Top Reform rabbi: Freeze building in ‘East Jerusalem’ http://blogs.jta.org/ENTRY_PERMALINK_HERE/top-reform-rabbi-freeze-building-in-east-jerusalem/ Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, the largest synagogue movement in the county, is calling on Israel to enact a construction freeze in parts of Jerusalem. en-us aeden@jta.org Copyright 2010 2010-03-19T;23:52:00-05:00 Comment by dtm freak@jta.org Yoffie, lapdog to the Arabs, is simply angling to do the “seder” for the Obowmaoists in the WH. To really make his point, he should agree that Reform will not build any more Temples without their approval. Yoffie, lapdog to the Arabs, is simply angling to do the “seder” for the Obowmaoists in the WH.

To really make his point, he should agree that Reform will not build any more Temples without their approval.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Bryna Weiss brynaweiss@gmail.com Rabbi Yoffe does not suggest ending the building of Jewish homes in Jerusalem, but a temporary freeze in order to assist the Peace talks to resume.  Personally, I think his comments and suggestions (and those of J Street) should be made privately to the Israeli government, not publicly.  That is the problem I have with any criticisms of Israel.  They would have more impact and importance and be more readily listened to, I believe, if they were no aired to the World, who are only too eager and ready to blame Israel for everything. Rabbi Yoffe does not suggest ending the building of Jewish homes in Jerusalem, but a temporary freeze in order to assist the Peace talks to resume.  Personally, I think his comments and suggestions (and those of J Street) should be made privately to the Israeli government, not publicly.  That is the problem I have with any criticisms of Israel.  They would have more impact and importance and be more readily listened to, I believe, if they were no aired to the World, who are only too eager and ready to blame Israel for everything.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Maskil maskil@maskil.info Wow, this one certainly brought all the proponents of “butch” Judaism and Zionism out in full force.  I notice that the knee-jerk response in many of the most vituperative comments is to immediately delegitimize Rabbi (yes, Rabbi) Yoffie and Reform Judaism in general.  Reminds me of the haters’ attempts to delegitimize Israel, and about as effective. So, because Rabbi Yoffie doesn’t live in Israel, serve in the IDF and pay (Israeli) taxes, he has no right to comment on the actions of Israeli politicians?  The Israeli government says and does things every day that profoundly affect the lives and safety of Jews everywhere.  Rabbi Yoffie (and indeed every other Jew in the Diaspora) absolutely has the right to openly agree or disagree with these acts or statements, whether Israel or Israelis like it or not.  The days of the Diaspora simply being a cash cow for the Zionist enterprise are over; it’s about partnership now. Rabbi Yoffie has no right to speak on behalf of Reform Judaism?  I agree with less than half of his public pronouncements, but as the duly appointed head of the URJ, I respect his right to speak on behalf of Reform Judaism in the US.  Everyone in Reform Judaism is free to agree or disagree, even to the point of attempting to replace him or leaving the organisation. Rabbi Yoffie should limit his pronouncements to matters of religion?  He is not a pulpit rabbi, who must stay away from politics lest he offend members of his congregation; he is the head of one of the major Jewish religious streams in the US.  The boundary between politics and religion is an artificial one; our religious obligations affect the political choices we make.  In Israel, ultra-nationalist Orthodox rabbis have been a major driving force behind the Settlement Enterprise, and every religious party has its so-called council of “Torah Sages” (what a sick joke). Nowhere did Rabbi Yoffie question the right of Jews to live in East Jerusalem; he questioned the wisdom of such steps right now.  I see nothing wrong with Israel taking steps to avoid snubbing its single greatest ally, the US.  This is simply common sense. I see little reason for the Diaspora to rally behind a united, undivided Jerusalem as the eternal capital of Israel when Israel itself is so notoriously bad at setting and observing red lines.  We know of at least 2 occasions in the last couple of decades where Israeli leaders have been prepared to compromise on Jerusalem for the sake of peace negotiations.  There’s no reason to believe the future will be any different.  (Also, if Israel hasn’t been able to “digest” East Jerusalem in the last 40 years, there’s no reason to believe it can do so now.) Finally, while the settlements may not be the main obstacle to peace between Israel and its neighbours, peace is simply not possible until Israel ends the settlement process. Wow, this one certainly brought all the proponents of “butch” Judaism and Zionism out in full force.  I notice that the knee-jerk response in many of the most vituperative comments is to immediately delegitimize Rabbi (yes, Rabbi) Yoffie and Reform Judaism in general.  Reminds me of the haters’ attempts to delegitimize Israel, and about as effective.
So, because Rabbi Yoffie doesn’t live in Israel, serve in the IDF and pay (Israeli) taxes, he has no right to comment on the actions of Israeli politicians?  The Israeli government says and does things every day that profoundly affect the lives and safety of Jews everywhere.  Rabbi Yoffie (and indeed every other Jew in the Diaspora) absolutely has the right to openly agree or disagree with these acts or statements, whether Israel or Israelis like it or not.  The days of the Diaspora simply being a cash cow for the Zionist enterprise are over; it’s about partnership now.
Rabbi Yoffie has no right to speak on behalf of Reform Judaism?  I agree with less than half of his public pronouncements, but as the duly appointed head of the URJ, I respect his right to speak on behalf of Reform Judaism in the US.  Everyone in Reform Judaism is free to agree or disagree, even to the point of attempting to replace him or leaving the organisation.
Rabbi Yoffie should limit his pronouncements to matters of religion?  He is not a pulpit rabbi, who must stay away from politics lest he offend members of his congregation; he is the head of one of the major Jewish religious streams in the US.  The boundary between politics and religion is an artificial one; our religious obligations affect the political choices we make.  In Israel, ultra-nationalist Orthodox rabbis have been a major driving force behind the Settlement Enterprise, and every religious party has its so-called council of “Torah Sages” (what a sick joke).
Nowhere did Rabbi Yoffie question the right of Jews to live in East Jerusalem; he questioned the wisdom of such steps right now.  I see nothing wrong with Israel taking steps to avoid snubbing its single greatest ally, the US.  This is simply common sense.
I see little reason for the Diaspora to rally behind a united, undivided Jerusalem as the eternal capital of Israel when Israel itself is so notoriously bad at setting and observing red lines.  We know of at least 2 occasions in the last couple of decades where Israeli leaders have been prepared to compromise on Jerusalem for the sake of peace negotiations.  There’s no reason to believe the future will be any different.  (Also, if Israel hasn’t been able to “digest” East Jerusalem in the last 40 years, there’s no reason to believe it can do so now.)
Finally, while the settlements may not be the main obstacle to peace between Israel and its neighbours, peace is simply not possible until Israel ends the settlement process.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Kevin Walsh kevin.walsh@chisholm.vic.edu.au “Israel has made concession after dangerous concession, only to see her situation worsen and incitement and violence from the Palestinians increase.” Let us see, Israel gave back the Sinai and got peace (albeit a cold one) with Egypt and it also has a peace treaty that is honoured with Jordan.  Last year as I understand it saw the least amount of terrorist attacks for many years with the PM of the PA addressing Israel’s Defence establishment and being lauded for the PA’s security effort. Disengagement from Gaza was not good but lets see the good as well as the bad. “Israel has made concession after dangerous concession, only to see her situation worsen and incitement and violence from the Palestinians increase.”

