Discussion
- What is Judaism, what is Zionism and what is the relationship between them? Do you agree with the distinction laid out in Karcher’s Introduction? Why or why not?
- Do the ethical imperatives of Judaism conflict with Israeli policy toward Palestinians? If so, how? How can such conflicts, if they exist, be resolved?
- What perspectives do the narratives of Rabbis Brant Rosen, Michael Davis, Linda Holtzman, and Alissa Wise provide on the historical relationship between Judaism and Zionism? How do the four rabbis point the way toward (re)building a Judaism that is no longer tied to Israel? What values and features would such a Judaism emphasize?
- What are some of the experiences that led the contributors to question and ultimately to renounce Zionism?
- Which of the contributors’ stories particularly resonated for you? In what ways?
- In what ways do the perspectives and experiences of white Ashkenazi Jews differ from those of Sephardi/Mizrahi/Jews of color?
- Did the book’s Introduction and Afterword help place contributors’ narratives in a broader historical context? What new information did you learn from the Introduction and Afterword? Did any of it surprise you or challenge your previous beliefs?
- Are you a member of a Jewish congregation or Havurah? If so, can you openly share your thoughts on Zionism and Israel? Has censorship of dissent on Zionism and Israel been a factor in your decision whether or not to join a Jewish congregation?
- Alternatively, if you are a member of a church or a mosque, to what extent does your congregation allow free discussion of Zionism and Israel? Have concerns about charges of anti-Semitism inhibited such discussion in your congregation?
