Wednesday, May 12, 2010

12 Days

While it may seem like the obvious choice to us today, a serious debate regarding the title of the modern state of Israel emerged before its founding. Some Zionists wanted to call Israel “Judea”, like the ancient kingdom of the Jews.

Judea got its name from the tribe of Judah (as did Jews in general). Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel according to the Bible) had 12 sons, and their descendants formed the 12 tribes of Israel. Those twelve tribes were each allotted a certain portion of the Land, with a significant portion given to the tribe of Judah, the tribe of kingship. This portion included Jerusalem, Hebron and other important cities.

After the split between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and the rest of Israel (see Kings for details), one kingdom was called “The Kingdom of Judah” and the other “The Kingdom of Israel”. After the expulsion of Israelites by the Kingdom of Assyria in 721 BCE, the only remaining Jewish kingdom was the Kingdom of Judah (called “Judea”, or Iudaea, by the Romans later). That’s how Jews came to be called Jews! Remnants of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, mostly living in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah (Yehudim in Hebrew).

So, it wasn’t clear to all pre-state Zionists that Israel should be called Israel, rather than Judea. But Israel was decided on, to represent a country for all the “Children of Israel” (another name for Jews).

Much of the territory of Judah was actually liberated during the Six Day War, including eastern Jerusalem, the Old City, Gush Etzion (the Etzion Bloc) and Hebron. That is what’s being celebrated tonight and tomorrow, May 12th, on the Jewish holiday of Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day).
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Please help us find a bone marrow match for Matt Fenster! Stop by the bone marrow drives taking place on Parade Day at Temple Emanu-El (East 65th Street between 5th and Madison Avenues) and Summerstage/Rumsey Playfield in Central Park (near 72nd Street). All it takes is a simle cheek swap and you could save a life! For more information, visit the Parade FB Fan Page.

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