Let us see, Israel gave back the Sinai and got peace (albeit a cold one) with Egypt and it also has a peace treaty that is honoured with Jordan.  Last year as I understand it saw the least amount of terrorist attacks for many years with the PM of the PA addressing Israel’s Defence establishment and being lauded for the PA’s security effort.

Disengagement from Gaza was not good but lets see the good as well as the bad.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Alan Freedman alan@truehealth.com.au It is not surprising that a Reform rabbi made these remarks - Reform Judaism evolved with a specific goal to assimilate and also denies the centrality of Jerusalem to Judaism. It is not surprising that a Reform rabbi made these remarks - Reform Judaism evolved with a specific goal to assimilate and also denies the centrality of Jerusalem to Judaism.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Alan Spiro alan07ac@gmail.com Rabbi Yoffie’s comments sadden me.  He is joining the chorus of those who put the entire onus on Israel for the impass rather than look at the reality of the situation.  The Palestinians feel that even takling to Israel is a sign of weakness and therefore compete with one another as to who can be more negative and more militant toward the Jews.  The Arab World uses the Palestinians situation to divert attention from their own internal problems and to divert worldwide attention from their own culture of intolerance.  All this goes on constantly and the world just sits up and says it is the Jew’s fault!  I thought it almost laughable when the head of the United Nations visits Gaza, as he did this week, and slams the Israelis for a blockade of Gaza when the longest Gaza border is with Egypt!  He accepts that Egypt can blockade Gaza for their own internal security (as they are not doing it as a favor to Israel) but Israel cannot for their security!  Rabbi Yoffie should realize that he is merely giving credence to the deplorable double standard that the world imposes on Israel rather than standing up for worldwide Jewry. Rabbi Yoffie’s comments sadden me.  He is joining the chorus of those who put the entire onus on Israel for the impass rather than look at the reality of the situation.  The Palestinians feel that even takling to Israel is a sign of weakness and therefore compete with one another as to who can be more negative and more militant toward the Jews.  The Arab World uses the Palestinians situation to divert attention from their own internal problems and to divert worldwide attention from their own culture of intolerance.  All this goes on constantly and the world just sits up and says it is the Jew’s fault!  I thought it almost laughable when the head of the United Nations visits Gaza, as he did this week, and slams the Israelis for a blockade of Gaza when the longest Gaza border is with Egypt!  He accepts that Egypt can blockade Gaza for their own internal security (as they are not doing it as a favor to Israel) but Israel cannot for their security!  Rabbi Yoffie should realize that he is merely giving credence to the deplorable double standard that the world imposes on Israel rather than standing up for worldwide Jewry.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Jan haganah1@comcast.net no such thing as a “reform rabbi” better title “revisionist rabbi” no such thing as a “reform rabbi” better title “revisionist rabbi”

