Ralph Benmergui: My Israel - Scenes from Episode Four

[ashbrauw]

the only real Jews were the Palestinians and then converted to Islam ,those who argue otherwise are not semitic let alone a jew . Claiming israel to be jewish is the same as chinees claiming to be arabs or semitic

[GlebKaminer]

Good Video! Please watch mine - "Profile 21".

[rebbiakiva]

Ralph should be ashamed of himself! What has he accomplished by this series but to embarass us and expose to the Gentile world all of our problems. Most people would make a documentary with pride and to shed their people in the BEST light...not make a film to slander them...I bet Ralph's grandparents and great-grandparents would be turing in the graves.

[InnerPeace99]

It's interesting how even after Romans and Christians and Muslims did things like storm Jerusalem and burn the Jews alive even thousands of years ago, when clearly the Jews were there before the other religions- and even after the Jews tried to live in OTHER countries but were massacred by the host countries and then by Hitler, people like you, Ralph, still don't want the Jews to LIVE. They couldn't live in other countries, and now you don't even want to let them live in their OWN country.

[ralphbenmergui]

Thank-you for your thoughts. I think if you change your Point of understanding by 180 degrees that may shed some light on the subject that is missing in your comments. Ther is mo black and whits only grey.

[InnerPeace99]

Maybe, it would be appropriate that if you want to understand Israel, you also study the neighboring countries. Countries like Iran and Syria, to get an idea of what Israel is up against. Maybe also to get an idea of how "good" or "bad" Israel is when women, gays, and all religions have all the rights, while in countries surrounding Israel, women must wear veils, gays are persecuted, etc.

[InnerPeace99]

If you ask a typical group of Jewish people if they are in favor of living in peace side by side with a peaceful Palestinian state, ALL Jews are in favor of that. But if you ask a bunch of Palestinians if they are in favor of living in peace side by side with a peaceful Israeli state, most are AGAINST it! They want to flood democratic Israel with millions of Palestinians so they can DESTROY it by outnumbering the Jews. (Of course Israel is the ONLY democratic country in the Middle East)

[InnerPeace99]

Regarding the whole "Who Is A Jew" thing, it's not so simple. The system may be far from perfect, but it makes sense that a people who have a tiny global population are concerned with preserving their survival and identity.

[InnerPeace99]

Ralph, how about some honesty? Like, for example, the fact that when the UN partitioned the land so that half would go to the Jews living in Palestine, and half would go to the Arabs living in Palestine, the Arabs said NO WAY to the Jews, they said WE WANT THE JEWS TO HAVE NOTHING, and yet the Jews said "we are happy to split the land". The Jews were happy to SHARE, but the Arabs rejected this idea and several Arab countries invaded Israel in 1948, trying to wipe Israel off the map.

[DAYANSHLOMO]

The orthodox Jews have always been the most traditional with the religion. While the conservative and reform take a liberal and at times extreme positions in rejecting most of traditional Jewish faith and practices while trying to cling to some notions of ancestry and ethical principles. Accepting this lady as a Jew would be devastating to our religion because her children won't be Jewish. These children will marry other Jews, ending in generations of Gentiles who "THINK" they are Jewish.

[veleno800]

I you are crazy enough to consider you self a jew or regoncize your jewsish ancestory your a jew!done, if you desagree then you can face the Iranians with the small numbers you already have, jews need all the help they can get. there are only 13 million jews and a 1.5 billion muslims, the data speaks for its self.The Israelis are fucking them selves up the ass

[InnerPeace99]

Ralph refuses to accept reality. The fact that the countries surrounding Israel have repeatedly tried to destroy Israel, long before 1967 and long before there was even anyone calling themselves "The Palestinians", proves that the hatred against Israel has nothing to do with Palestinians, and everything to do with brainwashing. The Soviets during the Cold War told the Arabs states lies such as "Israel wants to take over the Middle East", etc. Soviets exported European Anti-Semitism to Arabs.

