JEWISH WORLD

JEWISH WORLD • NOVEMBER 1-7, 2019 31 analysis of the social context for the Shinnecocks. “This is such a huge and mas- sive issue. And there’s a lot going on in this world but you have to start in your backyard,” said Ms. Hill-Genia in a question-and- answer period after the film was shown at the Southampton Arts Center, about two miles east of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. The Shinnecocks, she said, welcome “like-minded people so we can accomplish something together.” Mr. Gumbs described the docu- mentary as “phenomenal” in “bringing our culture to the fore- front” and presenting “what we’ve been through and what we’re going through.” He said: “We’re forgotten people.” And what is brought forward in the documen- tary is “not just about the Shinnecocks. All people have an interest. You’re part of it.” Forces “are destroying” Long Island “lit- tle by little and soon there won’t be anything left to destroy.” Treva Wurmfeld, the extraordi- narily talented director and co- producer of “Conscience Point,” explained that her goal with the documentary was to “bring more light” on an issue about which “many people coming out here have no clue.” Karl Grossman, professor of journalism at the State University of New York/College at Old Westbury, has covered Long Island politics for 50 years. Gumbs described it as “phenomenal” in “bringing our culture to the forefront” and presenting their trials. rebel but someone continuing his father’s geographical and spiritual journey. That is why God is confi- dent that Abraham will accept the divine command; as the son of Terah, he has been primed to do so. And so we can posit that in men- tioning Canaan in Gen. 9:20-22, the Bible is setting the stage for an Abrahamic takeover of the Land of Canaan, soon to become the Land of Abraham — Israel. Canaan is depicted as a special location, with inherently ethical characteristics. Only those who genuinely aspire to accept monothe- ism will be worthy of making it (Israel) their eternal homeland. Canaan forfeited his rights because instead of following his grandfather Noah’s righteous path, he chose to destroy his ability to pass these val- ues on to succeeding generations. Abraham, unlike Noah, parented a grandson — Jacob-Israel — dedi- cated to righteousness and justice. And herein may well be a warn- ing: The descendants of Abraham will be privileged to live in Israel only for as long as they subscribe to such an ethical lifestyle. Another caveat: Even if B’nei Yisrael eventually return to the land and are worthy of living in it, their return will always be dependent on the ethical quality of the daily lives they lead. As Rashi warns us in his commentary early in the Book of Genesis, “the entire world belongs to the Holy One, Blessed be He; He created it, and He will give it to whoever is righteous in His eyes” (Rashi, Gen. 1:1). Shlomo Riskin is chief rabbi of Efrat, Israel. Israel continued from page 7 Point continued from page 24