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by cristiano shaked66@msn.com se dobbiamo guardare alla situazione con laicismo ci sarebbe l’esempio dei territori che l’Italia ha perso nella seconda guerra mondiale....mai nessuna nazione ne l’onu hanno controllato o impedito alla Francia ne all’ex Yuguslavia cosa costruissero nei territori vinti...benchè vi siano li Italiani...mai gli Italiani si sono dati ad azioni terroristiche per opporsi alla perdita di territori quali la Savoia,Corsica,Nizza e parte della costa azzurra...quindi il problema in Terra d’Israele non sono le costruzioni ma la strumentalizzazione dell’estremismo islamico e della sinistra occidentale...l’unica cosa saggia che il tutto Popolo il d’Israele dovrebbe fare sarebbe quella di ascoltare il buon resoconto di Calev e Jehosciùa e non quello dei loro dieci compagni...aver fiducia in Adonai,suo Re...che come promesso l’ha riportato nelle Sua Terra...dovrebbe costruire se dobbiamo guardare alla situazione con laicismo ci sarebbe l’esempio dei territori che l’Italia ha perso nella seconda guerra mondiale....mai nessuna nazione ne l’onu hanno controllato o impedito alla Francia ne all’ex Yuguslavia cosa costruissero nei territori vinti...benchè vi siano li Italiani...mai gli Italiani si sono dati ad azioni terroristiche per opporsi alla perdita di territori quali la Savoia,Corsica,Nizza e parte della costa azzurra...quindi il problema in Terra d’Israele non sono le costruzioni ma la strumentalizzazione dell’estremismo islamico e della sinistra occidentale...l’unica cosa saggia che il tutto Popolo il d’Israele dovrebbe fare sarebbe quella di ascoltare il buon resoconto di Calev e Jehosciùa e non quello dei loro dieci compagni...aver fiducia in Adonai,suo Re...che come promesso l’ha riportato nelle Sua Terra...dovrebbe costruire

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Michael S. Silver Msilver137@aol.com This is very sad.  Eric Yoffie is a very confused Jew.  First, he believes that Reform Judaism is Judaism. It’s practically a different religion.  Second, from the vantage point of America, he gives comfort to the haters and enemies of the Jewish people by stating that we should cease building in East Jerusalem.  Why?  Would Eric Yoffie tell Obama not to build housing in Washington DC? This is very sad.  Eric Yoffie is a very confused Jew.  First, he believes that Reform Judaism is Judaism. It’s practically a different religion.  Second, from the vantage point of America, he gives comfort to the haters and enemies of the Jewish people by stating that we should cease building in East Jerusalem.  Why?  Would Eric Yoffie tell Obama not to build housing in Washington DC?

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by SP samu1613@yahoo.com ANOTHER ‘W*I*S*E* DECISION! I can’t forget this man’s predecessor, the unwise S. Wise, who during the holocaust chose to sacrifice Jewish lives in the name of upholding American values and freedom.  What pundits of distress and psychopathic behavior- these Jewish charlatans have created a spiritual and physical holocaust upon Jewry and have done so much to keep their flocks penned in the corral of Jewish ignorance, away from the open range of historic traditional Jewry!  thank G-d, some of us were smart enough to break away from their dumbing grip and enjoy and live the real thing! It is so unfortunate that Mr. Yoffie demonstrates to the entire world how undereducated and cowering parts of our people have become.  Before they try to ‘tikin’ the world, they are need of major repair themselves. ANOTHER ‘W*I*S*E* DECISION!

I can’t forget this man’s predecessor, the unwise S. Wise,
who during the holocaust chose to sacrifice Jewish lives in the name of upholding American values and freedom. 
What pundits of distress and psychopathic behavior-
these Jewish charlatans have created a spiritual and physical holocaust upon Jewry and have done so much to keep their flocks penned in the corral of Jewish ignorance, away from the open range of historic traditional Jewry! 

thank G-d, some of us were smart enough to break away from their dumbing grip and enjoy and live the real thing!

