The Zone of Interest

Here is a recent conversation I had with Rabbi Joseph, in which we discussed a reflection on the Oscar-winning film, The Zone of Interest, and also an Axios report on an IDF soldier whose dead body was held hostage after October 7.

Show Notes

Summary

In this conversation, Rabbi Joseph Edelheit and Jason Micheli discuss the importance of shared scripture and the need for a conscious return to joint heritage. They explore the connection between Israel and the Jewish people, as well as the role of certainty in current discourse. They emphasize the use of shared texts to foster humility, perspective, and critical thinking. The conversation also touches on the correlation between the decline in faith and the increase in anti-Semitism. They discuss the role of public schools in identity formation and the fear of being afraid. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of revisiting and reframing the Hebraic heritage as a starting point for dialogue and understanding. This conversation explores topics related to Muslim dietary restrictions in America, the role of antagonism and fear in relation to difference, reframing Judeo-Christian values, the interpretation of the first commandment, engaging with the text, the detachment of the Bible from its people, the difficulty in acknowledging extremism, Christian nationalism as an extremism, reconnecting Jews and Christians, and reconstructing interfaith tours.

Takeaways

• Shared scripture can serve as a common ground for dialogue and critical thinking.

• The connection between Israel and the Jewish people is an important aspect of Jewish and Christian theology.

• Certainty in discourse can hinder understanding and dialogue.

• Using shared texts can foster humility, perspective, and critical reading skills.

• Public schools play a role in identity formation and can be a space for engaging with diverse perspectives. Antagonism and fear often operate at the level of difference, and it is important to take the time to understand and engage with one another.

• The golden rule should be understood in the context of Leviticus 19:18, which includes a prohibition against revenge and bearing grudges.

• The first commandment should be reframed as a statement rather than a commandment, emphasizing the source and authorship of the Ten Utterances.

• Engaging with the text requires careful examination and a willingness to challenge preconceived notions.

• Extremism should be taken seriously and not dismissed or ignored, regardless of the religious or ideological context.

• There is a need to reconnect Jews and Christians in a new context and foster dialogue and understanding between the two communities.

• Interfaith tours and shared experiences can help promote pluralism and mutual understanding between Jews and Christians.