My first interview!

Yesterday I interviewed Roni Yavin at Bet Midrash Elul in Katamon (a neighborhood in the southwest quadrant of Jerusalem). This is a fascinating place and she is a fascinating person. At Bet Midrash Elul (named not only for the month of Elul, when it began in 1988, but also for the famous rabbinic phrase "elu v'elu divrei Elohim hayim" - "these and these, too, are the words of the living G-d" - that is, difference of opinion and varying perspectives are what keep Torah ("word of G-d") alive, and that is what Elul offers. Here, Jews from many different backgrounds come together over classical Jewish texts, an activity that before Elul began, rarely if ever happened.

Roni Yavin grew up on a moshav that was open, egalitarian, and had a synagogue that was led by a rabbi, so there was a more open, organic, less strict atmosphere and attitude toward Jewish life and expression. Her relationship with her grandparents in particular was informative of her later direction in becoming not only a scholar of Jewish texts, but one who wanted to share those texts with all Jews.

We discussed at length the strides that have been made by this non-movement, of which Elul is a part, but also what more needs to be done. Many, many Israelis are no longer satisfied to give over Judaism and Jewish texts to the ultra-Orthodox and are coming to accept that the religion and its timeless bookshelf offer unique guidance, wisdom, and a tremendous source of identity to "secular" and religious Jews alike. Secular houses of study (batei midrash) such as Elul have been springing up all over the country for the last 20 years, attracting both people with lots of background and those with little to none, all of whom can equally share their knowledge, particular perspectives, questions, and insights toward mutual enrichment and growth. To participate in this study, and in the social and cultural activities that spring from it, one does not need to believe in G-d or observe the mitzvoth (commandments), but rather merely wants to grow Jewishly and in community.

This phenomenon is growing but has not achieved brushfire status; it is simmering, growing slowly, but  may become far more widespread, which I think would only benefit Israeli society, culture, and identity. People have been asking for many years "What makes 'the Jewish State' Jewish?" This phenomenon can only help and it will be a Jewishness that has not been imported from Europe or from the U.S., but rather will be organic, homegrown, and particularly Israeli. If it isn't Israeli, it will surely not take hold. If it succeeds, however, it could transform Israel.