Dear Haverim,
There’s no dogma in Judaism, although there are debatable doctrines. There’s no one hierarchy, no one authority, that offers the one true answer. Judaism is about study, discussion, debate, and curiosity.
Majority and minority opinions are both valid and have been so since Talmudic times over two millennia ago. If Jews had a bumper sticker, it wouldn’t say “I’ve found it,” but rather “I’m looking for it.”
Judaism doesn’t just have denominations like Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Orthodox today, it’s always had pluralism – Priest vs. Prophet, Sadducees vs. Pharisees, Zealots vs. Essenes, Mitnagdim vs. Hasidim, and so many more.
Discussion and debate are sacred values. After all, think of the Pesach Seder with its four questions and more. Even the “Four Questions” were debated in Talmudic times with so many questions not making the cut.
Answers often shut down discussion, while questions keep us sharp, aware and curious. Jewish creativity is often a response to our dissatisfaction with conventional answers from the past. Questions open us up and get us into conversations with rabbis and scholars from the past and present, as they shape our collective future. Answers that are only “yes or no” can lead to alienation, while robust and thoughtful questions, that embrace diverse viewpoints and welcome creative insights, enrich our Judaism and our lives.
After my last “Ask The Rabbi” six months ago, I received wonderful verbal and written additional questions such as:
- What is the Torah’s relevance for the lives of contemporary Jews?
- Why can’t we find new High Holiday metaphors; the “Book of Life” overly simplifies reality – after all, don’t bad things happen to good people?
- If Reconstructionists are religious humanists, why are the prayers in our Siddur so anthropomorphic and traditional?
- Does Judaism have relevant things to say about reproductive rights, LGBTQ issues, immigration, war, peace, poverty, and democracy?
- What does it mean to be a Zionist today and what’s the best way to support Israel even if you disagree with some of its policies?
One of the most moving emails that I recently received spoke lovingly about University Synagogue and Judaism. The writer concluded his email with “I had been looking for years and Judaism found me!” I believe that’s what so many of us want – a Judaism that speaks honestly and truthfully about reality, and that inspires us to be proud of our tradition and the ethical guidance in it. We want to find our best Judaism and we want Judaism to “find us.”
So, please join with us this Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. for Shabbat services and “Ask The Rabbi” (click here to RSVP for in-person services).
And then, join us the next night for our “Modern Gala,” celebrating the 36th (double chai) anniversary of University Synagogue. (Click here to RSVP for our Gala.)
We want you to enjoy the camaraderie, food, music, auctions and more, as we celebrate our congregation and express our gratitude for its presence and inspiration in our lives. Whether you’ve been part of University Synagogue for 1 year or 36 years, we want you to be at the Gala.
It will be a memorable event in the history of our congregation and in our lives, as well. Gather with old friends and meet new ones, as we say a “Shehecheyanu” of appreciation for reaching this precious moment.
I look forward to your questions on Friday night, and your smiles of joy on Saturday night.
Mazel tov to all on our shared 36th Anniversary,
Rabbi Arnie Rachlis
