Rabbi's Blog

Dear OZ family,

I usually try to stay out of politics with these words, but I am reacting measure for measure. Ice cream is also normally removed from politics, but when Israel is concerned, few things are normal. Ben and Jerry’s ice cream this week declared an announcement which reeks of overt anti-Semitism. That is to ignore the dozens and dozens of genuine cases of human rights abuses all over the world, and to concentrate on Israel, blaming her for any reaction to the most outrageous provocations from her adversaries. Israel is used to this type of treatment in the media, in academia, and in many world governments. But Ice cream makers should stick to making ice cream. There are many responses we can take, but first and foremost, to recognize that Haagen Dazs makes excellent ice cream.

Let us rejoice in the knowledge that we can support our treasured land and no one is stopping us from doing so. There was a time when they only allowed us to look at the Kotel from afar one day a year. There was a time when they only allowed us to walk up to the 7^th step at Ma’arat Hamachpela. There was a time when a White Paper prevented immigration to Israel when we needed it most. Israel still faces great challenges, and in the scheme of things, whether or not Ben and Jerry’s sells ice cream in all of Israel is quite minor. But it’s not about the ice cream or soda stream or any other single issue. It’s about de-legitimizing Israel, and we can’t let that happen.

Moshe dedicated his entire existence to his people for 40 years, but never crossed the Yarden into Israel. On the Shabbos in which we read about the rejection of his request to do so, let us console ourselves with the words of the prophet Yeshayahu that gives this Shabbos its name: Nachamu Nachamu.

Be well.  Be healthy. Be excellent.

Rabbi Allen Schwartz    

Rabbi Allen Schwartz

Congregation Ohab Zedek

118 West 95^th Street | New York, NY  10025-6604

Phone 212.749-5150, ext 200 | Fax 212.663-3635

E-mail ras@ozny.org

Website:  www.ozny.org