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January-February 2018
Shofar Tevet - Adar 5778 • January/February 2018 In this issue...you can click on the Rabbi’s Message page you would like to read first. Acts of Tzedakah ....................................... 32 Seeking Higher Purpose in the Biennial Impressions ...........................14-16 New Year Calendar .............................................34-35 Cantor .....................................................4-5 A new secular year has dawned, and, as with all things new, it brings the opportunity to greet it with optimism Chanukah Around the World ...................6-7 and thoughtfulness for its possibilities. College Connection ................................... 22 For some of us, the possibility exists of choosing to do something truly different with our lives in this new year. Most of us, however, Community ............................................... 19 will find ourselves carrying forward on a path that has been defined by our prior commitments to family, community, and work. Does this mean that Cultural Arts .............................................. 22 2018 must be merely a continuation of the things that defined 2017? Not Education Directors .................................. 10 necessarily. Hebrew Corner ......................................... 11 Continued on page 3 Honorable Menschen ................................. 9 Jewish LIFE ..........................................14-16 Legacy Circle ............................................... 7 Tu BiShvat Celebration Lifecycle (TBE Family News) ...................... 29 -
1 Jews, Gentiles, and the Modern Egalitarian Ethos
Jews, Gentiles, and the Modern Egalitarian Ethos: Some Tentative Thoughts David Berger The deep and systemic tension between contemporary egalitarianism and many authoritative Jewish texts about gentiles takes varying forms. Most Orthodox Jews remain untroubled by some aspects of this tension, understanding that Judaism’s affirmation of chosenness and hierarchy can inspire and ennoble without denigrating others. In other instances, affirmations of metaphysical differences between Jews and gentiles can take a form that makes many of us uncomfortable, but we have the legitimate option of regarding them as non-authoritative. Finally and most disturbing, there are positions affirmed by standard halakhic sources from the Talmud to the Shulhan Arukh that apparently stand in stark contrast to values taken for granted in the modern West and taught in other sections of the Torah itself. Let me begin with a few brief observations about the first two categories and proceed to somewhat more extended ruminations about the third. Critics ranging from medieval Christians to Mordecai Kaplan have directed withering fire at the doctrine of the chosenness of Israel. Nonetheless, if we examine an overarching pattern in the earliest chapters of the Torah, we discover, I believe, that this choice emerges in a universalist context. The famous statement in the Mishnah (Sanhedrin 4:5) that Adam was created singly so that no one would be able to say, “My father is greater than yours” underscores the universality of the original divine intent. While we can never know the purpose of creation, one plausible objective in light of the narrative in Genesis is the opportunity to actualize the values of justice and lovingkindness through the behavior of creatures who subordinate themselves to the will 1 of God. -
June-July 2018 | Sivan/Tammuz 5778 | Vol
June-July 2018 | Sivan/Tammuz 5778 | Vol. 44 No. 9 Take a walk. Say a prayer. Find your space. PAGES 8-9 Kleinman Pecan Grove Re-energize and refocus with a peaceful walk through our beautiful pecan grove located along Northwest Highway. CINEMA EMANU-EL 2018 P. 14 CLERGY MESSAGE Making a Splash, ly Herzo er g C b o im h e K n i Jewishly b b a R ’ve always been drawn to water. domestic abuse, a painful divorce, a complicated surgery, a I grew up by the Pacific Ocean tragic loss. And the mikvah continues to be one way to mark and loved early morning the gratitude and responsibility of becoming a parent, to drives along Route 1 when the prepare for an upcoming wedding or to start any exciting waterI was calm, a mix of purples and new life chapter. blues. I love hikes along creeks that lead to I often marvel at the “glow” that radiates from people a glistening pond or lake. I treasure the delicious moments after they immerse. I believe that glow emerges from a sense of bathing my kiddos, which has now become more like an of renewed hope, embedded in the word itself which shares effort to keep the tidal waves of splashes from crashing over the same root with the Hebrew word for hope (tikvah). As we onto the bathroom floor. sense our strength and our vulnerability in the face of life’s I have also been frightened by water, its power and might. joys and challenges, the waters hold us in the hope of God’s Our home was nestled in the mountains which dramatically presence as we make our way forward. -
