Temple Emanu-El Visiting Scholar
Rabbi David J. Forman
Israel at 60: Reflections on the Past, Present and Future of the Jewish State
May 13-18 2008
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Rabbi Forman moved to Israel thirty-five years ago. As the former
director of the Israel office in Jerusalem of the Union for Reform Judaism, he has been instrumental in
building programs that bridge the Israel-Diaspora divide. Rabbi Forman has been active in human rights and
peace movements in Israel. He was the founding chairperson of the Jerusalem Council for Soviet Jewry
(1973), was chairperson of Interns for Peace (1984-1986) and founding chairperson of Israeli Rabbis for
Human Rights(1988-1992), on whose behalf he accepted the prestigious Knesset Peace Prize (1993). He
served as a deputy commander in the Israeli artillery corps, receiving a medal for distinguished service.
Writing regularly for both the Israeli Hebrew and English press on social, political and religious issues, he has
lectured internationally on Human Rights and Social Justice, including as the keynote speaker at the Nobel
Institute in Oslo. A frequent scholar-in-residence, he has authored four books: Over My Dead Body – Some
Grave Questions for God (2005), Fifty Ways to be Jewish (2002), Jewish Schizophrenia in the Land of Israel
(2000) and Israel – On Broadway; Diaspora, Off-Broadway: Jews in the New Millennium (1998).
Temple Emanu-El’s Visiting Scholar Program has been supported by a generous gift from Barbara
Fischlowitz-Leong and Michael Leong.
Public Presentations
Wednesday May 14
7:00 AM: Interfaith Open Table
First Unitarian Church of Honolulu
Jerusalem – Holy City of Three Religions
Jerusalem is the spiritual home to Jews, Christians and Moslems. These religions have shaped the history,
geography, demography and theological bent of the city throughout the centuries. The literature of each
religion is filled with earthly and mystical musings about Jerusalem. Yet, it is also a city of strife. Ethnic,
political, social and ideological conflicts are constant elements in its history. Sadly, division is the standard
emblem of the holy city. Rabbi David Forman will speak on the place of Jerusalem in the ongoing conflict
between Israelis and Palestinians.
Noon: University of Hawaii (sponsored by the U H Fund for the Promotion of Jewish Life and Studies.)
University of Hawaii History Department Library, Room A201, Sakamaki Hall
Jerusalem – Holy City of Three Religions (see above)
Thursday, May 15
11:30 AM: Hawai’i Jewish Seniors (fee charged for lunch)
Temple Emanu-El
Life in Israel – A Thirty-Five Year Retrospective
Israel has never experienced calm seas. Both ancient and modern Jewish history plays havoc with our
emotions. At the same time we experience sadness and exhilaration, deep shame and abundant pride – and
penetrating fear. Our mood swings are the stuff of multiple personalities. We are never at rest.
Contradictions mark the excitement of life of Israel.
The Chinese curse, “may you live in interesting times,” is more applicable to those who live in Israel than in
all of Asia. Rabbi Forman has lived in Israel for over thirty years, having made aliya immediately upon his
ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. A columnist for the Israeli Hebrew and
English press, commenting on social, political and religious issues, and the author of four books, Rabbi
Forman will share with us the experience of riding an Israeli emotional roller coaster.
7:30 PM: Public Lecture at Temple Emanu-El
Three Major Concerns of the Jewish State
Rabbi Forman will discuss Israel's major concerns, dividing them into three categories: "Jew and Jew," which
touches upon the conflict between those Jews in Israel who embrace a messianic Judaism that envisions
Israel as a Jewish state based on the principles of Torah and those Jews who cherish prophetic streams in
Judaism whereby democracy and equality are the guiding forces for Israel; "Jew and Moslem," which
addresses Israel's relationship with Islamic fundamentalism – particularly as played out in the recent war in
Lebanon; "Jew and Christian," which explores the complex relationship between Israel and both the liberal
and conservative Christian community.
Friday, May 16
7:30 PM: Shabbat Evening Services at Temple Emanu-El
Israel/Diaspora – Divided by a Common Identity
The history of Zionism and its offspring, the state of Israel, has always evoked a tension between the Jewish
state and the Diaspora. For religious Jews, the ideological claims that Israel makes upon the North American
Jewish community are challenging. At the end of the most important theological holiday in the Jewish
calendar, Yom Kippur, and at the close of the most important historical holiday in the Jewish calendar,
Passover, a Jew recites the words: “Next year in Jerusalem.” Facing Jerusalem, Jews pray three times a day
for peace to embrace the holy city. Before reading from the Torah, a Jew sings: “Out of Zion shall go forth
the Torah, and the word of God from Jerusalem.”
These demands require Diaspora Jews to be intimately involved with Israel, seeing the Jewish state as a
spiritual means to enhance Jewish identity and commitment. This intimacy must maintain itself, particularly
when Israel is threatened.
