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Tonight I went with my Grandmother and Parents to see someone speak at my Grandmothers Temple. I dont really remember most of what he said except for one part. He said that in a discussion with a Rabbi the Rabbi asked him at what point in Jewish history that he would like to see and why. The man had no response so the Rabbi said his instead. He said that he would like to not go back, but forward, to a time when peace is finally given to the Jewish people, when the Temple is rebuilt and when the scattered tribes and diaspora have returned to their home in full.

This got me wondering, if you could go back (or forward) to any point in Jewish history, where would you go and why?

I'd want to go to Egypt, when G-d delivered us. It'd be cool to see in my own eyes the miracles he did for us.

hmm....Well, I would like to go back to when we were slaves in Egypt- I think I really would like to go through some sort of trial to test my faith, and see if I could really handle it. It would also be just an amazing thing to see and experience, especially something so holy.


Besides that, I would like to visit when the Messiah comes and life is perfect, the Temple is rebuilt, and things are finally at peace. 3nodding

I would love to be present for the moment at which the entire Israelite family were gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai, listening to the divine voice breathing the commandments to us. I'd like to be one of those in that setting, whispering fervently, "Na'aseh v'nish'mah," we will do, and we will listen (to hear more).

The Holocaust.

Though the Holocaust happened in the 30s-40s, and therefore still happened quite recently in the grand scheme of things, it is something I wouldn't love to witness, but more appreciate to witness.

I try to explain this to my friends everytime we do something in school related to the Holocaust, or I get a new Holocaust book. I am a mere potential convert, and though it may not seem like it sometimes, I take Judaism quite seriously. Since no one in my family directly experience the Holocaust, I try to learn everything I can about it. In a way, it's sort of like my contribution to those people who lost their lives, not just the Jews.

I did not feel that pain or hurt, and I'm quite thanful I didn't, because I could not be as strong as most of them were. However, like Cindy and Mizakichii said, it's definetley a question testing your faith.

Your signature frightens and confuses me

Aye, I have the same feeling about it.

What an amazing question... I have to think about it. I would have to sa, that if I could go backward or forward to anytime in Jewish history, it would be... well, this might be considered very controversial. If I had to choose which time I would rather be sent to, to witness and participate in, I would have to say Masada. I would choose this time, not because I believe that we were abandoned by G-d (Something that I would never ever ever believe), as Elazar ben Yair (the leader of the Zealots) believed. I would choose this time because for me, it strikes a chord, it allows me to think beyond the limits, and I know, that had I been in the same situation, surrender myself to prostitution, slavery and to be stripped of my faith or to die bravelly, with all my faith and dignity, I would have chose death, for I would much rather be with my G-d than to have my spirit killed by the ruthless romans.

how ever, the situation of Masada is controversial because of how Judaism strictly forbids suicide, some may have seen it as giving up on G-d's ability to save them, I don't know how I feel about that, I kind of agree, and at the same time not. nevertheless, my answer still stands, if I could go anywhere backwards or forwards in Jewish History, I would choose Masada at the time of the siege of the Romans, and after that I would choose to be there when the Messiah comes, and I can go home to live in Israel in peace.