It is so unfortunate that Mr. Yoffie demonstrates to the entire world how undereducated and cowering parts of our people have become.  Before they try to ‘tikin’ the world, they are need of major repair themselves.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Tony Hakin tony.hakin@bigpond.com Yoffie should hand his head in shame and resign. It is absolutely disgraceful that someone purporting to be a Rabbi would give wings to any attempt to give Jerusalem to anything other than the Jewish state. Bidden, Clinton and Obama have thrown fire on the incitement that the PA has been conducting over the past couple of months regarding Jerusalem. The palestinian riots we are seeing in Israel are almost in concert with US pressure on the Netanyahu government which they are trying to undermine. If there is a full scale Interfada then this great “sage” will have Jewish blood on his hands. The efforts in recent days to establish a building freese is reminiscent of the population freeses that the British imposed every time the arabs rioted and only ever resulted in more riots. Yoffie should hand his head in shame and resign.
It is absolutely disgraceful that someone purporting to be a Rabbi would give wings to any attempt to give Jerusalem to anything other than the Jewish state.
Bidden, Clinton and Obama have thrown fire on the incitement that the PA has been conducting over the past couple of months regarding Jerusalem.
The palestinian riots we are seeing in Israel are almost in concert with US pressure on the Netanyahu government which they are trying to undermine. If there is a full scale Interfada then this great “sage” will have Jewish blood on his hands.
The efforts in recent days to establish a building freese is reminiscent of the population freeses that the British imposed every time the arabs rioted and only ever resulted in more riots.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Daniel Evans whatsso4me@gmail.com I believe that Rabbi Eric Yoffie, by publicly denouncing Israel’s sovereign affairs, is - inadvertently - inciting Jihadis to perpetrate further acts of violence upon innocent Israeli citizens. I think that it is very important for the Israel leadership to remain absolutely resolute in its rebuke of all delegitimizing proclamations stemming from the Jewish left, however subtly crafted these statements may be. I believe that Rabbi Eric Yoffie, by publicly denouncing Israel’s sovereign affairs, is - inadvertently - inciting Jihadis to perpetrate further acts of violence upon innocent Israeli citizens.

I think that it is very important for the Israel leadership to remain absolutely resolute in its rebuke of all delegitimizing proclamations stemming from the Jewish left, however subtly crafted these statements may be.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Yisrael Medad yisrael.medad@gmail.com I suggest Yoffie readopt the exclusion of Zion from the Siddur which caused the Reform Movement to be, ah, so unique.  After all, the “Zion” of the Bible is the Temple Mount which is in “East Jerusalem”. But for another perspective on Jerusalem, try this: http://myrightword.blogspot.com/2010/03/jerusalem-spreads-out.html which shows that geography is not what you think. I suggest Yoffie readopt the exclusion of Zion from the Siddur which caused the Reform Movement to be, ah, so unique.  After all, the “Zion” of the Bible is the Temple Mount which is in “East Jerusalem”.

But for another perspective on Jerusalem, try this:
http://myrightword.blogspot.com/2010/03/jerusalem-spreads-out.html
which shows that geography is not what you think.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by luke weyland lukeweyland@gmail.com Words of reason by this rabbi, and actions of compassion such as performed by the Israeli medical team in Haiti make friends.  Blockading Gaza, bulldozing Palestinian,carrying out assassinations etc make enemies.  We must ask ourselves if we would rather have enemies or friends. Words of reason by this rabbi, and actions of compassion such as performed by the Israeli medical team in Haiti make friends.  Blockading Gaza, bulldozing Palestinian,carrying out assassinations etc make enemies.  We must ask ourselves if we would rather have enemies or friends.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Gary Katz garybkatz@comcast.net Rabbi, you can’t have it both ways.  You can’t claim eternal sovereignty over Jerusalem but freeze building in your own capital because it upsets others. It sends mixed signals, one of them being weakness.  It legitimizes Palestinian claims to the city, which is quite dangerous.  Israel should build as it wishes.  Allies and Arabs alike may moan and groan, but eventually they’ll get used to the idea.  Remember that causes du jour eventually fade and make way for others.  Eventually, much of the world will tire of Palestinian whining and move on to other concerns.  In the meantime, do what you want in your own country, just like every other nation. Rabbi, you can’t have it both ways.  You can’t claim eternal sovereignty over Jerusalem but freeze building in your own capital because it upsets others. It sends mixed signals, one of them being weakness.  It legitimizes Palestinian claims to the city, which is quite dangerous.  Israel should build as it wishes.  Allies and Arabs alike may moan and groan, but eventually they’ll get used to the idea.  Remember that causes du jour eventually fade and make way for others.  Eventually, much of the world will tire of Palestinian whining and move on to other concerns.  In the meantime, do what you want in your own country, just like every other nation.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Morris Wohl morriswohl@comcast.net Sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether we need to be more concerned about the damage self hating jews like yoffie inflict on our people or the damage from arab terrorists. if yoffie really feels strongly about the construction of apartments in Israel, let him move there, pay tax, carry a gun, and live under the rockets fired by palestinian terrorists. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether we need to be more concerned about the damage self hating jews like yoffie inflict on our people or the damage from arab terrorists. if yoffie really feels strongly about the construction of apartments in Israel, let him move there, pay tax, carry a gun, and live under the rockets fired by palestinian terrorists.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Samuel Liron sliron@comcast.net Rabbi Yoffe should limit his opinion to himself and his so called progressive Shul; this moron has no business using the so called “rabbinical podium” to talk about a subject he has very little knowledge. I find it to be reprehensible to joining Imam Obama and his Mullahs in chastising Israel, while the Arabs (they are not related to the Philistines) and questioning the Jewish people historical and moral rights to build their homeland in Israel. Shame, shame shame. Rabbi Yoffe should limit his opinion to himself and his so called progressive Shul; this moron has no business using the so called “rabbinical podium” to talk about a subject he has very little knowledge. I find it to be reprehensible to joining Imam Obama and his Mullahs in chastising Israel, while the Arabs (they are not related to the Philistines) and questioning the Jewish people historical and moral rights to build their homeland in Israel.
Shame, shame shame.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Nan nanhum@gmail.com I do believe Jews have a right to build in any part of Jerusalem. But I am reminded of the saying--and I think this is what the rabbi is getting at--having a right to do something is not the same thing as being right in doing it. He says it is not prudent at this time. Will refraining from building bring Israel any closer to peace? Probably not. But will building push it farther from peace--probably so. I do believe Jews have a right to build in any part of Jerusalem. But I am reminded of the saying--and I think this is what the rabbi is getting at--having a right to do something is not the same thing as being right in doing it. He says it is not prudent at this time. Will refraining from building bring Israel any closer to peace? Probably not. But will building push it farther from peace--probably so.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Moishe Sachs kall4less@hotmail.com This so-called Rabbi has no grasp of the history, facts, common sense, decency, morality,religion, or reality. He, as should many people, should learn before dangerously weighing in on this subject. Obama & his administration, as well as Pelosi, Reid, & all of their ilk are determined to do whatever it takes to destroy America & take Israel & the rest of the Western World along., So, no, Israel should not listen to them or to Eric Yoffie. Israel should not be expected to abide by a suicidal double standard. And if not for Israel’s political system, the worst in the western world, they would have had real leaders long ago who would have done what every other country in all of history would have dones following the 6-day war in 1967, repatriate the Gazan Egyptians to Egypt & the Jordanian from Judea & Samaria, a.k.a. “The West Bank, to Jordan. http://www.mythsandfacts.org/Conflict/3/Jerusalem.pdf This so-called Rabbi has no grasp of the history, facts, common sense, decency, morality,religion, or reality. He, as should many people, should learn before dangerously weighing in on this subject. Obama & his administration, as well as Pelosi, Reid, & all of their ilk are determined to do whatever it takes to destroy America & take Israel & the rest of the Western World along., So, no, Israel should not listen to them or to Eric Yoffie. Israel should not be expected to abide by a suicidal double standard. And if not for Israel’s political system, the worst in the western world, they would have had real leaders long ago who would have done what every other country in all of history would have dones following the 6-day war in 1967, repatriate the Gazan Egyptians to Egypt & the Jordanian from Judea & Samaria, a.k.a. “The West Bank, to Jordan. http://www.mythsandfacts.org/Conflict/3/Jerusalem.pdf