Saturday, May 17
9:00 AM: Torah Study at Temple Emanu-El
Discussion of weekly Torah portion (Parashat Behar), led by Rabbi Forman
7:30 PM SPECIAL PRESENTATION JUST FOR MEMBERS OF TEMPLE EMANU-EL AND
CONGREGATION SOF MA'ARAV Saturday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. Because of space requirements this
event is limited to members of Temple Emanu-El and Sof Ma'arav only
Havdalah service followed by Presentation
Living With Terror: Morality vs Security Rabbi David Forman
Terrace Room, Hokua Condominium, 1288 Ala Moana Blvd, corner Queen Street
Validated parking in Hokua/PF Chang's Public garage (have ticket validated at Hokua lobby desk)
Living With Terror – Morality versus Security:
“Justice, justice, you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20). The rabbis ask: “Why does the word ‘justice’
appear twice? To tell us that one must pursue a just cause by just means.” Terror directed against Israel
tests both its physical stamina and its moral fiber. The act of terror and Israel’s response to it, threatens not
only the body of Israel, but also its soul. The Jewish state is a good country in a bad neighborhood. But,
comparative shopping at an ethical mall must not be employed as a yardstick to either measure Israel’s
behavior or justify its actions. The Jewish people’s literary tradition and historical experiences speak directly
to the issue of how the justice of one’s cause can only be guaranteed by the means employed to ensure that
cause – ultimately demanding that Israel’s return to its ancestral homeland be based on a Divine dictate to
build a society fashioned after a prophetic vision of social justice, equality and human dignity and rights.
How to balance the absolute need for Israel to defend itself against terrorism and the necessity to maintain
one’s moral equilibrium has occupied Rabbi Forman for many years. In his talk, he will address these moral
ambiguities as well as other challenges facing the Jewish state.
Sunday, May 18
9:30 AM For SJS Parents and others at Temple Emanu-El
Fifty Ways to be Jewish
The car you drive, the place you live, the friends you choose, the books you read, the movies you watch, the
vote you cast, the clothes you wear, the food you eat and your attitude toward the Internet, gays and
lesbians, dreams, prayer, ecology, parents, holidays and miracles are but some of the ways to be Jewish, as
outlined in Rabbi David Forman's book, 50 Ways to be Jewish.
Rabbi Forman introduces some simple "why to" formulas with additional "how to" and "what to" ingredients for
understanding Judaism. Combining traditional sources with contemporary social insights, Rabbi Forman
contradicts the notion that "it is hard to be a Jew." Exposing one to the ritual and spiritual side of the Jewish
tradition, he provides a fascinating journey into a world of Jewish mysticism and theology; of Jewish history
and sociology; of Jewish belief and practice; of Jewish morality and responsibility, making a convincing case
for living a full Jewish life.
Afternoon: Confirmation Class and their Parents NOTE: Limited to Confirmation Class students
and their families
Rabbi David J. Forman
Israel at 60: Reflections on the Past, Present and Future of the Jewish State
May 13-18 2008
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Rabbi Forman moved to Israel thirty-five years ago. As the former
director of the Israel office in Jerusalem of the Union for Reform Judaism, he has been instrumental in
building programs that bridge the Israel-Diaspora divide. Rabbi Forman has been active in human rights and
peace movements in Israel. He was the founding chairperson of the Jerusalem Council for Soviet Jewry
(1973), was chairperson of Interns for Peace (1984-1986) and founding chairperson of Israeli Rabbis for
Human Rights(1988-1992), on whose behalf he accepted the prestigious Knesset Peace Prize (1993). He
served as a deputy commander in the Israeli artillery corps, receiving a medal for distinguished service.
Writing regularly for both the Israeli Hebrew and English press on social, political and religious issues, he has
lectured internationally on Human Rights and Social Justice, including as the keynote speaker at the Nobel
Institute in Oslo. A frequent scholar-in-residence, he has authored four books: Over My Dead Body – Some
Grave Questions for God (2005), Fifty Ways to be Jewish (2002), Jewish Schizophrenia in the Land of Israel
(2000) and Israel – On Broadway; Diaspora, Off-Broadway: Jews in the New Millennium (1998).
Temple Emanu-El’s Visiting Scholar Program has been supported by a generous gift from Barbara
Fischlowitz-Leong and Michael Leong.
Public Presentations
Wednesday May 14
7:00 AM: Interfaith Open Table
First Unitarian Church of Honolulu
Jerusalem – Holy City of Three Religions
Jerusalem is the spiritual home to Jews, Christians and Moslems. These religions have shaped the history,
geography, demography and theological bent of the city throughout the centuries. The literature of each
religion is filled with earthly and mystical musings about Jerusalem. Yet, it is also a city of strife. Ethnic,
political, social and ideological conflicts are constant elements in its history. Sadly, division is the standard
emblem of the holy city. Rabbi David Forman will speak on the place of Jerusalem in the ongoing conflict
between Israelis and Palestinians.
Noon: University of Hawaii (sponsored by the U H Fund for the Promotion of Jewish Life and Studies.)
University of Hawaii History Department Library, Room A201, Sakamaki Hall
Jerusalem – Holy City of Three Religions (see above)
Thursday, May 15
11:30 AM: Hawai’i Jewish Seniors (fee charged for lunch)
Temple Emanu-El
Life in Israel – A Thirty-Five Year Retrospective
Israel has never experienced calm seas. Both ancient and modern Jewish history plays havoc with our
emotions. At the same time we experience sadness and exhilaration, deep shame and abundant pride – and
penetrating fear. Our mood swings are the stuff of multiple personalities. We are never at rest.
