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The Debate Over Mixed Seating in the American Synagogue
Jack Wertheimer (ed.) The American Synagogue: A Sanctuary Transformed. New York: Cambridge 13 University Press, 1987 The Debate over Mixed Seating in the American Synagogue JONATHAN D. SARNA "Pues have never yet found an historian," John M. Neale com plained, when he undertook to survey the subject of church seating for the Cambridge Camden Society in 1842. 1 To a large extent, the same situation prevails today in connection with "pues" in the American syn agogue. Although it is common knowledge that American synagogue seating patterns have changed greatly over time - sometimes following acrimonious, even violent disputes - the subject as a whole remains unstudied, seemingly too arcane for historians to bother with. 2 Seating patterns, however, actually reflect down-to-earth social realities, and are richly deserving of study. Behind wearisome debates over how sanctuary seats should be arranged and allocated lie fundamental disagreements over the kinds of social and religious values that the synagogue should project and the relationship between the synagogue and the larger society that surrounds it. As we shall see, where people sit reveals much about what they believe. The necessarily limited study of seating patterns that follows focuses only on the most important and controversial seating innovation in the American synagogue: mixed (family) seating. Other innovations - seats that no longer face east, 3 pulpits moved from center to front, 4 free (un assigned) seating, closed-off pew ends, and the like - require separate treatment. As we shall see, mixed seating is a ramified and multifaceted issue that clearly reflects the impact of American values on synagogue life, for it pits family unity, sexual equality, and modernity against the accepted Jewish legal (halachic) practice of sexual separatiop in prayer. -
A Synagogue for All Families: Interfaith Inclusion in Conservative Synagogues
A Synagogue for All Families Interfaith Inclusion in Conservative Synagogues Introduction Across North America, Conservative kehillot (synagogues) create programs, policies, and welcoming statements to be inclusive of interfaith families and to model what it means for 21st century synagogues to serve 21 century families. While much work remains, many professionals and lay leaders in Conservative synagogues are leading the charge to ensure that their community reflects the prophet Isaiah’s vision that God’s house “shall be a house of prayer for all people” (56:7). In order to share these congregational exemplars with other leaders who want to raise the bar for inclusion of interfaith families in Conservative Judaism, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) and InterfaithFamily (IFF) collaborated to create this Interfaith Inclusion Resource for Conservative Synagogues. This is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point. This document highlights 10 examples where Conservative synagogues of varying sizes and locations model inclusivity in marketing, governance, pastoral counseling and other key areas of congregational life. Our hope is that all congregations will be inspired to think as creatively as possible to embrace congregants where they are, and encourage meaningful engagement in the synagogue and the Jewish community. We are optimistic that this may help some synagogues that have not yet begun the essential work of the inclusion of interfaith families to find a starting point that works for them. Different synagogues may be in different places along the spectrum of welcoming and inclusion. Likewise, the examples presented here reflect a spectrum, from beginning steps to deeper levels of commitment, and may evolve as synagogues continue to engage their congregants in interfaith families. -
Happy Birthday Harry