[SmithAVproductions]

Hello InnerPeace. Actually, the battle that rages on between the Jews and the Arabs is a "spiritual battle" and can be traced all the way back to Isaac and Ishmael. Read Genesis 21. Why do you think the world rages on against Israel...a small country only about 10,000 square miles? It's because they are the "Apple of God's eye". Read Zechariah chapter 2. All the world's eyes are on them too, but not FOR them, but against them. Peace will not come to Israel until Jesus' return.

[alwaysbeansgirl]

Ulimately, it doesn't matter what I think or what you think or what any orthodox, conservative or reform rabbinate decides to think about conversion. Ultimately, the moment of conversion is an intensely private experience between G-D and the person in the mikvah.

Conversion is about aligning yourself (for good & bad) forever with the Jewish people and with G-D.

I'm spending too much time on this -- I need to get back to work, but I wish you the very best. Shalom!

[alwaysbeansgirl]

That's what I meant about this woman being 'true'to herself and her religion.

When I converted I studied for 2 years -- and that included studying and understanding Jewish law & all the commandments. I had to be immersed in a mikvah in the presence of three witnesses. It's hard for me to explain this to you but when I was under the water I felt an incredible rush of emotions ... I was becoming Jewish. It was one of the most amazing points in my life and I do not take the responsibility lightly

[alwaysbeansgirl]

We live in a world where Jews & non-Jews meet, fall in love and want to get married. You may not like it but that, my friend, is a 'fact'. How many Jews would drift away from the strict, absolutist vision that you offer and have no connection with Judaism because of this very issue of conversion? You set the bar so high for those who willingly want to live a life full of Jewish tradition and practice but are not willing to present themselves falsely before an Orthodox Beth Din.

[alwaysbeansgirl]

I'm saddened that you think acknowledging non-orthodox conversions would mean 'Jewish suicide'. Have you ever been to a Friday night service at the conservative shul B'nai Jeshurun in Manhattan? I defy you not to be moved, to be uplifted and to find something of deep spiritual value there as hundreds of Jews come together to pray & sing. BJ welcomes everyone. I wonder if everyone held such firm and absolutist views as you, would there be a place for those who disappointed your 'high' standards?

[DAYANSHLOMO]

It might sound to you that I might be attacking or putting other views from our religion down. Let me make it clear to the public that is not my goal. I am sure that every conservative synagogue is working very hard in helping every Jew in need. What I want you to understand and anyone else who shares these views, that converting to Judaism is not something so simple. Let me ask you (you representing the conservative movement) should Jewish conversion be given to the reform Rabbis?

[alwaysbeansgirl]

Partly, I think there's a genuine desire on the part of orthodox authorities to see Jewish practice and tradition protected. But, also, there's an issue of power and authority at stake -- as is frequently the case in religious hierarchies. For example, do you know, very interestingly, that the British Orthodox Rabbinate has in the past NOT accepted ORTHODOX conversion carried out in Israel. Google 'Lightman & Chief Rabbi' and you'll see the case to which I refer. Conversion is also about power.

[alwaysbeansgirl]

One of the most powerful biblical stories is Ruth's 'conversion'. What does she do? She simply but profoundly declares "Your people are my people, your G-d is my G-d".

I'm not saying that the orthodox rabbis "make up the rules", what I am saying is that the standards of observance demanded and required by the convert far exceed the levels of observance to be found in 90% of the Jewish world.

[DAYANSHLOMO]

My next point is as follows. Judaism is based on the commandments of the Torah. Christianity is a belief, (you believe in Jesus and he will save you.) Our Torah on the other hand asks of us to obey and observe its commandment. If the Reform or Conservative don't accept and obey all of its commandments, then why should they be given the right to convert? BTW, I'm not trying to judge, I'm just stating the facts. Giving them the rights to conversion would be a Jewish Suicide.

[alwaysbeansgirl]

The Taliban stone those suspected of homosexuality, the President of Iran & Robert Mugabe have both condemned homosexuality in the stongest of terms, the Nazis experimented on & tortured homosexual men ...