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Robert Miller rmill2k@msn.com ‘Ooh, ooh! I better demean myself quick to show that I’m one of the Good Jews or Obama might get mad!’ It’s worth noting that Rabbi Yoffie and his ilk actually participated in a particularly cynical disrespect of Judaism when they [url="http://joshuapundit.blogspot.com/2009/08/obama-leans-on-rabbis-to-push-obamacare.html" .willingly participated in a conference call</a] with Obama in which this president urged these Rabbis to use their High Holiday sermons not to teach Torah but to shill for ObamaCare...complete with talking points. As far as Jerusalem goes, this is simply a manufactured crisis by Obama. in his <a href="http://joshuapundit.blogspot.com/2010/03/obamas-war-on-israel.html">ongoing effort[/url] to destroy the relationship between Israel and the US. It even extends to denying Israel the right to its religious shrines. Rabbi Yoffie has apprently decided to take sides with Obama against Zion with the idea that if Israel falls it will not affect him. He couldn’t be more wrong. ‘Ooh, ooh! I better demean myself quick to show that I’m one of the Good Jews or Obama might get mad!’

It’s worth noting that Rabbi Yoffie and his ilk actually participated in a particularly cynical disrespect of Judaism when they [url="http://joshuapundit.blogspot.com/2009/08/obama-leans-on-rabbis-to-push-obamacare.html" .willingly participated in a conference call</a] with Obama in which this president urged these Rabbis to use their High Holiday sermons not to teach Torah but to shill for ObamaCare...complete with talking points.

As far as Jerusalem goes, this is simply a manufactured crisis by Obama. in his <a href="http://joshuapundit.blogspot.com/2010/03/obamas-war-on-israel.html">ongoing effort[/url] to destroy the relationship between Israel and the US. It even extends to denying Israel the right to its religious shrines.

Rabbi Yoffie has apprently decided to take sides with Obama against Zion with the idea that if Israel falls it will not affect him.