January/February 2016 VOL. XLIII No. 1 Liberal Judaism is a constituent of the World Union for Progressive Judaism www.liberaljudaism.org ljtoday Happy birthday Harry Mitzvah Day NE OF Liberal Judaism’s most The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) Award for NPLS beloved, and senior, rabbis service was taken by two of Harry’s Ocelebrated his 90th birthday with children, Rabbis Dr Margaret and Richard special services and kiddushim held at Jacobi, along with LJS senior rabbi, communities all over the UK. Rabbi Alexandra Wright. Harry gave the Rabbi Harry Jacobi was joined by sermon. Others in attendance included friends, family and Liberal Judaism Simon Benscher and Rabbi Danny Rich, members at events at The Liberal Jewish the chair and senior rabbi of Liberal Synagogue, Woodford Liberal Synagogue, Judaism, Rabbi Rachel Benjamin and Birmingham Progressive Synagogue, Rabbi Dr David Goldberg. Southgate Progressive Synagogue, At the end of the service, Harry was Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue visibly moved as his young granddaughter and South Bucks Jewish Community. Tali presented him with a Festschrift Harry, who was born as Heinz Martin written in his honour. The book, reviewed Hirschberg in October 1925, and grew on page 10 of this issue of lj today, was up in Auerbach, Germany, twice fled the edited by Rabbi Danny Rich and features Nazis to become one of Britain’s most contributions from leading Progressive NORTHWOOD & PINNER LIBERAL respected and inspiring religious leaders. Jewish rabbis and thinkers. Another SYNAGOGUE (NPLS) won this year’s granddaughter, Abigail, Mitzvah Day Award for Interfaith wrote the biography Partnership of the Year. -
Data Maturity for Synagogues: Incorporating Data Into the Decision-Making Culture Prepared by Idealware © 2014 UJA-Federation of New York
VOLUME 9 | 2015 | 5775 UJA-Federation of New York SYNERGY Innovations and Strategies for Synagogues of Tomorrow DATA MATURITY FOR SYNAGOGUES: INCORPORATING DATA INTO THE DECISION-MAKING CULTURE Prepared by Idealware © 2014 UJA-Federation of New York 1 INTRODUCTION For years, UJA-Federation of New York has been exploring how data-informed decision making can MAKINGhelp synagogues DATA PART thrive. OFThrough THE the DECISION-MAKING Sustainable Synagogues CULTUREBusiness Models project, facilitated by Measuring Success from 2009 to 2012, UJA-Federation learned that thriving synagogues regularly assess and make decisions based on the extent to which their communal vision, mission, and values are aligned with all aspects of synagogue life. We also learned that it matters which systems synagogues SELF-ASSESSMENTuse to collect data. In order TOOL to help synagogues assess which system might meet their particular needs, UJA-Federation funded the development of “A Guide to Synagogue Management Systems: Research and Recommendations,” and more recently a 2014 update, in collaboration with the Orthodox Union (OU), THEUnion DATA for ReformMATURITY Judaism PROGRESSION (URJ), and United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). Furthermore, we have also learned through observations in the field that synagogues are not simply “data-driven or not data-driven.” Rather, there is a broad spectrum of data maturity, beginning with simple data collection and moving along the spectrum in complexity to reflect more sophisticated SUPPORTINGuses of data. THE JEWISH IDENTITY OF INDIVIDUALS AND THE COMMUNITY This paper reflects UJA-Federation's commitment to identifying and sharing innovations and strategies METHODOLOGYthat can support synagogues on their journeys to become thriving congregations. -
SENCO Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator
Special Needs 1 A guide for parents and carers of Jewish children with special educational needs Compiled under the auspices of the Board of Deputies, 6 Bloomsbury Square London WC1A 2LP Special Needs 2 Acknowledgements Many people contributed to the development of this booklet in what was truly a combined effort. The production team included Sharon Bourla of Norwood Ravenswood, Ella Marks of the League of Jewish Women and the Board of Deputies, Amanda Moss from Kisharon, Sandy Patashnik from the Agency for Jewish Education, Philippa Travis from the Board of Deputies, and Marlena Schmool and Samantha Blendis of the Board. The original inspiration came from Susan Pascoe, a member of the Community Issues Divisional Board of the Board of