Contradictions mark the excitement of life of Israel.
The Chinese curse, “may you live in interesting times,” is more applicable to those who live in Israel than in
all of Asia. Rabbi Forman has lived in Israel for over thirty years, having made aliya immediately upon his
ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. A columnist for the Israeli Hebrew and
English press, commenting on social, political and religious issues, and the author of four books, Rabbi
Forman will share with us the experience of riding an Israeli emotional roller coaster.
7:30 PM: Public Lecture at Temple Emanu-El
Three Major Concerns of the Jewish State
Rabbi Forman will discuss Israel's major concerns, dividing them into three categories: "Jew and Jew," which
touches upon the conflict between those Jews in Israel who embrace a messianic Judaism that envisions
Israel as a Jewish state based on the principles of Torah and those Jews who cherish prophetic streams in
Judaism whereby democracy and equality are the guiding forces for Israel; "Jew and Moslem," which
addresses Israel's relationship with Islamic fundamentalism – particularly as played out in the recent war in
Lebanon; "Jew and Christian," which explores the complex relationship between Israel and both the liberal
and conservative Christian community.
Friday, May 16
7:30 PM: Shabbat Evening Services at Temple Emanu-El
Israel/Diaspora – Divided by a Common Identity
The history of Zionism and its offspring, the state of Israel, has always evoked a tension between the Jewish
state and the Diaspora. For religious Jews, the ideological claims that Israel makes upon the North American
Jewish community are challenging. At the end of the most important theological holiday in the Jewish
calendar, Yom Kippur, and at the close of the most important historical holiday in the Jewish calendar,
Passover, a Jew recites the words: “Next year in Jerusalem.” Facing Jerusalem, Jews pray three times a day
for peace to embrace the holy city. Before reading from the Torah, a Jew sings: “Out of Zion shall go forth
the Torah, and the word of God from Jerusalem.”
These demands require Diaspora Jews to be intimately involved with Israel, seeing the Jewish state as a
spiritual means to enhance Jewish identity and commitment. This intimacy must maintain itself, particularly
when Israel is threatened.
Saturday, May 17
9:00 AM: Torah Study at Temple Emanu-El
Discussion of weekly Torah portion (Parashat Behar), led by Rabbi Forman
7:30 PM SPECIAL PRESENTATION JUST FOR MEMBERS OF TEMPLE EMANU-EL AND
CONGREGATION SOF MA'ARAV Saturday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. Because of space requirements this
event is limited to members of Temple Emanu-El and Sof Ma'arav only
Havdalah service followed by Presentation
Living With Terror: Morality vs Security Rabbi David Forman
Terrace Room, Hokua Condominium, 1288 Ala Moana Blvd, corner Queen Street
Validated parking in Hokua/PF Chang's Public garage (have ticket validated at Hokua lobby desk)
Living With Terror – Morality versus Security:
“Justice, justice, you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20). The rabbis ask: “Why does the word ‘justice’
appear twice? To tell us that one must pursue a just cause by just means.” Terror directed against Israel
tests both its physical stamina and its moral fiber. The act of terror and Israel’s response to it, threatens not
only the body of Israel, but also its soul. The Jewish state is a good country in a bad neighborhood. But,
comparative shopping at an ethical mall must not be employed as a yardstick to either measure Israel’s
behavior or justify its actions. The Jewish people’s literary tradition and historical experiences speak directly
to the issue of how the justice of one’s cause can only be guaranteed by the means employed to ensure that
cause – ultimately demanding that Israel’s return to its ancestral homeland be based on a Divine dictate to
build a society fashioned after a prophetic vision of social justice, equality and human dignity and rights.
How to balance the absolute need for Israel to defend itself against terrorism and the necessity to maintain
one’s moral equilibrium has occupied Rabbi Forman for many years. In his talk, he will address these moral
ambiguities as well as other challenges facing the Jewish state.
Sunday, May 18
9:30 AM For SJS Parents and others at Temple Emanu-El
Fifty Ways to be Jewish
The car you drive, the place you live, the friends you choose, the books you read, the movies you watch, the
vote you cast, the clothes you wear, the food you eat and your attitude toward the Internet, gays and
lesbians, dreams, prayer, ecology, parents, holidays and miracles are but some of the ways to be Jewish, as
outlined in Rabbi David Forman's book, 50 Ways to be Jewish.
Rabbi Forman introduces some simple "why to" formulas with additional "how to" and "what to" ingredients for
understanding Judaism. Combining traditional sources with contemporary social insights, Rabbi Forman
contradicts the notion that "it is hard to be a Jew." Exposing one to the ritual and spiritual side of the Jewish
tradition, he provides a fascinating journey into a world of Jewish mysticism and theology; of Jewish history
and sociology; of Jewish belief and practice; of Jewish morality and responsibility, making a convincing case
for living a full Jewish life.
Afternoon: Confirmation Class and their Parents NOTE: Limited to Confirmation Class students
and their families
