Over the last few months, the Conservative Movements body for deciding Jewish law (known as the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly) has been considering a number of Tshuvot (legal papers) on the status of Homosexuals in Jewish law. This committee is often abbreviated as CJLS and is sometimes referred to as the "Law Committee" (from an earlier name).
The Jewish Theological Seminary--the institution from which I was ordained a rabbi and received an MA in Jewish studies--has created a web page to deal with the issue. It includes opportunity to offer feedback to the JTS Chancellor-Elect.
Institutions that ordain Rabbis and Cantors may use the result of the CJLS deliberations to allow admission of openly gay and lesbian students in their Rabbinical and Cantorial schools (as far as I know, all such institutions are required by law to not discriminate in all other program s such as Undergraduate and Graduate programs). Each institution has its own processes in place for dealing with any outcome. Additional full disclosure: I am a member of the Rabbinical Assembly and a member of Keshet Rabbis (Gay-Friendly Conservative/Masorti Rabbis and Cantors) so I should be considered partisan in this effort.
I applaud Chancellor-Elect Eisen and JTS for the informative introduction to the issues and their frank description of the process they will take. In my personal (1993 - present) and historical knowledge of the institition, the institution (usually known for its tight administration and top-down style) is proceeding in an almost unprecedented, open manner. In the end, its faculty, administration, and lay leaders will make any decisions, but explaining the process and asking for input is a big step for JTS.
Smith/Amherst students/alumni: please send me copies of any feedback you give. Also, I am willing to write a group letter to Chancellor-Elect Eisen with any members of our community.
Shalom,
RB
Showing posts with label Chief Rabbis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chief Rabbis. Show all posts
9/19/2006
Independent Minyanim and the Role of Rabbis
There was a recent JTA (Jewish Telegraphic Agency) article about independent minyanim. Although some scholars have brushed it aside as a fringe movement, they are many non-denominational (or at least non-affiliated) prayer groups that meet in major urban areas and college towns. They attract a highly Jewishly educated and involved crowd that (at least in the earliest stages) included many friends and fellow Jewish travelers (from Ramah, Pardes, JTS, and Hillel).
This recent article has stoked the fires of the Jewish blogosphere and led to a derivative discussion about the role of the Rabbi in these communities.
The campuses in which I work (Smith and Amherst) have small, highly-educated Jewish students. In many ways, they mirror the composition of these indy-minyanim (although perhaps not in the level of Jewish education and identity). Therefore any discussion on how a rabbi functions in a non-hierarchical community is important.
It happens that this past Friday night was the first time I attended Smith Shabbat dinner at the Kosher K this year. In my brief dvar torah I mentioned that I view myself as a resource and a guide. Rabbi means teacher but for few students will I ever be a teacher in a formal class setting. I teach by guiding students, helping them solidify their Jewish identity. It is not up t0 me to determine their path but to help them move further along it. I do this by sharing events with them, opening my house to them, and by being around when they need it. I also do this through brief divrei torah at shabbat, hagim, and in public campus settings.
If you are a student, I encourage you to read about these minyanim and how rabbis play a role in these nuanced communities. Then email me and lets discuss it.
Shalom,
Rabbi Bruce
This recent article has stoked the fires of the Jewish blogosphere and led to a derivative discussion about the role of the Rabbi in these communities.
The campuses in which I work (Smith and Amherst) have small, highly-educated Jewish students. In many ways, they mirror the composition of these indy-minyanim (although perhaps not in the level of Jewish education and identity). Therefore any discussion on how a rabbi functions in a non-hierarchical community is important.
It happens that this past Friday night was the first time I attended Smith Shabbat dinner at the Kosher K this year. In my brief dvar torah I mentioned that I view myself as a resource and a guide. Rabbi means teacher but for few students will I ever be a teacher in a formal class setting. I teach by guiding students, helping them solidify their Jewish identity. It is not up t0 me to determine their path but to help them move further along it. I do this by sharing events with them, opening my house to them, and by being around when they need it. I also do this through brief divrei torah at shabbat, hagim, and in public campus settings.
If you are a student, I encourage you to read about these minyanim and how rabbis play a role in these nuanced communities. Then email me and lets discuss it.
Shalom,
Rabbi Bruce
9/11/2006
Can An Archbishop & Two Chief Rabbis Start Middle East Peace in London
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has negotiated an historic accord with Judaism and Israel after an unprecedented meeting with the two chief rabbis of Israel at Lambeth Palace, London.
The announcement occurred during the 350th celebration of Jews resettlement in England after an earlier expulsion. It is rare for the two Chief Rabbis of Israel--Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Yonah Metzger and Shlomo Amar, who heads Israel’s Sephardi community--to travel together and to enter into international politics.
Some have argued that this is really a PR move to satisfy England's Jewish community after the Synod of the Church of England voted for divestment from Israel.
In the depressing world in which we live, I have to grab onto any glimmers of hope.
The text of the accord demonstrates that it is not merely a reconciliation of the leaders of two estranged religious groups, but also a framework to work towards peace.
כן יהי רצון
Shalom,
Rabbi Bruce
The announcement occurred during the 350th celebration of Jews resettlement in England after an earlier expulsion. It is rare for the two Chief Rabbis of Israel--Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Yonah Metzger and Shlomo Amar, who heads Israel’s Sephardi community--to travel together and to enter into international politics.
Some have argued that this is really a PR move to satisfy England's Jewish community after the Synod of the Church of England voted for divestment from Israel.
In the depressing world in which we live, I have to grab onto any glimmers of hope.
The text of the accord demonstrates that it is not merely a reconciliation of the leaders of two estranged religious groups, but also a framework to work towards peace.
כן יהי רצון
Shalom,
Rabbi Bruce
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