TRANSGENDER JEWS and HALAKHAH1 Rabbi Leonard A
TRANSGENDER JEWS AND HALAKHAH1 Rabbi Leonard A. Sharzer MD This teshuvah was adopted by the CJLS on June 7, 2017, by a vote of 11 in favor, 8 abstaining. Members voting in favor: Rabbis Aaron Alexander, Pamela Barmash, Elliot Dorff, Susan Grossman, Reuven Hammer, Jan Kaufman, Gail Labovitz, Amy Levin, Daniel Nevins, Avram Reisner, and Iscah Waldman. Members abstaining: Rabbis Noah Bickart, Baruch Frydman- Kohl, Joshua Heller, David Hoffman, Jeremy Kalmanofsky, Jonathan Lubliner, Micah Peltz, and Paul Plotkin. שאלות 1. What are the appropriate rituals for conversion to Judaism of transgender individuals? 2. What are the appropriate rituals for solemnizing a marriage in which one or both parties are transgender? 3. How is the marriage of a transgender person (which was entered into before transition) to be dissolved (after transition). 4. Are there any requirements for continuing a marriage entered into before transition after one of the partners transitions? 5. Are hormonal therapy and gender confirming surgery permissible for people with gender dysphoria? 6. Are trans men permitted to become pregnant? 7. How must healthcare professionals interact with transgender people? 8. Who should prepare the body of a transgender person for burial? 9. Are preoperative2 trans men obligated for tohorat ha-mishpahah? 10. Are preoperative trans women obligated for brit milah? 11. At what point in the process of transition is the person recognized as the new gender? 12. Is a ritual necessary to effect the transition of a trans person? The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly provides guidance in matters of halkhhah for the Conservative movement. -
Exploring Different Interpretations of Zionism Within American Reform Judaism: Report on Historical Documents and Current Situation
JISMOR 15 Exploring Different Interpretations of Zionism within American Reform Judaism: Report on Historical Documents and Current Situation Anri Ishiguro Abstract: This note is a report on part of my current research project exploring in what context a pro-Zionist slant within American Reform Judaism has emerged and how the term “Zionism” has been interpreted. I conducted research at the American Jewish Archives (AJA), located at Hebrew Union College, the Reform Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio, from February to March 2019. This report describes part of my research results. During my stay in the United States, I also had the opportunity to participate in the 2nd KAKEHASHI Project “Visiting Program to Los Angeles and San Francisco by Japanese Researchers of Jewish Studies,” an exchange program launched by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As part of the project, I was able to visit Temple Israel of Hollywood, a Reform synagogue where I met Rabbi John L. Rosove (1949-), the most recent National Chairman of the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA). In this report, also serving as a kind of record of my stay in US, I would like to present one aspect of Zionist views that positively interpret Zionism within American Reform Judaism, showing the historical transition of interpretations and the current viewpoint of on Zionism by introducing historical material stored in the AJA and Rabbi Rosove’s view. Keywords: American Reform Judaism, Zionism, American Jewish Archives (AJA), Stephen S. Wise, Rabbi John L. Rosove 63 JISMOR 15 1. Introduction At present, I am interested in learning how rabbis who identify themselves as “Zionists” have developed a pro-Zionist slant within American Reform Judaism. -
Living Judaism: an Introduction to Jewish Belief and Practice Rabbi Adam Rubin, Ph.D