Deputies, without her the task would never have been undertaken and she is especially to be thanked for her guidance. We are also indebted to The Ashdown Trust, The Kessler Foundation and The J E Joseph Charitable Trust for making the production possible. We thank them for their generosity and support. Special Needs 3 Preface This guide has been developed in response to a need. It aims to draw together in a ‘one-stop booklet’, information which will help parents of Jewish children with special needs. Specifically, it seeks to advise them where to go to obtain support and assistance at different stages in their children’s lives, covering both general and Jewish aspects. It has been a co- operative initiative in which the Board of Deputies, Norwood Ravenswood, Kisharon and the Agency for Jewish Education have all been involved. -
Ageing Well Within the Jewish Community in the 21St Century Contents
An agenda for ageing well within the Jewish Community in the 21st century Contents 01 An Introduction 03 Executive Summary 05 A Blessing: A Jewish Perspective 06 Putting the Agenda in context 08 1. Spritual and Emotional Wellbeing 10 2. Intellectual and Life-long Learning 12 3. Active Participation & Connection 14 4. Independence and Healthy Living 16 5. Care 18 Next Steps 19 Acknowledgements 20 Action Plan 21 Glossary of Terms An Introduction The Torah considers growing The Background old a blessing; ‘zakein’ (old) is synonymous with wise. • The Jewish community has twice the number of people over 60 Our heroes and heroines compared to the general UK population. Yet most of our resources – were not young – Abraham, energy and money – are directed towards young people. • The Jewish community does welfare well. Sarah, Moses. It would • But growing old is not just about welfare. benefit us all if the Jewish • This report consulted with over 500 people representing a cross community began to section of the Jewish community. challenge youth obsessed • This report is not about being old; it’s about ageing – which we are all doing. culture. The Key Recommendations • The Jewish community should ensure that, as we age, we are enabled and encouraged to flourish and participate to the best of our physical and mental abilities. • The emphasis should change from welfare to inclusion. • Communal organisations should change to ensure they actively include older people. • The community needs to focus on this important and growing area. • The community needs to listen to what people are saying rather than deciding what they want and need. -
2015 Report Welcome to Mitzvah Day 2015 Dan Rickman
Mitzvah Day 2015 Report Welcome to Mitzvah Day 2015 Dan Rickman As the recently appointed Director of Mitzvah Day it is my absolute pleasure to launch the new look and feel of Mitzvah Day 2016, which this year will take place on 27th November. It’s hard to think of a time when we Mitzvah Day is expanding and didn’t see the Mitzvah Day green becoming an even greater force for t-shirts come out in force every good. We ran 550 Mitzvah Days in November, and yet it’s easy to forget 21 countries in 2015 and we’ve seen that Mitzvah Day is only eight years growth in our essential interfaith work, old. Our challenge is to ensure that and our project which engages young Jewish led Mitzvah Day continues to adults. Our Mitzvah Day Together evolve and make an impact on as many programme supports disabled people volunteers and charities as possible. to participate in volunteering, and we have continued to work with non- So much work goes into making sure Jewish schools and offices. Mitzvah Day happens. This year we have focused on making sure we deliver the This report gives you the opportunity most efficient Mitzvah Day ever. to reflect on what we have achieved in 2015, and for us to showcase how we Our new website and database will plan to grow in 2016 and beyond. make it easier than ever to register as a partner, and to find and participate We look forward to seeing you on in a Mitzvah Day project. -
Herefore, We Have Chosen Four Hashana 5781
