An interesting answer to question often asked? What is Conservative Judaism? Also asked as: why are you a Conservative Jew?
I participated in an interesting conference call this week on the proliferation of Kiruv (Orthodox outreach organizations) on campus and the challenges/opportunities this development poses to Hillel.
It is clear that Jews on campus are looking for authentic representations of Judaism.
I believe Conservative Judaism (better called Masorti or Traditional Judaism) is more authentic
than ultra-Orthodox versions of Judaism brought by most Kiruv organizations. To quote Rav Schach (something I don't do very often): they practice religions very close to Judaism.
What do you believe?
Please post your responses.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Bruce
Showing posts with label Conservative Judaism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conservative Judaism. Show all posts
10/26/2007
11/27/2006
Halakhah & Homosexuality: Legal Change in the Conservative Movement
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
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
8/31/2006
Conservative Judaism and GLB Ordination
There have been a few recent articles on Conservative Judaism (one in Slate on Chancellor Schorsh) and some in the Jewish Week and Forward (specifically on Ordination of GLB Jews).
It is a very busy week Orientation at Amherst and Pre-Orientation at Smith, so far now I just want to point out these articles and some of the discussion about them in the Jewish blog world.
Blog Postings on These Articles:
Volokh.com
Jewlicious 1 and 2
Shalom,
Rabbi Bruce
It is a very busy week Orientation at Amherst and Pre-Orientation at Smith, so far now I just want to point out these articles and some of the discussion about them in the Jewish blog world.
Blog Postings on These Articles:
Volokh.com
Jewlicious 1 and 2
Shalom,
Rabbi Bruce
6/22/2006
Merkaz Joins Kadima in WZO
Kadima-Conservatives union irks Shas
By GIL HOFFMAN AND MATTHEW WAGNER
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1150355536256&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
When it came to forming a coalition in the Knesset, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made a deal with Shas. But in the World Zionist Organization, Olmert's Kadima Party has gone in the opposite direction, forming a joint faction Tuesday with Merkaz USA, the Zionist organization of the Conservative Movement.
The deal raised eyebrows in the Knesset because of the contrast between President Moshe Katsav, who refuses to call Reform rabbis by that title, and Olmert, who called Merkaz USA president Rabbi Vernon Kurtz "kvod harav" (esteemed rabbi) at Tuesday's meeting of the World Zionist Congress.
Olmert signed an agreement in the Knesset on Tuesday creating the United Faction, a coalition in the WZO that includes Kadima, the Conservatives, Hano'ar Hatzioni and the Gil Pensioners Party. It has long been considered normal for like-minded movements to join forces in the WZO. For instance, Labor had been aligned with ARZA, the American Reform Zionist movement.
In his written address to WZO coalition members, Olmert likened Conservative Judaism to Kadima in the sense that both represent moderate voices.
"The Conservative Movement exemplifies what Maimonides praised as the 'Golden Way,' the middle route of tradition that distances itself from the extremes and advances a vision of unity through tradition, faith and Jewish culture," wrote Olmert.
Kadima MK Yoel Hason, who at 33 has become the youngest president of the Zionist Congress since Theodor Herzl, said the Conservative Movement was a legitimate partner. He said the deal did not imply acceptance of the movement's religious beliefs and would not impact the fragile status quo in Israel on matters of religion and state.
But Shas MKs said the agreement was a "step in the wrong direction." United Torah Judaism MK Avraham Ravitz called the deal "problematic" and hinted it would make it less likely that his party would join Olmert's coalition in the Knesset. He said that had his party been in the coalition, UTJ would not have permitted Kadima to form a joint faction with the Conservatives.
Leaders of the World Conservative Movement said Tuesday that the agreement would help strengthen the movement both in Israel and in the Diaspora.
David Breakstone, a member of the Zionist Executive representing the Worldwide Conservative Movement, said the agreement would provide more funding for Conservative Judaism, give it more influence in World Zionist institutions and improve its standing in Israel.
One of the issues concerning Conservative Jews in Israel is lack of access to religious funding and services. For example, women referred to mikvaot ritual baths by Conservative rabbis prior to their marriage ceremony have been refused entry, said Breakstone.
