Ever wonder how Israeli and American opinions compare on topics like religion, sex, intermarriage and just being Jewish in general? The Jewish Reconnection Project is here to show you. The cool web video series showcases dialogue between a group of young adult Jews in New York and in Jerusalem. The goal of the series is to highlight the diverse individual perspectives among the global Jewish community and to help us all better understand one another, ourselves and our shared history.

Check out the first five-minute episode called “A Place to Call Home—Israel vs. Diaspora” and then tune in to a conversation among four members of the JVibe Teen Advisory Board.

Here's what Jeffrey Rollman, 16, thinks:

The Jewish Reconnection Project, a video dialogue on Jewish identity, definitely makes you think about your own identity after listening to the five New Yorkers and four Israelis discuss their personal views. After having lived and studied in Israel for four months this past spring with my high school, I feel that I can understand both perspectives of the dialogue.

Two of the New Yorkers discuss how they had to decide whether to continue wearing kippot upon entering university and their jobs. Then one of the Israelis responded that the liberating thing in Israel is that you don't have to be worried about that; there is no fear of Jewish discrimination. Summing that sentiment up, another New Yorker stated that, “I realize that when I'm in Israel, it's too easy to be Jewish; you don't even have to think about it.”

I felt that way during my four-month stay—I didn't need to single myself out as a Jew, as nearly everyone was Jewish. Toward the end of the dialogue, one of the New Yorkers asked one of the toughest questions: “Israel is our homeland. We have somewhere to go, something to protect. But do you want to live there, do you want to stay there?” I am still deciding on my answer.

Jaime Bolker, 18, shares her response to Jeffrey's statement:

I am what many people refer to as a “cultural Jew.” I feel a spiritual connection to Judaism, but it's not as strong as the connection I feel to the people and the history. I have been to Israel twice, and both times I have come back with different feelings toward my own Jewish identity and whether Israel is the right place for me. The first time I went to Israel, I didn't want to come back home. I felt such a connection to everything about it, I even wanted to join the army.

The second time I went, I felt out of place. Being in Israel last summer made me realize that sometimes just being a Jew in Israel doesn't take the pressure off. I felt more criticized and put down by some of the Jews in Israel then I ever have from my non-Jewish friends in America. Don't get me wrong; I think it is of the utmost importance that Jews have a state to call their own and protect, but I have also begun to feel that until there's a general understanding and acceptance in Israel of all levels of Judaism, there will not be peace. We cannot be strong until we are one.

Here's what Elizabeth Kirshner, 13, says:

This video seemed interesting in many ways, but a few key points really struck me. As a Modern Orthodox Zionist, it bothered me when one person said she found that in Israel it was “too easy” being Jewish. While you don't face being identified as totally different in Israel, similar to American labels, there are many non-Jew and even Jew-to-Jew hate types in Israel, which could seem even worse coming from your own people.

Even at times in Israel when a connection is simple to find, there are always personal spirituality challenges to face, whether it be prayer, kindness or some other attribute. Although circumstances vary—as seen in the college example—I identified with Yonah, the young man who decided to wear a kippah to work as a personal reminder of God. I feel that whether one wears this skullcap or not, if a person feels this constant reminder, it will affect him. As Yonah points out, if he knows he is being judged and making an impression as a Jew, he will make sure to act wisely and ethically, a concept usually referred to as Kiddush Hashem, or sanctification of God's name.

One last point that stood out to me was when an American young woman made it clear that she felt no Israeli connection, and an Israeli woman responded that she was fine with that, but if she did feel anything toward the land, she should do something about it. I think that anyone outside of America can connect to Israel in countless ways without moving there, such as donating time or money to an Israeli cause, sending mail or gifts and other creative ideas. Different struggles are faced in Diaspora and Israeli Jewry, which both require much introspection.

Michele Pinczuk, 14, responds:

I believe that the Jewish Reconnection Project is a very poignant glimpse at the relationship among today's Israeli and American Jews and our homeland. The basic concept of the video is great in terms of illustrating the differences and similarities between living in America, where Jews are the minority, and living in Israel, where Jews are the majority.

I'm in agreement with my fellow JVibers Elizabeth, Jaime and Jeffrey regarding the content of the video. However, from a photographic standpoint, the quick edits and “head-less” discussions were visually confusing and a bit distracting. I think a more stylized Spike Lee-ish approach would lend itself to an edgier vibe, thus having a greater impact on its viewers.

There's a comfortable familiarity relating to the Jewish Americans and Israelis who are partaking in the discussion. It's like you would see them all at the JCC. Overall, I really enjoyed the venue and look forward to viewing and discussing more of them.

Jeffrey E. Rollman recently spent a semester abroad in Israel. He lives in Los Angeles and likes running cross country, politics, reading and weight lifting.

Jaime Bolker is a student at International High School in San Francisco. She's a pop-culture junkie and is currently obsessed with Dawson's Creek re-runs and Bob Marley.

Elizabeth Kirshner is an NCSYer from Detroit, Mich. She loves Jewish geography, lightly salted matzah and summers at Camp Stone. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her friends, watching the Isaac Mizrahi show and quoting Golda Meir.

Michele Pinczuk is a teen journalist who freelances for several publications, including The New York Times. She lives in the Washington, D.C., area. Michele loves New York and Saturday Night Live. Her role models are Gilda Radner, Golda Meir, her grandmom, mom and Aunt Sylvia.