בס״ד רֹאׁש ROSH הַ ּׁשָ ָ נ ה HASHANA In loving memory of Harav Yitzchak Yoel ben Shlomo Halevi Volume 33 | #51 19 September 2020 1 Tishrei 5781 Shana Tova from Candle Lighting: Candles for Shabbat the US and the Daf and the first night of Rosh Hashana should be lit by 6.54pm Hashavua team Candles for Second Night Rosh Hashana should be lit after 7.53pm Rosh Hashana ends in London on Sunday night at 7.51pm Jerusalem Times: First night candles by 6.01pm Second night candles after 7.16pm Rosh Hashana ends at 7.14pm Fast of Gedaliah in London: The fast is on Monday, starting at 5.05am and ending at 7.42pm Please look regularly at the INSIDE: social media and websites of the US, Tribe and your community for ongoing updates relating to Coronavirus as well Opening Your Eyes as educational programming by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and community support. You do not need to sign into Facebook to access the US Facebook page. The US The Feelings of a Coronavirus Helpline is on 020 8343 5696. Mother May God bless us and the whole world. Daf Hashavua by Rebbetzen Nechama Davis Shana Tova! by Rabbi Baruch Davis, Chigwell & Hainault Synagogue, Daf Hashavua editor Welcome to the Daf them. For this special Rosh Hashana Hashavua for Rosh Daf, therefore, we have chosen four Hashana 5781. For us in articles from previous years that the United Synagogue, reflect this message: the Chief Rabbi it contains the tail end on seeing wellsprings of hope and of our 150th anniversary opportunity, Rebbetzen Nechama year. -
SUSSEX Day Limmud | Brighton Festival PREVIEW What's ON
SSUSSEXUSSEX JJEWISHEWISH NNEWSEWS WHAt’S INSIdE.... SUSSEX Day LIMMUd | BRIGHtON FEStIVAL PREVIEW WHAt’S ON | ANd MORE WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.COM | £2 | MAY 2011 | NISAN / IYAR 5771 • ISSUE 208 2 Pause for thought 3 Now that the Pesach pots and pans have been put away for This is not a rant at the Big 3, Tesco, Sainsburys and another year (apologies if this statement affects your personal Waitrose, but it would be good to see them responding to fundamentalist rights, it’s not intended to) we can look the needs of their local ‘minorities’. Sainsburys and Waitrose forward to another year without having to worry about how threw the towel in early; their Pesach offerings were abysmal. many verses of Had Gad Yah we can remember or even feel Tesco had far and away the biggest selection of Kosher for that we should sing. Passover products. But they could only be purchased from one store in all of Sussex. If you wanted to purchase on- Maybe what we should be thinking about, is how well are we line, use your computer for home delivery, Tesco’s systems being served - as a Jewish Community. Members of those prevented you from doing that. If you live in Eastbourne large communities in North London or Manchester or Leeds or Uckfield or wherever, your post code links you to your may not have nearest Tesco store. If that given their Pesach WE ARE FACING UP TO ANOTHER ATTEMPT BY THE EUROPEAN does not stock kosher goods, shopping much of you cannot buy those goods a thought. -
KI Teitsei Vol.31 No.54.Qxp Layout 1 12/08/2019 18:06 Page 1
KI TEiTSEi Vol.31 No.54.qxp_Layout 1 12/08/2019 18:06 Page 1 14 September 2019 14 Elul 5779 Shabbat ends London 8.05pm Jerusalem 7.23pm Volume 31 No. 54 Ki Teitzei Artscroll p.1046 | Haftarah p.1201/1199 Hertz p.840 | Haftarah p.857/818 Soncino p.1098 | Haftarah p.1115/1076 This week we read two haftarot: Ki Teitzei, followed by that of Re’eh In loving memory of Yisrael Shmuel ben Yirmaya Yehoshuah “When you harvest your vineyard, you shall not glean behind you; it shall be for the proselyte, the orphan and the widow. You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, therefore I command you to do this thing” (Devarim 24:21-22). 1 KI TEiTSEi Vol.31 No.54.qxp_Layout 1 12/08/2019 18:06 Page 2 Sidrah Summary: Ki Teitzei 1st Aliya (Kohen) – Devarim 21:10-21 5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 23:25-24:4 Ki Tetze contains many mitzvot, a selection of which A labourer who is harvesting crops is allowed to eat has been included here. It starts with the laws of the from the crops whilst working, but cannot take any ‘female captive’ and her potential marriage to a produce home. The laws of divorce are stated, soldier in battle. It then discusses the laws of a man including the prohibition of a man remarrying his ex- who has two wives (this later became prohibited in wife if she has had a relationship with another man in normative rabbinic law). He has a firstborn son with the meantime. -
