The "Jewish" State... Sort of!!

Zionism and the State of Israel have effectively reinstated Hebrew as a spoken language, and designated it as the official language for the State. They have taken in millions of Jews, from over a hundred countries, and have integrated them into Israeli society. But is this the beginning of our redemption? Or, is this a farce, causing more harm that good for the Jewish people? In the late 1800's with the help of the Zionist movement and Eliezer Ben-Yehuda there was a revival of the Hebrew language. With the large number of new immigrants into the new Jewish State, and Zionists interests on creating a unified Jewish/Israeli culture it was decided that Hebrew would become the language of Israel. But what about languages such as Yiddish, Ladino, Yevanic, Dzhidi, Juhuri and several more ethnically Jewish Languages that have developed over time throughout the world?

Before WWII, there were well over 13 million Jews living throughout Europe and North Africa. These Jews were native speakers of Yiddish, Ladino and other Jewish languages that developed in different regions. They have developed distinctive Zmiros, Minhagim, Torah Trops, Literature, Theater and many other things that have made Jews a sociolinguistically distinctive group of people (even from other Jews). Unfortunately, 6 million Jews were viciously murdered in the Holocaust. While it is true that because of the Holocaust Jewish language and culture was severely crippled. One thing people forget to realize is that there were Millions of survivors! So why have all of these languages become endangered or already extinct?

It is understandable why these Jewish Languages were not retained in the U.S., England and other Western Countries. These countries contain small Jewish populations of 2% or less, they are English speaking and predominantly Christian in nature making it much more difficult for Jews to maintain a distinct language and culture. But how is it that Jewish Languages, Nuschaot, Minhagim and other distinctive cultural characteristics of Jews, from around the world, are disappearing? In Israel no less!!!

In order to unify the mass of Jewish immigrants into the fledgling nation, the founders of Israel maintained a mono linguistic stance for the nation and took steps to integrate these Jews into a new Hebrew speaking state. In the attempts at creating a new Hebrew speaking culture they needed to stress the usage of Hebrew over any other languages. Unfortunately, most people overlook the fact that one of the main vessels for this integration has always been the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Most Israelis view mandatory service in the Israeli army as a crucial part of the transition into adulthood. I don't know about you, but, it bothers me that the culture of the "Jewish" State is being formulated by a military.

Every Shabbos I go to shul. Before musaf the rabbi calls for the congregation to say a prayer for the State of Israel. One of the reasons I don't say this prayer, nor, do I even stand for it, is because of its first line.

"Avinu Shebashamayim, tzur yisrael v'go'alo barech et m'dinat yisraelreishit tz'michat geulateinu."

"Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the first manifestation of the approach of our redemption."

The idea that the State of Israel is related to our redemption is predicated, mainly, on the idea that the country is fulfilling the Jewish belief that our redemption will begin with the in gathering of all of the Jewish exiles from Golus. Correct me if I'm wrong, but, I was always under the impression that Moshiach is supposed to come and lead us out of our Golus. Not, we lead ourselves out of Golus and then Moshiach will come!

I highly doubt that the first manifestation of our redemption is a secular Nation State, which has revived one Jewish Language at the expense of a half dozen Jewish Languages, allowed the military to shape it’s culture and has created a secular melting pot effectively destroying sociolinguistic aspects of regional Jewish cultures that have been around for thousands of years.

Just because Israel considers itself to be the “Jewish State” does not mean that it is the best thing for the Jewish people. I’m saddened to think, that in a generation or two, No one will be reading or writing Ladino Poetry or sing lullabies to their child in Yiddish and that this is happening because the “Jewish State” does not encouraged Jewish People to maintain their distinct cultural heritage, While, religious Zionist support this destruction of heritage because they mistakenly feel that the Secular State of Israel is the answer to their prayers.

* If anyone doesn't understand any of the words that are in Italics... Look them up! A Google or Wikipedia search takes five seconds! Don't be lazy!