"We hope to resolve the lack of access to mikvaot for non-Orthodox women," said Breakstone. "After this deal and statements made by the prime minister, I believe we will have a more sympathetic ear in the government for our demands.
"We also hope to receive state funding for [pluralistic] TALI school rabbis like the Orthodox do in their state religious schools," said Breakstone.
Breakstone said WZO funding for non-Orthodox Zionist religious activities in the Diaspora would be raised to make it equal to funding for Orthodox activities.
The Orthodox Religious Affairs Department, headed by Mizrahi, receives an annual budget of $780,000, compared to just $360,000 for Reform and Conservative activities combined. Breakstone said it was unclear whether the current funding would be redistributed or new monies would be allocated to non-Orthodox budgets.
By GIL HOFFMAN AND MATTHEW WAGNER
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1150355536256&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
When it came to forming a coalition in the Knesset, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made a deal with Shas. But in the World Zionist Organization, Olmert's Kadima Party has gone in the opposite direction, forming a joint faction Tuesday with Merkaz USA, the Zionist organization of the Conservative Movement.
The deal raised eyebrows in the Knesset because of the contrast between President Moshe Katsav, who refuses to call Reform rabbis by that title, and Olmert, who called Merkaz USA president Rabbi Vernon Kurtz "kvod harav" (esteemed rabbi) at Tuesday's meeting of the World Zionist Congress.
Olmert signed an agreement in the Knesset on Tuesday creating the United Faction, a coalition in the WZO that includes Kadima, the Conservatives, Hano'ar Hatzioni and the Gil Pensioners Party. It has long been considered normal for like-minded movements to join forces in the WZO. For instance, Labor had been aligned with ARZA, the American Reform Zionist movement.
In his written address to WZO coalition members, Olmert likened Conservative Judaism to Kadima in the sense that both represent moderate voices.
"The Conservative Movement exemplifies what Maimonides praised as the 'Golden Way,' the middle route of tradition that distances itself from the extremes and advances a vision of unity through tradition, faith and Jewish culture," wrote Olmert.
Kadima MK Yoel Hason, who at 33 has become the youngest president of the Zionist Congress since Theodor Herzl, said the Conservative Movement was a legitimate partner. He said the deal did not imply acceptance of the movement's religious beliefs and would not impact the fragile status quo in Israel on matters of religion and state.
But Shas MKs said the agreement was a "step in the wrong direction." United Torah Judaism MK Avraham Ravitz called the deal "problematic" and hinted it would make it less likely that his party would join Olmert's coalition in the Knesset. He said that had his party been in the coalition, UTJ would not have permitted Kadima to form a joint faction with the Conservatives.
Leaders of the World Conservative Movement said Tuesday that the agreement would help strengthen the movement both in Israel and in the Diaspora.
David Breakstone, a member of the Zionist Executive representing the Worldwide Conservative Movement, said the agreement would provide more funding for Conservative Judaism, give it more influence in World Zionist institutions and improve its standing in Israel.
One of the issues concerning Conservative Jews in Israel is lack of access to religious funding and services. For example, women referred to mikvaot ritual baths by Conservative rabbis prior to their marriage ceremony have been refused entry, said Breakstone.
"We hope to resolve the lack of access to mikvaot for non-Orthodox women," said Breakstone. "After this deal and statements made by the prime minister, I believe we will have a more sympathetic ear in the government for our demands.
"We also hope to receive state funding for [pluralistic] TALI school rabbis like the Orthodox do in their state religious schools," said Breakstone.
Breakstone said WZO funding for non-Orthodox Zionist religious activities in the Diaspora would be raised to make it equal to funding for Orthodox activities.
The Orthodox Religious Affairs Department, headed by Mizrahi, receives an annual budget of $780,000, compared to just $360,000 for Reform and Conservative activities combined. Breakstone said it was unclear whether the current funding would be redistributed or new monies would be allocated to non-Orthodox budgets.
