natsab

Here we are nearing at the end of the first full day of the Congress. Monday evening was mostly introductory with worship, but today has been a very full day of business. The central focus has been defining what it means to be a nation and what practical steps can be taken across the planet to foster identity and cohesion.

Al McCarn led off this morning with a fantastic talk that might be classified as the Cliff Notes for parts of his book. (He told me a bit ago that he will post the text of his talk on his blog. As soon as he does, I’ll reblog here.) Not only was he well received, but the discussions that ensued were very helpful and unified in their understanding that we all need to be taking specific and measured steps that will help to foster national identity. Some easier than others, they included:

• Get fluent in Modern Hebrew!
• Establish local communities in anticipation of eventually emigrating.
• Network those communities for mutual support and helps,
• By lifestyle and example, tell others of Israelite identity
• Communicate our message through networked media outlets… (at least one delegate has national media access in their host country… But, also blogs, online radio, etc)
• Ask Judah for help in understanding Torah
• Offer to help Judah with making aliyah as well as supporting

Highlighted in the discussion was the centrality of Torah observance, but understanding that the Torah gives ‘general lines in which we are to color.’ Individual observances can vary, but we need to be inclusive enough to allow people to grow and observe in the manner the Ruach leads them. More specifically, we all need to learn Continue reading →