Building Vibrant, Engaged Communities at the Forefront of British Jewry
The United Synagogue Strategic Review: Building vibrant, engaged communities at the forefront of British Jewry Marc Meyer February 2015 The United Synagogue Strategic Review: Building vibrant, engaged communities at the forefront of British Jewry Marc Meyer The US in numbers The United Synagogue today Founded 144 years ago, by Act of Parliament Now responsible for 80,000 souls across 63 communities, 28% of the entire UK Jewish population One Chief Rabbi, four dayanim, 67 communal rabbis, and over 1,200 staff in synagogues and around the community. Nearly 700 volunteers serve as Honorary Officers and board members 80% of survey respondents describe themselves as Orthodox or Traditional, 23% keep Shabbat, 73% separate milk and meat at home, and 79% believe it is important to belong to the United Synagogue 1,032,515 data points from the first ever US community survey The Challenge As many as 1,000 Jews disaffiliated annually from the overall UK Jewish community between 2001 and 2011 Nearly 60 % of US synagogues, nearly 60% of US rabbis, and nearly 70% of US assets in areas of Jewish demographic decline 17% decline in UK synagogue affiliation, 20% decline in London, 31% amongst “Central Orthodox” communities 18% of survey respondents’ children who are married, married out The Opportunity In addition to attracting new members, up to 6,900 members, or roughly 18% of the United Synagogue’s existing membership, could be more engaged with their communities if their synagogues offered more varied and exciting programmes i ii The United Synagogue Strategic Review: Building vibrant, engaged communities at the forefront of British Jewry Marc Meyer US President’s Foreword A word of thanks My first task is to thank Marc Meyer and all those who have been involved in producing this report. -
Issues REGARDING EMPLOYMENT of an INTERMARRIED Jew by a SYNAGOGUE OR Solomon Schechter DAY School
EH 16.1997 IssuEs REGARDING EMPLOYMENT OF AN INTERMARRIED JEw BY A SYNAGOGUE OR SoLOMON ScHECHTER DAY ScHOOL Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein 1his paper w<cs approved l>y the C.!LS on September 17, 1997, by" vote of.seventeen infiwor and one abstaining (17-0-1). viJting in .favor: Rabbi.s Kassel Abelson, Tlen Zion Tlcrgman, F:lliot N. Dorff; Jerome M. F:pslein, Samuel Praint, Tlaruch Pr.;dman-Kohl, Shoshana Gelfimd, !Vechama D. Goldberg, Judah Kogen, H?mon S. Kurtz, Aaron L Macldet; Uonel F:. Moses, Joel F:. Rembnum, Jame.s S. Rosen, Joel Roth, F:lie Kuplnn Spitz nnd Gordon Tuclwr. Abstllining: Rnbbi Avnun Tsmel Reisner. 17w Commillce on .Tm:ish T,aw and StandarcLs <ijthe Rabbinical 1ssembly provides guidance in mailers rij halahhahfor I he Conservative movement. The individual rabhi. 1-um_'(:ver_. i,') the autlwrityj(>r the inte17>retntion and npplication (?fall matters oflwlllkhah. May an intermarried Jew who has the potential of being perceived as a Jewish role model be employed or engaged by a synagogue or a Solomon Schechter Day School? Judaism has, from its earliest roots, been concerned about the issue of intermarriage. Statements found in early sources were unequivocal in their prohibition of intermarriage. The rabbinic reading of the Book of Deuteronomy voiced this prohibition by interpreting the tJ·aditional text (Deut. 7:3-4) as follows: "You shall not marry with your non-Jewish neighbors; your daughters shall not be given to their sons, nor shall you take their daugh ters for your sons. For intermarriage will turn your children away from Judaism, and they will end up serving other religions." Rabbinic leadership went to great lengths to establish boundaries in order to pre vent intermarriage: drinking the wine of non-Jews was prohibited because of the pos sibility that it would lead to potential romance and ultimately intermarriage (Avodah Zarah 36b).