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JEWISH IDENTITY IS ENHANCED BY THE RELATIONSHIP WE FEEL WITH ISRAEL

The following article is a description of Ghanaxs attempt to encourage those of African descent, whose ancestors were brought as slaves to the American continents, to visit, study, and eventually settle and/or retire in their country of origin.

In reading the article you will find a reference to their modeling their attempt to attract these visitors on the successful efforts of Israel to do much the same thing

Please read the articles below, which describe the Jewish Diaspora at various times in history.

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/history_community/Ancient/TheStoryTO/babylonianexile.htm
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/history_community/Ancient/TheStoryI/Expanding_Diaspora.htm
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/history_community/Jewish_World_Today/Continuity.htm

Use a Venn diagram or a chart to compare the experience of the African Diaspora with that of the Jewish Diaspora.

1. When did the exile take place?
2. Who was responsible for the exile?
3. Where did the exiles go?
4. What happened to them?
5. What is happening to them today?
6. What do you know about the country from which the people were exiled?
7. Has there been any return to the country from the people came originally?
8. What is the experience of the people who return?

The following article describes a comparison between the Jewish Diaspora and the exile from Tibet. Read it to find out what the Dalai Lama and a number of Jewish thinkers believe are the reasons Judaism has survived its long Diaspora.

http://www.tibet.net/tibbul/0001/intl.html

According to the people quoted in this article, what are some of the forces that have contributed to the survival of the Jewish people during their long Diaspora? Why is the Dalai Lama interested in the Jewish people?

GOING FURTHER: to think about:

1. What is your role in the Jewish Diaspora?
2. What can you do to preserve Judaism for the future?
3. Why do you think Jews have continued to be connected to Israel during their long diaspora?
4. What is your connection to Israel?
5. Do you think it is legitimate to compare the African Diaspora to the Jewish Diaspora?
6. Do you think it is legitimate to compare the Tibetan Diaspora to the Jewish Diaspora?
7. Can you think of any other people that has been exiled from its homeland and continued to feel attached to that homeland? Explain.
8. Compare the official government tourism sites of Ghana and of Israel. How are they similar? How are they different? Who do they think is their audience? Which do you think is more appealing? Why?

http://www.ghanatourism.gov.gh/main/index.asp
http://www.tourism.gov.il/tourism/level2/default.aspx?level=41

9. And finally, what does it make you think when you hear about other groups of peoples who are looking to the Jewish community for answers to the question of survival as a minority within majority populations?

A big thank you to Betty Ann Ross, Coordinator of Educational Resources of the Board of Jewish Education, Nassau/Queens Center


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Rabbi Ian J. Silverman, D.J.S.                                                Chazzan Ralph P. Nussbaum

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