I try to remember each of us, however flawed, is made in G-D's image. I look to love, to reconciliation and to the beauty of the world to define my Judaism. I'm sure you do too. I'm just curious as to why you can't simply say 'I have found a way that is for me but I will not judge others'?

[DAYANSHLOMO]

The reason I started this conversation was in regards to your statement (This woman chose not to lie but to be truthful to herself and her religion. She IS Jewish) The written Torah and the oral Torah says, a convert has to obey all the commandments. The lady in the video straight out said "she does not and will not accept all the laws." I am sorry that you feel the Rabbis are making up rules, but according to the Written Torah, Oral Torah, and Shulchan Aruch, She is NOT Jewish.

[alwaysbeansgirl]

Even I accept your view of homosexuality and run with it for a moment, is it not better that the rabbi to which you refer reaches out as a spiritual leader who heals & helps bring people together and closer to G-D? Let the Almighty decide what is an abomination (certainly, in the area of consential sexual activity) and let us suspend our judgement.

I don't mean this as a personal attack, but have a look around and see who else uses such strong language to describe homosexuality.

[alwaysbeansgirl]

Re. your specific point on homosexuality, well, you take the content of the Torah literally (which might also allow for stoning, polygamy, animal sacrifice and the physical resurrection of the dead?). I don't share this view and wouldn't cast homosexuality as an 'abomination'. For me (and many others) the Torah, while divinely inspired, alo includes a human element that reflects dominant social attitudes of its time.

[alwaysbeansgirl]

First, can I just say that I think it's wonderful that this documentary series has provoked this conversation between us -- each of us at radically different ends of the spectrum of Judaism, both calling ourselves 'Jews', and both interested and caring about Judaism. I think that's a good thing. It's only through dialogue (and better still, friendship) that people can begin to understand one another. I'm not suggesting reaching a point of agreement but I am suggesting a point of mutual respect.

[alwaysbeansgirl]

It's a little misleading to suggest that the rules of conversion have remained fixed & standardised in all places and all times. It's accurate to state that conversion has always asked for an acceptance of Jewish law and for, in the woman's case, immersion in the mikvah, & in the man's case, circumcision.

However, orthodox standards of conversion have, arguably, become stricter and stricter over time -- demanding a commitment to a lifestyle that only a tiny fraction of Jews actually live.

[alwaysbeansgirl]

A touching story. I went through something similar. The important thing to remember is that the orthodox authorities do not OWN Judaism (though they are powerful). It is a beautiful religion - there to be claimed by those may not live with strict observance but, just the same, love Judaism. There is a middle way between orthodox observance and secularism. This woman chose not to lie but to be truthful to herself and her religion. She IS Jewish. I wish this couple all the happiness in the world!

[DAYANSHLOMO]

Bottom line is if you open a Shulchan Aruch and learned all the rules of conversion, you would see that she is not jewish and her parents are not jewish. Reform is not the jewish way and all they are doing is trying to water down the jewish religion. The number one rule in conversion is that you have to accept all the commandments of the torah. And a reform rabbi is way far from that.

[alwaysbeansgirl]

Mmmm, I've often wondered why non-orthodox Judaism is seen as such a threat? ... (incidentally, my personal experience of conversion is through the Conservative movement which, I very much doubt, would accept the label of 'watered down' Judaism)

Wouldn't it be possible to concede that there are different ways for different people, and different manifestations of Judaism? No, I suspect not!!

Much more that I could add to this interesting theme but I don't have space here. Another time?

[DAYANSHLOMO]

Wow do you actually believe the conservative movement is not watered down? I actually know a "lady" who is a conservative Rabbi, and she and her colleagues (conservative Rabbis) accept the gay movement. Now the Torah (not the Orthodox Rabbis) says clearly in G-D's words, that Homosexuality is an abomination, and is prohibited. Now these same non observant so called Rabbis want to convert people to Judaism? Please Explain?

[ralphbenmergui]

Hey folks . We're trying to figure out if people would purchase the series on DVD. Would you?