He couldn’t be more wrong.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Mike Winakur mjwsatx@yahoo.com This is a sad commentary by the leader of the largest Jewish denomination in the US.&nbsp; I have read dozens of commentaries about this situation from Jewish and secular writers - from conservative and liberal ideologues.&nbsp; Not a single one who cares about Israel agrees with Rabbi Yoffie’s viewpoint.&nbsp; This unwillingness to support the Jewish State from building in our historical Capital is an indication that liberal Judaism no longer feels connected to our G-d given homeland.&nbsp; Your faith is no longer in the word of G-d but in leftist politics. This is a sad commentary by the leader of the largest Jewish denomination in the US.  I have read dozens of commentaries about this situation from Jewish and secular writers - from conservative and liberal ideologues.  Not a single one who cares about Israel agrees with Rabbi Yoffie’s viewpoint.  This unwillingness to support the Jewish State from building in our historical Capital is an indication that liberal Judaism no longer feels connected to our G-d given homeland.  Your faith is no longer in the word of G-d but in leftist politics.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Irmgard Gesund hgesund@windstream.net Israel has made concession after dangerous concession, only to see her situation worsen and incitement and violence from the Palestinians increase. Instead of compromise and positive movement for peace from the Palestinians, we have seen the opposite. Yet the Rabbi instructs Israel should again concede and freeze Jerusalem construction, thus, he opines, “challenging the Palestinians and Arab World with confidence-building steps of their own.” With respect, has Rabbi Yoffie learned nothing from the last sixty years of Arab intransigence regarding peace with Israel, much less “confidence-building steps” that are demanded only of Israel? What is the definition of insanity? I believe it is to keep taking the same action and expect to get a different result. In addition, the Reform Rabbi is willing to set a dangerous precedent regarding Jerusalem. The result would be that the anti-Israel world would try to seize upon such a move and make it permanent.. Sorry to say, I expected as much from Rabbi Yoffie. But still, after all leaders across Israel’s diverse political spectrum have supported PM Netanyahu’s stand on Jerusalem, it is disheartening to see a prominent American Rabbi oppose. His pronouncements are definitely not yoffe! Israel has made concession after dangerous concession, only to see her situation worsen and incitement and violence from the Palestinians increase. Instead of compromise and positive movement for peace from the Palestinians, we have seen the opposite. Yet the Rabbi instructs Israel should again concede and freeze Jerusalem construction, thus, he opines, “challenging the Palestinians and Arab World with confidence-building steps of their own.” With respect, has Rabbi Yoffie learned nothing from the last sixty years of Arab intransigence regarding peace with Israel, much less “confidence-building steps” that are demanded only of Israel?

What is the definition of insanity? I believe it is to keep taking the same action and expect to get a different result.

In addition, the Reform Rabbi is willing to set a dangerous precedent regarding Jerusalem. The result would be that the anti-Israel world would try to seize upon such a move and make it permanent..

Sorry to say, I expected as much from Rabbi Yoffie. But still, after all leaders across Israel’s diverse political spectrum have supported PM Netanyahu’s stand on Jerusalem, it is disheartening to see a prominent American Rabbi oppose. His pronouncements are definitely not yoffe!

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Rochelle Michaels rochelle_michaels@yahoo.ca Yoffi… What is the difference between the “freedom fighters” who fly into your tall buildings, behead little Christinian school girls, Medical Doctors who blow up Glasgow airport and the so-called “palestinians” who launch rockets from Gaza with the sole purpose to murder as many Jews as possible? Answer:&nbsp; There is no difference. They all do it in the name of their allah. It’s not about “land” “oil” or “water”.&nbsp; It’s about Jihad. 56 Islamic States, all conquered by the sword.&nbsp; 56 ISLAMIC STATES all intolerant and oppressive. Yoffi…

What is the difference between the “freedom fighters” who fly into your tall buildings, behead little Christinian school girls, Medical Doctors who blow up Glasgow airport and the so-called “palestinians” who launch rockets from Gaza with the sole purpose to murder as many Jews as possible?

Answer:  There is no difference.

They all do it in the name of their allah.

It’s not about “land” “oil” or “water”.  It’s about Jihad.

56 Islamic States, all conquered by the sword. 

56 ISLAMIC STATES all intolerant and oppressive.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Rabbi Fishel Jacobs Rabbijacobs@gmail.com Ridiculous: Two states, in the surface area of New Jersey. Ridiculous: A sovereign country even considering that they shall not build homes in their own capital. Ridiculous: Jews feeling they need to excuse their own existence. Ridiculous: Murderers in the light of day, by the name of Hamas, are not viewed as the enemies of Western society. Ridiculous: Calling someone with views as Mr. Joffe using the title “Rabbi.” Signed, Rabbi Fishel Jacobs Ridiculous: Two states, in the surface area of New Jersey. Ridiculous: A sovereign country even considering that they shall not build homes in their own capital. Ridiculous: Jews feeling they need to excuse their own existence. Ridiculous: Murderers in the light of day, by the name of Hamas, are not viewed as the enemies of Western society. Ridiculous: Calling someone with views as Mr. Joffe using the title “Rabbi.” Signed, Rabbi Fishel Jacobs

