into Israeli life at three upcoming events: Yom HaZikaron, Yom HaAtzmaut, and Lag b’Omer (see below for details). Israel’s Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron), Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut) and bonfire celebration during the Omer (Lag b’Omer) are uniquely Israeli, and are very meaningful to all Israelis — no matter how you identify yourself and your Judaism. It would be my sincere pleasure to share a piece of my community with each and every one of you.
Yom HaZikaron
Sunday, May 4, 7-9 p.m.
White Theatre at the Jewish Community Campus
Join Kansas City’s Jewish community as we honor those who have bravely given their lives for Israel.
Yom HaZikaron includes a meaningful Israeli-style ceremony, followed by an insightful Q & A session with IDF Officer Moran Omer. Free and open to the community. Go to jewishkansascity.org/yomhazikaron2014 for more information.
Sponsored by the Israel & Overseas Committee of the Jewish Federation.
Yom HaAtzmaut
Tuesday, May 6, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Jewish Community Campus
Celebrate Israel Independence Day with live music from Tizmoret Orchstra and the HBHA choir, great Israeli food, fun kids activities, and a “trip” to Israel! This family-friendly event is fun for all ages. The event is free and open to the community; food is available for a nominal fee. Go to jewishkansascity.org/yomhaatzmaut2014 for more information.
Sponsored by the Israel & Overseas Committee of the Jewish Federation.
Lag b’Omer
Sunday, May 18, 4-9 p.m.; Sam Glaser Concert* at 6:30 p.m.
Gezer Park, 133 Street & Mission Road, Leawood, KS
Join us for a concert with renowned Jewish musician Sam Glaser, Vaad kosher BBQ and S’mores, stories around the fire pit, kids activities and more. This event is free and open to the community; BBQ and S’mores are available for a nominal fee. Go to jewishkansascity.org/lagbomer2014 for more information.
Lag B’Omer event brought to you by Jewish Federation. Concert sponsored by the Lucy & Sam Gould Charitable Fund for Kehilath Israel Synagogue, in collaboration with Jewish Federation.
*In case of inclement weather, the 6:30 concert will take place at K.I. Synagogue, 10501 Conser St, Overland Park, KS. All other outdoor activities will be canceled.