Israel 60: Goats and Apples

As Israel reaches the milestone of 60 years since the declaration of her Independence, UJIA’s Jewish Life Education Centre is delighted to publish this collection of three short stories and three excerpts.

This publication is a celebration of the diverse literary talent in Israel. From Israel’s first Nobel Laureate for Literature, Agnon, to the work of Israeli Arab Kashua; from the weird and wonderful Keret, to the illustrious realism of Grossman; from the emotional complexity of Liebrecht, to the clever and colourful debut by Nevo. All of the authors and stories included illustrate the many varied aspects of Israeli society through their lives and their work.

Israel’s achievement in reaching 60 years as a modern and democratic
state despite facing many challenges also offers an opportunity for reflection. This publication is a tool to assist in that reflection. The varied stories raise questions of what we perceive Israel to be; challenge the role Israel plays in the identity of its citizens and in our identities; and explore the experiences of, and relationships between, the many different people and characters that form part of Israeli society.

Read the stories. Read them for your own enjoyment of Israeli literature
as one example of the talent and achievement Israel has to celebrate.
Read them and reflect on the questions offered after each. Reflect on the dilemmas, difficulties, and diversity presented by Israeli society in its 60th year. Read the stories by yourself, read them with your friends, and most importantly, read them with your chanichim.

In addition to this publication, educational activities using the stories and exploring the themes within them are provided here.

For support with using this publication, the activities, or to
offer your feedback and suggestions, please be in touch by email: david brown

B’shalom,

David Brown
UJIA, JLEC Education and Leadership Development
0208 369 5285