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Shaiya adamfenster@yahoo.com The settlement issue is just the Arabs excuse du jour.&nbsp; Paying credence to this is avoiding the true issue that the only offer the Arabs are willing to accept is a full migration due west for Israeli Jews.&nbsp; Not only are geography and history lessons are need by the Obama clan - they could use some help in the reality department.&nbsp; Since ‘48, the Israeli government has made many offers to the Palestinians who happened to remain in the area (which was against the instruction of their then leaders), whose leadership at worst scoffed at or at best walked away from such offers.&nbsp; Maybe a good starting point to realistically get the peace process moving would be for Mitchell/Clinton/Obama to let the Palestinians know that until they can 1) recognize Israel right to exist and 2) denounce (and enforce) the use of terrorism against the citizens of the country referred to previously - there is nothing to talk about. The settlement issue is just the Arabs excuse du jour.  Paying credence to this is avoiding the true issue that the only offer the Arabs are willing to accept is a full migration due west for Israeli Jews.  Not only are geography and history lessons are need by the Obama clan - they could use some help in the reality department.  Since ‘48, the Israeli government has made many offers to the Palestinians who happened to remain in the area (which was against the instruction of their then leaders), whose leadership at worst scoffed at or at best walked away from such offers.  Maybe a good starting point to realistically get the peace process moving would be for Mitchell/Clinton/Obama to let the Palestinians know that until they can 1) recognize Israel right to exist and 2) denounce (and enforce) the use of terrorism against the citizens of the country referred to previously - there is nothing to talk about.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Liz Berney for Congress lizberneyforcongress@gmail.com It is mind-boggling and truly shameful that a Jewish leader attacks perfectly legitimate Israeli policy and remains silent about the outrageous actions of Israel’s sworn enemies.&nbsp; Rabbi Yoffie should be condemning the Palestinian Authority’s ceremony last week naming a public square in Ramallah after terrorist Dalal Mugrabi, who murdered 38 Jews, including 13 children, and wounded 71 more.&nbsp; And Yoffie should condemn the rockets launched from Gaza which fell on Israel today, killing one person.&nbsp; And Yoffie should display some real courage - and attack the Obama administration’s criticism of Israel for building needed homes in its own capital.&nbsp; LizBerneyforCongress.com It is mind-boggling and truly shameful that a Jewish leader attacks perfectly legitimate Israeli policy and remains silent about the outrageous actions of Israel’s sworn enemies.  Rabbi Yoffie should be condemning the Palestinian Authority’s ceremony last week naming a public square in Ramallah after terrorist Dalal Mugrabi, who murdered 38 Jews, including 13 children, and wounded 71 more.  And Yoffie should condemn the rockets launched from Gaza which fell on Israel today, killing one person.  And Yoffie should display some real courage - and attack the Obama administration’s criticism of Israel for building needed homes in its own capital. 

LizBerneyforCongress.com

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by stuart Meyer slmeyer@northwestern.edu Rabbi Yoffie mistakes the denomination he is in: he is not a Rebbe of the Hasidic persuasion;no one really cares what he chooses to opine about. The fact that he doesn’t know either geography, negotiating theory or can recognize what the true problem is with respect to Israel and the Palestinians, makes his opinion less valuable than someone who does not reflexively parrot the Democratic and Leftist position. My own experience with the Reform movement ( thankfully at an end since my children are grown ) is that its rabbis are political ( and monochromatic, at that ) and believe that “social justice” equates to Judaism, as they see it. Is it the reflexive leftism or pique at Israel viewing Reform Judaism as less than mainstream? I am old enough to recall that the Reform movement did not even endorse Israel in its earliest days. Israel and Jewish continuity need rabbis like Yoffie as much as they need J Street. Rabbi Yoffie mistakes the denomination he is in: he is not a Rebbe of the Hasidic persuasion;no one really cares what he chooses to opine about. The fact that he doesn’t know either geography, negotiating theory or can recognize what the true problem is with respect to Israel and the Palestinians, makes his opinion less valuable than someone who does not reflexively parrot the Democratic and Leftist position.

My own experience with the Reform movement ( thankfully at an end since my children are grown ) is that its rabbis are political ( and monochromatic, at that ) and believe that “social justice” equates to Judaism, as they see it. Is it the reflexive leftism or pique at Israel viewing Reform Judaism as less than mainstream? I am old enough to recall that the Reform movement did not even endorse Israel in its earliest days. Israel and Jewish continuity need rabbis like Yoffie as much as they need J Street.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Lyone Fein lyonefein@yahoo.com What leaders such as Rabbi Yoffe should be calling for is geography lessons for the vice-President and this entire administration.&nbsp; And then those lessons could be followed up by some history lessons! When in history have any concessions made by Israel ever lead to anything but more concessions made by Israel?&nbsp; Nothing the Jewish State has ever given in on during the last 60 years has moved the peace processes forward.&nbsp; The only thing that eveer moved negotiations forward has been when Israel has been in a position of overwhelming strength--a position from which to threaten her neighbors.&nbsp; It is sad, but true. For Yoffie to call the building of apartments in a Jewish neighborhood a substantial issue is ridiculous.&nbsp; Bombing civilians is a substantial issue.&nbsp; Honor killings and cross border smuggling of illegal weapons are substantial issues.&nbsp; Get your priorities straight, Rabbi! What leaders such as Rabbi Yoffe should be calling for is geography lessons for the vice-President and this entire administration.  And then those lessons could be followed up by some history lessons!

