Jenny (aka d'varim) is a dedicated and serious Reform Jew. Having converted over 4 years ago, she is active in many aspects of her local temple, from Hebrew school teacher, to Board member, to occasional Torah reader. Jenny is committed to the idea of personal autonomy and informed choice, with a lot of stress put on the "informed" part of that choice. This past Shabbat we read the Torah portion of קדושים, referred to commonly as the Holiness Code. Friday night our intern gave a sermon that referenced the fact that God commands Moses to speak to the entire congregation of Israel (kol adat Yisrael) and not just the children of Israel (b’nei Yisrael) that we usually [...]
Recently I read an essay in the OU’s online version of their publication entitled “An Unintentional Intermarriage.” The author was born to a Jewish mother and father, the mother having converted to Judaism through the Conservative movement. As the author and her husband took on more observances she came to the realization that (in her [...]
I’ve been thinking a lot about the discussion on Shimshonit’s post (Truth Holders v. Truth Seekers) and the idea of a Rav and whether or not liberal Jews have Ravs. I will admit that I was initially annoyed at Avi’s implication that having a Rav (and not just your congregational rabbi) is much less prevalant [...]
This article from The Forward brings up some interesting points. It addresses the existence of LGBT congregations and whether they are still necessary in our ever more inclusive society.
These are just my initial reactions: I can understand why many queer and questioning Jews would want to affiliate with a queer synagogue; if you are in [...]
Last week was the conclusion of a 3 week adult education course at my temple on Jewish prayer. In the last session one woman raised the question about how people can feel more connected to the service; the woman is not a regular attendee of Friday night or Saturday morning services, though she is there [...]