Zionists © Michael Alan Ross 2004-2007. All rights reserved. Jewish nationalism replayed among pogroms and tears, From Tsarist sponsored massacres and Jewish fears, From Nazi barbarism and Holocaust years, Jews arose en masse to reclaim what was theirs, Their Israel, their holy land, their contract with God. While Jews had been scattered, some always remained, Teachers, students, farmers, peasants on the Land, Hoping and Praying for a Messianic command, To rebuild King Solomon's Temple, To restart the temple rites, To retread to Jerusalem as pilgrims, To re-covenant with holiness, It was secular Jews who led the return, Herzl, Weizmann, Brandeis, Jabotinsky, Ben Gurion, Meir, Dizengoff and many others, Who courageously demanded this place for Jews. Centuries had not dampened hopes. For millennia, Jews had prayed toward Jerusalem. Centuries had not dampened charity. For millennia, monies had been sent to the Land. In face of murders, expulsions, rapes, and tortures, Jews bore all with prayers to God, Saying we are a nation, a people with laws, Aren't we to be blessed on our own sod, As neighbors with others who also were there, Jews, Christians, Arabs, Druze, Bedouins, In a democratic endeavor to live without fear, Sharing the pears, oranges, olives and lemons? Some did agree to be good neighbors. Others saw Jews as intruders rather than returnees. Jews tried to make peace whenever attacked. It was hard to turn Arab animosity and mythology back. In the 20s and 30s, Arabs attacked mercilessly. In the 40s and 50s, Arab nations joined in. Let's wipe out the Jews, their leaders decree, Then the Middle East will be Jew free! Jews fought harder for their nation, Losing so many lives, To be allowed to live free, On one small piece of land. In the 60s and 70s, Arab nations attacked again. Again, Jews fought back vigorously. What choice did they have? With so many dead, bittersweet was Jewish victory. In the 80s and 90s, Arabs returned to terrorism. It was like the 20s and 30s once more. Similarly, Jews again offered to share, One small piece of land, Jews so wanted to be fair. 22 Arab nations and millions of Arabs, Still begrudging Jews a miniscule home, Argue Jews are usurpers, not natives like them, Ignore reality that both were here before. Jews still are willing to share their small space, But won't tolerate Arabs disdaining their race. If Jews accept Arabs why can't Arabs accept Jews? Isn't it past time to meet together face-to-face? Why can't Arabs also accept their brothers and sisters? How much land Arabs could share with each other? Saudi Arabia alone could invite so many to partake, Of its vast riches of money and sandbake. Jews chose democracy based on their texts. Torah and Talmud advise to choose the best. Jews chose nationhood with their brit. Morality under God, that's the best writ. Jews aren't going anywhere. Israel is their home. Their strength and compassion will continue to loom, Over anguish and despair. The people of Israel have traveled everywhere, But only one place was where they were born. With their lives and their Torah, The people of Israel will live on.

Midrashim and Piyyutim Mr. Ross' prose and poetry about Jewish texts, his prosaic warm memories of family life, and his lyrical voicing of social concerns can be called by the Hebrew words piyyutim and midrashim, poems and commentaries, which offer uplifting, spiritual and, sometimes, challenging interpretations. In addition, Mr. Ross frequently offers many suggestions for the reader to consider in struggling with such texts as well as suggestions for good deeds. Mr. Ross' The Ten Commandments Guidebook, ISBN 0970082525, is available for purchase online by clicking here Online Print-out The Ten Commandments Guidebook Order Form. The Guidebook also is for sale in selected bookstores such as Kolbo Fine Judaica and Israel Book Shop in Boston/Brookline. It also can be purchased in multiple copies for Hebrew, day school, and adult classes directly from the publisher. The Ten Commandments Guidebook, ISBN 0970082525, by Michael Alan Ross, BostonWalks Publishers 2004. In paperback, 153 pages, list price: $19.95 (Wholesale purchase of 12 or more copies available at 40% discount.). Contact information: BostonWalks Publishers, 50 Grove St., Belmont MA 02478, email: bostonwalks@hotmail.com, telephone: 617-489-5020.