2/15/2005
Rabbi Ayelet Cohen: Conservative Judaism's Double Standard
My colleague, Ayelet Cohen of New York's Congegation Beit Simhat Torah wrote an opinion piece in the Forward criticizing the Conservative Movement for its ongoing double standard for gay and lesbian Jews. I recommend that you read her piece which summarizes the issues and potential developments. The Rabbinical Assembly's Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards will be reexamining issues related to gay and lesbians in positions of leadership in Conservative institutions (primarily--whether they can be accepted into Rabbinical and Cantorial School in Conservative institutions). Like Ayelet, I am a member of the Rabbinical Assembly.
Those who have spoken to me about this issue in the last few years know that I am supportive of reexamining the concensus statement and admitting openly gay and lesbian Conservative Jews into leadership positions. Those who haven't spoken to me since before my ordination are probably suprised by my evolution--since I was often seen as one of the more "right-wing" members of my class.
This complex issue will not be quickly resolved--the CJLS rightly takes its time when considering issues of consequence. For those fighting for change, each day seems too long but I strongly support taking the proper time in such a process. Even if the CJLS changes its position, it will still be up to each rabbinical or cantorial school to change its admissions standards (and there is no guarantee that this will happen quickly).
I continue to grow as a person and as a Jew: since college, my views on the essence of equality in Judaism have continued to evolve. When halachically possible, I believe equality is halachically mandated. When not possible in absolute terms, we have to strive towards it. Still, I am concerned at one part of Ayelet's essay: that individual synagogues and rabbis should not have the power to interpret Judaism in a way that is appropriate for their community. This is the essence of the practice of the rabbi being mara d'atra--the teacher or decisors for the community. It is the basis of Conservative Judaism's approach to Jewish law and the only way halachah has worked.
One of the main reasons I am a Conservative Jew is our embrace of pluralism. My committment to a a lived pluralism (one that embraces more than one way of being a Conservative Jew) probably led to my being labeled a "right-winger" during rabbinical school. Once the movement's institutions allow gays and lesbians to be the Jewish leaders they should be, each community should retain the right to hire appropriate religious leadership. I hope they do the right thing and choose to hire the most capable and suitable candidate regardless of sexual orientation (or gender, or age, or race . . . ) but in a pluralistic movement that remains a community decision. I think I will have to continue to examine this clash of values in future postings.
Other than this methodological point, go get them Ayelet!
Let all our people learn and lead.
B'shalom,
RB
Those who have spoken to me about this issue in the last few years know that I am supportive of reexamining the concensus statement and admitting openly gay and lesbian Conservative Jews into leadership positions. Those who haven't spoken to me since before my ordination are probably suprised by my evolution--since I was often seen as one of the more "right-wing" members of my class.
This complex issue will not be quickly resolved--the CJLS rightly takes its time when considering issues of consequence. For those fighting for change, each day seems too long but I strongly support taking the proper time in such a process. Even if the CJLS changes its position, it will still be up to each rabbinical or cantorial school to change its admissions standards (and there is no guarantee that this will happen quickly).
I continue to grow as a person and as a Jew: since college, my views on the essence of equality in Judaism have continued to evolve. When halachically possible, I believe equality is halachically mandated. When not possible in absolute terms, we have to strive towards it. Still, I am concerned at one part of Ayelet's essay: that individual synagogues and rabbis should not have the power to interpret Judaism in a way that is appropriate for their community. This is the essence of the practice of the rabbi being mara d'atra--the teacher or decisors for the community. It is the basis of Conservative Judaism's approach to Jewish law and the only way halachah has worked.
One of the main reasons I am a Conservative Jew is our embrace of pluralism. My committment to a a lived pluralism (one that embraces more than one way of being a Conservative Jew) probably led to my being labeled a "right-winger" during rabbinical school. Once the movement's institutions allow gays and lesbians to be the Jewish leaders they should be, each community should retain the right to hire appropriate religious leadership. I hope they do the right thing and choose to hire the most capable and suitable candidate regardless of sexual orientation (or gender, or age, or race . . . ) but in a pluralistic movement that remains a community decision. I think I will have to continue to examine this clash of values in future postings.
Other than this methodological point, go get them Ayelet!
Let all our people learn and lead.
B'shalom,
RB
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