Living Judaism: An Introduction to Jewish Belief and Practice Rabbi Adam Rubin, Ph.D. – Beth Tikvah Congregation Syllabus 5779 (2018‐19) “I am a Jew because...” Edmund Fleg (France, 1874‐1963) I am a Jew because Judaism demands no abdication of the mind. I am a Jew because Judaism asks every possible sacrifice of my life. I am a Jew because Wherever there are tears and suffering the Jew weeps. I am a Jew because Whenever the cry of despair is heard the Jew hopes. I am a Jew because The message of Judaism is the oldest and the newest. I am a Jew because The promise of Judaism is a universal promise. I am a Jew because For the Jew, the world is not finished; human beings will complete it. I am a Jew because For the Jew, humanity is not finished; we are still creating humanity. I am a Jew because Judaism places human dignity above all things, even Judaism itself. I am a Jew because Judaism places human dignity within the oneness of God. Rabbi Adam Rubin 604‐306‐1194 [email protected] B’ruchim haba’im! Welcome to a year of “Living Judaism.” As a community of learners and as individuals we are setting out on a journey of discovery that will involve two important characteristics of Judaism, joy and wrestling. During this journey we will explore the depth and richness of the Jewish Living Judaism 5779 (2018-2019) Syllabus Page 1 of 7 way of life, open our minds and spirits to the traditions that have been passed down, and honour those traditions with our hard questions and creative responses to them. -
WJEC Unit 3: a Study of Religion - Option C: a Study of Judaism
WJEC Unit 3: A Study of Religion - Option C: A Study of Judaism Specification Theme 1: Religious figures and sacred texts (part 2). A) The structure and development of the Talmud and its importance within Judaism. The differences between the Jerusalem and Babylonian Talmuds. The nature of the Mishnah: content, style and importance for study in Judaism. The nature of the Gemara: content, style and importance for study in Judaism. Guidance for Teaching: This section considers the early development of Talmud, by considering both the Jerusalem and Babylonian Talmuds and their differences. Candidates will need an understanding of what the Talmud contains in terms of Mishnah and Gemara and a brief understanding of their defining content. A list of vast content is not required, rather a focus on the character of the content, or, style of writing. Finally, an overview of the relative style and importance each has within Judaism should be understood. Useful resources Books: Cohn-Sherbok, Dan (2003) - Judaism: History, Belief and Practice, Routledge, ISBN:0415236614 De Lange, Nicholas (2009) - An Introduction to Judaism (Introduction to Religion), Cambridge University Press, ISBN:0521735041 Dosick, Wayne (1998) - Living Judaism: The Complete Guide to Jewish Belief, Tradition and Practice, HarperOne, ISBN:0060621796 Robinson, George (2001) - Essential Judaism: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs & Rituals, Atria Books, ISBN:0671034812 Satlow, (2006) Michael L. - Creating Judaism: History, Tradition, Practice, Columbia University Press, ISBN:0231134894 Digital: • https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/tale-of-two-talmuds/ • http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-oral-law-talmud-and-mishna • http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/mishnah 1 WJEC Unit 3: A Study of Religion - Option C: A Study of Judaism Specification Theme 1: Religious figures and sacred texts (part 2). -
YOREH DEAH 95:20151 on the Kashrut of Dishwashers Rabbi Loel M. Weiss
YOREH DEAH 95:20151 On the Kashrut of Dishwashers Rabbi Loel M. Weiss The following teshuvah was approved by the CJLS on November 11, 2015 by a vote of nine in favor, four opposed, and eight abstaining (9-4-8). Voting in favor: Rabbis Pamela Barmash, Miriam Berkowitz, David Booth, Elliot Dorff, Baruch Frydman-Kohl, Jeremy Kalmanofsky, Jonathan Lubliner, Micah Peltz, Paul Plotkin. Voting against: Rabbis Aaron Alexander, Reuven Hammer, David Hoffman, Amy Levin. Abstaining: Rabbis Noah Bickart, Joshua Heller, Susan Grossman, Adam Kligfeld, Gail Labovitz, Daniel Nevins, Avram Reisner, Jay Stein. Sh’ayla: May a non-Kosher Home Dishwasher be Kashered? May a Home Dishwasher be Kashered for Passover? May a Home Dishwasher be used to wash meat and dairy dishes? Simultaneously? Consecutively? Teshuvah: How a Dishwasher operates This Teshuvah only deals with home dishwashers where hot and cold water enter the dishwasher separately. A general overview of how a dishwasher operates is helpful to understanding the kashering process.2 In a home dishwasher3 hot and cold water enter the tub separately. In a normal dishwashing cycle, the water is kept at a temperature of 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. The water collects at the bottom of the tub but does not cover the dishes. A pump then circulates the water through holes in the rotating arms, which sprays the water onto the dishes. While this is being done the detergent is released into the tub and is sprayed over the dishes. Dirt from the dishes is disposed of at the bottom of the tub. Depending on the model, larger pieces of food are either ground up and sent through the drain or are collected in a filter that needs periodic cleaning. -