[harroldlev]

people feel jews are the chosen people, so in order to convert to a jew you have to really want it and obey it

[emilycole44]

People feel very strong about converting, and it makes sense why, you can not just convert to any religion

[daveshop]

the wedding could not even be in Isreal...awful

[harroldlev]

" a waist of a jewish soul" those are some harsh words

[kaileysmap]

Agreed.

[jaredstn44]

you should be allowed to mary who you want to marry

[harroldlev]

her story is soo shocking

[hilaryswat]

I feel bad for mica

[georgelopet]

mean either

[loladavine]

I have watched these clips soo many times...I can not wait for the actual show tonight

[jordhalp]

I wonder if he will do the series again

[Yourrollercoaster]

I'm sticking with this series till the end

[coffeeaddict1980]

I am very interested in this journey

[uglylouie]

this is a very interesting series

[madsd104]

I can not believe how much hype there is for this show

[turkeycluck]

This series is obviously much anticipated

[QueSiSienta]

The premier is tonight, I am going to stay tuned. Ralph seems to know what to ask and this topic is highly of interest to me

[Electric0Relaxation]

I will watch the premier tonight

[CantBreath696]

watch the series I'm telling you its reallly interesting

[screensaverB]

this sounds really interesting I hope I can watch the series

[Im0a0secret]

good series

[ntitle20]

yah, it looks like you see a little bit on the arabs

[ralphtop]

this is great!

[Bstar1979]

cool

[tomcooper20]

a little bit

[lilymallack]

do they show anything about the arabs?

[dancopo]

you learn a lot about the different aspects of judiasm in these shows

[larryborin]

he has done 5 of these TV visions shows already

[jbort85]

he probably taped them in a month or so

[PaulCole1952]

I love that girl!

[Srchrds]

not sure

[admblack72]

how long did the series take to tape?

[mollysinger]

I do not blame her for not wanting to convert in the orthadox way, it is crazy the process they expect from her...if its in her heart it should be good enough

[jackblock88]

the topics on this show sound very intresting, I can not wait to learn more

[marycovent]

its a complicated place, but it must be worth all the chaose

[jobbax33]

Israel looks like such a complicated place

[jeffmor99]

I am definitly going to watch this on monday

[Glencohn78]

Ralph probably learned so much when he was working, and met so many interesting people

[debchad99]

to be a jew is spose to be special and that is probably why they make it so complicated

[anthonyhop58]

it is so crazy how it is so hard to convert, just to want to be a jew

[ralphbenmergui]

thanks everyone for your comments. I hope you enjoy the show.

[badenwallace]

this show will be educational

[robdav67]

interesting topics being discussed

[jbrackman33]

I wish I could have gone to the event!

[lbrightman]

he must have experienced a lot of growth in his journey and I would have also loved to be in his shoes

[mschneids44]

I would love to have gone to Israel for the same purpose as Ralph, I'm sure he will come out with a lot of spiritual growth as well as a better understanding of what is going on over their

[lgosp]

worth watching

[Krusso71]

I know I am already addicted!!

[Jenkins1954]

wow, I'm glad vision tv has picked up this series

[Krusso71]

imagine going through all these obstacles just to get married

[kevinisbusy]

I enjoyed this cover story!! I share a deep interest for topics that are related to religion,culture or politics.

[victorsamuel11]

very interesting

[jakeeng]

any re-runs? i am going to be away in May

[johnlionel9]

ralph, i will see you at the event this sunday. looking forward to it.

[lgosp]

and what should we do about it?

[ryrysjax]

there are always divisions in cultures, and religions. Its part of being human with differences.

[darrylshere]

I hate it when they think they can define who we are. what makes you think you know me better than myself? sigh.

[mschneids44]

she found a way to beat the system. we all can do it.

[llibron]

whether is racism, sexism, or any other type of discrimination, we are all victims to capitalism.

[aliciacarson]

wow, didn't know this actually happens at this day and age.

[Srchrds]

Nobody should dictate who you are!

[chinoynatasha]

A waste of a Jewish soul? That was rather amusing.

[LoganHart73]

Conversion must be done by an orthodox jew period!

[Jmelo30]

What kind of religion defines who is a jew