When in history have any concessions made by Israel ever lead to anything but more concessions made by Israel?  Nothing the Jewish State has ever given in on during the last 60 years has moved the peace processes forward.  The only thing that eveer moved negotiations forward has been when Israel has been in a position of overwhelming strength--a position from which to threaten her neighbors.  It is sad, but true.

For Yoffie to call the building of apartments in a Jewish neighborhood a substantial issue is ridiculous.  Bombing civilians is a substantial issue.  Honor killings and cross border smuggling of illegal weapons are substantial issues.  Get your priorities straight, Rabbi!

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by yonason h. yonaton770@hotmail.com It is NOT even “East Jerusalem.” That fact alone gives you some indication of the arrogance, ignorance and malice behind their idiotic posturing. http://mysticalpaths.blogspot.com/2010/03/east-jerusalem-check-your-directions.html It is NOT even “East Jerusalem.”

That fact alone gives you some indication of the arrogance, ignorance and malice behind their idiotic posturing.
http://mysticalpaths.blogspot.com/2010/03/east-jerusalem-check-your-directions.html

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Grslater grslater@yahoo.com Sorry for the typo—kudos nevertheless. Sorry for the typo—kudos nevertheless.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Grslater grslater@yahoo.com Cudos to Steven Glueck and his post. I can’t believe that a Jewish “leader” would call any part of Jerusalem “Arab”. So Hadassah Hospital and Hebrew University are in Arab Jerusalem? And has Rabbi Yoffie looked at a map lately to see where Ramat Shlomo is? Cudos to Steven Glueck and his post. I can’t believe that a Jewish “leader” would call any part of Jerusalem “Arab”. So Hadassah Hospital and Hebrew University are in Arab Jerusalem? And has Rabbi Yoffie looked at a map lately to see where Ramat Shlomo is?

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by Steven Glueck sjglue@aol.com I do not understand the need for Rabbi Yoffie to come out with a public statement against the actions of Israel. “‘There is also a substantive question of great importance that needs to be addressed: Should Israel continue to build now in East Jerusalem? I believe that it should not,’ Yoffie said.” First, with all due respect tothe rabbinates of all Jewish denominations, Rabbis have no business sounding off in political arenas.&nbsp; What is the purpose - self-importance? showing that Jews support the US? Second, it is a broad brushstroke approach - always Israel must compromise… . Third, these housing units were approved years ago - this neighborhood already exists, there is even a “770” Chabad building in Ramat Shlomo. This area was the quarry for the huge stones used to build the Temple.&nbsp; Yet, the Palestinians refuse to even acknowledge that there was a Jewish presence - a Temple, a Jewish kingdom, a Land of Israel.&nbsp; It is always Israel that must “compromise.” Let the P.A. take steps to condemn and discontinue the hate-education which calls on little Palestinian children to recapture occupied Palestine and get rid of the Jews. Maybe then there could be the beginnings or a move toward peace and acceptance. I do not understand the need for Rabbi Yoffie to come out with a public statement against the actions of Israel. “‘There is also a substantive question of great importance that needs to be addressed: Should Israel continue to build now in East Jerusalem? I believe that it should not,’ Yoffie said.” First, with all due respect tothe rabbinates of all Jewish denominations, Rabbis have no business sounding off in political arenas.  What is the purpose - self-importance? showing that Jews support the US? Second, it is a broad brushstroke approach - always Israel must compromise… . Third, these housing units were approved years ago - this neighborhood already exists, there is even a “770” Chabad building in Ramat Shlomo. This area was the quarry for the huge stones used to build the Temple.  Yet, the Palestinians refuse to even acknowledge that there was a Jewish presence - a Temple, a Jewish kingdom, a Land of Israel.  It is always Israel that must “compromise.” Let the P.A. take steps to condemn and discontinue the hate-education which calls on little Palestinian children to recapture occupied Palestine and get rid of the Jews. Maybe then there could be the beginnings or a move toward peace and acceptance.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by George Patsourakos patrician125@yahoo.com I agree with Rabbi Eric Yoffie that Israel should not build any houses in East Jerusalem. Israel’s plan to do so has enraged the United States—Israeli-U.S. relations are currently the worst they have been in four decades—and has derailed peace talks with the Palestinians. Israel must consider the long-term ramifications that this construction would have in achieving peace and harmony with its Arab neighbors, in addition to maintaining a friendly relationship with the United States. I agree with Rabbi Eric Yoffie that Israel should not build any houses in East Jerusalem.
Israel’s plan to do so has enraged the United States—Israeli-U.S. relations are currently the worst they have been in four decades—and has derailed peace talks with the Palestinians.
Israel must consider the long-term ramifications that this construction would have in achieving peace and harmony with its Arab neighbors, in addition to maintaining a friendly relationship with the United States.

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00 Comment by paul jeser pjeser@acsz.org Yoffie should move to Israel, pay taxes, serve in the IDF or SHUT UP! Yoffie should move to Israel, pay taxes, serve in the IDF or SHUT UP!

]]> 2012-05-23T;03:01:00-05:00