Jews have established vibrant communities spanning the globe, but always direct their prayers toward the land of their biblical ancestors. How does this ancient connection to Israel affect the personal lives of Diaspora Jews today? In celebrating 60 years of statehood for Israel, PT presents two different views on Jewish living in the Diaspora.

Rachael Kafrissen is a Yiddishist: the web editor for Jewish Currents, she is currently writing a book titled Myth of the Yiddish Atlantis. She lives in New York City.

What do you refer to as your “Promised Land”?

NYC. My definition of a “promised land” is anywhere Jews can be free to practice their way of life, without the threat of persecution. That place for me is here, America.

What ideas or images come to mind when you hear the word Diaspora?

For me, Golus is the Diaspora. All Jews live in Golus, even those living is Israel. My destiny is to be here, immersed in my Yiddish-based Jewish culture. The followers of the Shlilat HaGolah (negation of the Diaspora) ideology attempted to kill the past to create a new, `stronger' breed of Jews. [But] My Diaspora is one of rich culture; I gain my strength and vitality from the past instead of abandoning it.

Since Israel is now a “developed” nation, do you think Zionism is still necessary?

Zionism is the Jewish version of goyish nationalism. To attract more patriotic residents and appeal to its clientele, Zionism needs to remain an integral part of Israel's DNA. Zionism isn't relevant to me, but it still has relevance for the State of Israel.

Outspoken Israeli novelist A.B. Yehoshua once said, “Only Israel, and not Judaism, could ensure the survival of the Jewish people.” How would you respond to that?

I don't believe in such Judaism. Jewish people, Jewish text, Jewish way of life—wherever you have those things, you have the survival of the Jewish people. It's ridiculous to say you can only have those things in Israel. The Jewish way of life can exist anywhere and everywhere.

Do you have any problems synthesizing your Judaism within a non-Jewish world/society?

As a Yiddishist, my culture is very Jewish. I live in a Jewish neighborhood, eat Jewish food, frequent Jewish theaters—I'm very lucky not having obstacles in living a Jewish life.

Do you think you'd have an easier time practicing your lifestyle in Israel?

I wouldn't be able to practice my way of life in Israel. My community is entirely composed of those who love and live the Yiddish culture. Yiddish isn't just a language, it's an Eastern European Ashkenazi way of life; it governs where I eat, which newspapers I read, and the conversations I have. I usually attend two to three Yiddish events a week in NYC. I'm not aware of any other place on the planet which could offer me [these]opportunities.

Do you feel it's important for young Jews living in the Diaspora today to visit and experience Israel in order to preserve their Jewish identity?

It's irrelevant. If you want to make them Israelis, then send them to Israel. But if your goal is to create affiliated American Jews—what does modern Israeli culture have to do with Jewish identity? Instead, millions of dollars could be spent to send children to day schools.

For those coming from alienated Jewish communities, send them to NYC, have them hang out with Hebrew hipsters. NYC is the best Jewish city in the world. We have everything here, why do we have to send them away to preserve their Jewish identity?

What are some lessons that Israelis can learn from their Jewish brethren living in America?

That there's no shame in being an Eastern European golus yid (Diaspora Jew). You're a golus yid no matter where you live. In Israel, people are critical and ashamed of their past as Eastern Europeans; how can people move forward if they don't respect their past? Don't be ashamed of where you come from.

In order for Israel to survive and thrive, do you think a thriving Jewish Diaspora also must exist?

Logistically—yes; we write the checks and they need our support. But we all need each other; one part can't function without the rest.

Alicia Post has been involved with Taglit-birthright israel for over seven years. Alicia also volunteers for various Jewish organizations including Fuel For Truth, Hadassah and the Israel Sports Center for the Disabled.

What do you refer to as your “Promised Land”?

Israel.

What ideas or images come to mind when you hear the word Diaspora?

I see Jews living everywhere…such a small percent of the population and yet we inhabit all corners of the earth. For the first time in modern history, we have the opportunity to live under our co-religionists in Israel, yet many, like me, still choose to live here in America.

Since Israel is now a “developed” nation, do you think Zionism is still necessary?

In many aspects it's still a third-world country; too many Israeli citizens live below the poverty line. But we have made remarkable progress through countless technological advancements and breakthroughs made by Israeli scientists and professionals. I believe Zionism does remain a crucial element for Israel's survival. Facing terrorism on a daily basis, Israel needs as much support as it can get.

Outspoken Israeli novelist A.B. Yehoshua once said, “Only Israel, and not Judaism, could ensure the survival of the Jewish people.” How would you respond to that?

Israel is very important to the Jewish people, but the two are not dependent on each other. My Jewish identity is very strong wherever I am; it's not a question of where I am, but who I am.

Do you have any problems synthesizing your Judaism within a secular American society which wouldn't be present in a Jewish-Israeli society?

Growing up, I was one of only a handful of Jews in my public school. [That] was a great opportunity to create a meaningful dialogue; I could act as an ambassador of the Jewish people and become more conscious of my own identity.

In Israel, I'd have the amazing opportunity of going to pray at the Kotel, but living in Israel doesn't necessarily mean your practices will change. It's more about the individual and how much effort they're willing to put into it. NYC has so many resources; it's not difficult to live a fully enriched Jewish life here. Although, there are little practical things—like finding kosher for Passover food during the holiday—which wouldn't be a problem living in Israel.

When Israel is criticized, do you feel a need or responsibility to defend her?

Discussing the issues in a non-confrontational, open setting is a necessity for true dialogue. That being said, I do feel the need to stand up and defend Israel against Israel's detractors, especially those denying Israel's right to exist. Another reason I need to speak out is due to the prevailing apathetic behavior of many Jews. Sderot has been under daily rocket fire for seven years with no end in sight; I recently went to a rally in NYC for Sderot, and only a handful of people showed up. If we want to change things we need to raise our voices and show we care.

Did you always feel a special connection to the land and people of Israel?

Israel was just a word; something you said in prayer, a foreign, biblical place which had no real significance in my personal life. I didn't truly feel a connection, until I went to see it with my own eyes. [Now] every trip I take to Israel, I'm in awe the entire time.

Do you feel it's important for young Jews living in the Diaspora to visit and experience Israel?

Every Jew should visit Israel once in their lifetime. How is one supposed to get a sense of their homeland from what they see on the news? To many young Jews, Israel is an amalgam of violent images. That's why it is so important to visit and experience Israel first-hand. Israel is where the Bible comes alive, where we can all connect to our Jewish heritage on a higher level, and our best bet at fostering pride of our homeland for future generations.

If you can move to Israel and be happy, nothing should stop you, but I also believe the Diaspora is very significant for Jewish life to continue. Here in America, I live and work on a daily basis for Israel, my ability to assist Israel from NYC is the best option for me. Borders can't restrict my love for my homeland.

Josh Whisler is a freelance writer living in Washington, DC, and is the author of The Iranian Track blog (www.iraniantrack.blogspot.com).