David Breakstone
He has published numerous articles, books, and pedagogic materials on Jewish education, the teaching of Israel, Israel-Diaspora relations, Zionism, and Conservative Judaism – all topics on which he lectures extensively. His recent contributions to these fields include A Journey with Herzl; Fulfilling the Dream: Celebrating 60 Years of Israel@@@s Challenges and Achievements; From Altneuland to Tel Aviv: Of Dreams and Deeds; and Herzl Up Close and Personal – In Pursuit of the Zionist Vision. His regular column in the Friday magazine of The Jerusalem Post, “Keep dreaming,” deals primarily with contemporary issues in Israeli society, particularly as they relate to the life of the Jewish community worldwide. A collection of his articles appears on his blog at keepdreaminginzion.wordpress.com.
Dr. Breakstone earned his doctorate at Hebrew University in the Institute of Contemporary Jewry, specializing in the teaching of Israel. He made aliya from the United States in 1974, and performed his army service in the Education Corps of the Israel Defense Forces. He lives in Jerusalem.
Independence Day 2025: A 'conversation' with great figures of Israeli, Zionist history - opinion
'Who’s the fool who told you boys don’t cry?' Approaching Simchat Torah with sorrow
Passover during war: Why is this Seder different from all other Seders?
Hamas are terrorists not 'militants' - Why won't the media get it right? - opinion
Hamas’ charter needs to be taken seriously, it calls for the obliteration of Israel and its replacement with an Islamic state and the obliteration of Jews.
How to care for an aging parent: Lessons from my mother - opinion
Those of us being entreated to care for the elderly understand precious little of life as they experience it.
A Zionist Omer: Significant days in Israeli history
A proposal for a Zionist counting of the Omer, a purposeful reflection on the significance of just a few of the anniversaries, commemorations, and celebrations in the weeks ahead.
Judicial reform has become Israel's watershed moment
Just how close are we to that watershed moment when the idea of forging Israel as a truly democratic and pluralistic Jewish state will be perceived as being beyond realization?
Remembering president Navon and his legacy of social cohesion in Israel
The multiplicity of identities and beliefs extant in Israel today, while potentially enriching, also pose a clear and present danger to Israel’s future.
Delay of Western Wall deal isn’t only issue disenfranchising forward-thinking Jews - opinion
Just as much of the Western Wall is buried deep below the surface, so, too, are the reasons for the delay in sharing it equitably.
Religious reform: Government coalition members weigh in
A conversation with coalition partners on matters of religion and state.
Pride and prejudice: The State of Israel vs Yosef Kibita
RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS: When the young Ugandan applied to make aliyah in 2017, he couldn’t have imagined that he would be poised to fundamentally impact the dynamic of Israel-Diaspora relations.
Fighting up a wall for the pluralistic Kotel Agreement
RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS: Five years after first being approved, then, the Kotel Agreement remains suspended but not forgotten.
Israelis' civil unrest in coronavirus hotels
FIRST PERSON: I’ve encountered some of the absurdities that explain the coronavirus contagion, and how it came about that I was to consume an entire 7-kilo turkey and 18 “everything bagels” alone.
