Letter From Our Rabbi Emeritus - “Passing The Torch: Navigating Changes In Judaism And Congregational Life”
02/03/2025 11:00:16 AM
Feb3
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“Passing The Torch: Navigating Changes In Judaism And Congregational Life” – This Friday Evening at 7:00 p.m. RSVP Now
Dear Haverim,
We will soon have a new interim rabbi, so this may be my final service (or one of my final services) for a while. (Although, I’ll still be around and available for a long time as Rabbi Emeritus for the next decade!) I hope that you’ll be at services this coming Shabbat as I reflect on how Judaism and congregational life have changed over the decades, and as I also make some predictions (based on studies) about how Jewish life might change in the future.
One study found that parents of school age children are “desperate” for community, but they are only interested in synagogues that are “inclusive,” especially for intermarried couples.
Another addressed the role of Jewish identity after October 7, 2023, with some Jews deterred from Jewish life because of Anti-Semitism, and others seeking to deepen their Jewish involvement as a response to the Hamas murders and kidnapping of Israelis and the support of Hamas on college campuses and elsewhere.
Other studies identify a search for “purpose and meaning” as what will attract Jews to Jewish life and synagogue involvement, rather than a focus on the centrality of Anti-Semitism and defending Israel.
Some see grandparents as crucial to inspiring Jewish Identity for grandchildren, but they have to be respectful and accepting of how differently their children want to raise their grandchildren Jewishly.
For many Jews, a “Jewish awakening” needs to be expressed through peoplehood and culture, rather than religion, but synagogues can play an essential role by broadening their teaching and programs to focus on “identity exploration.” As the study said, it’s important to “focus on who unaffiliated Jews are and not who they aren’t,” and try to create a broad and open tent of inclusivity and welcome. These are only a few of the issues we’ll discuss on Friday night.
So, please join me at services this Shabbat as we all “pass the torch” to new leadership and a new vision of what University Synagogue and the future of Jewish life can be. RSVP Now!
Shavua Tov/Have a thoughtful week,
Rabbi Arnie Rachlis
University Synagogue 3400 Michelson Drive Irvine, CA 92612
Rabbi Arnold Rachlis has been the spiritual leader of University Synagogue since 1991, guiding us since 1987 from a small havurah looking for a more modern approach to Judaism to a 600+ families center for dynamic and innovative Judaism. He leads with a focus on a humanistic philosophy that sees God not as a supreme being, but as inspiration, creativity, conscience, consciousness and motivating us toward human growth and social justice. Rabbi Rachlis has created a joyous environment which affirms individuality and is inclusive – men and women, gay and straight, Jewishly learned and not, Jewish and not Jewish – welcoming all to learn, explore and connect at University Synagogue.