RELIGIOUS STUDIES JUDAISM Scheme of Learning
A LEVEL RELIGIOUS STUDIES JUDAISM Scheme of Learning The principal aim of the Scheme of Learning is to support teachers in the delivery of the new WJEC A2 Religious Studies specification. It is not intended as a comprehensive reference, but as support for professional teachers to develop stimulating and exciting courses tailored to the needs and skills of their own students in their particular centres. In addition, this document must not be used instead of the specification, but must be used to support the delivery of it. It offers assistance to teachers with regard to possible classroom activities, links to digital resources (both our own, freely available, digital materials and some from external sources), text books and other resources, to provide ideas when planning interesting, topical and engaging lessons. The intention of this scheme of work is that learners will participate in some independent learning tasks prior to attendance at the lesson. In this way, learners should arrive at the lesson with questions concerning areas that they do not understand, and there is more time for analysis and evaluation of the material within the lesson time. For those who do not wish to take this approach, the activity suggestions should still be flexible enough to be adapted. Judaism Theme 1: Religious figures and sacred texts (part 2) Lesson Specific content Concepts Suggested resources Possible learning activities Homework activity Flip- The Talmud, Mishnah Talmud Mishnah WJEC/Eduqas Religious Students to research Talmud, Mishnah Using scholarly views, learning and Gemara. Gemara Studies for A Level Year 1 & and Gemara and write a paragraph for explain why the activity AS – Judaism each one which gives a clear, concise Babylonian Talmud has – Helen Gwynne-Kinsey. -
Walking with Mitzvot Edited by Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson Ogb Hfrs Andvhfrs Rabbi Patricia Fenton in Memory of Harold Held and Louise Held, of Blessed Memory
The Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies Walking with Mitzvot Edited By Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson ogb hfrs andvhfrs Rabbi Patricia Fenton In Memory of Harold Held and Louise Held, of blessed memory The Held Foundation Melissa and Michael Bordy Joseph and Lacine Held Robert and Lisa Held Published in partnership with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the Rabbinical Assembly, the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs and the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. July 2011 Dear Colleague, We are delighted to enclose your copy of Walking with Mitzvot, the fifth book in the series created for adult learners by the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Walking with Mitzvot is a series of ten learning units that make up a complete adult education course. These materials expose participants to some of the very best thinkers of Conservative Judaism, and their scholarship, passion and faith. They stimulate thought and discussion, and promote learning, while offering an impressive sampling of texts from our rich tradition, presented in the original and in English translation. The book includes a series of session suggestions to guide you in mastering the material and presenting it to your adult learners. You may select which sessions to run and which texts to use for each session, so that you may customize the course in line with the needs and goals of your own community. Many of the texts are appropriate for multiple sessions. All texts may be copied and distributed to participants, and you may download PDF versions without charge from www.walkingwith.org. We would like to express our profound thanks for the generous support of the Held Foundation, which has sponsored this project in memory of Harold Held and Louise Held. -
Synagogue Trends a Newsletter for the Leadership of Orthodox Union Member Synagogues
SYNAGOGUE TRENDS A NEWSLETTER FOR THE LEADERSHIP OF ORTHODOX UNION MEMBER SYNAGOGUES VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 FALL/WINTER 1997/98 how Me The Money! by David J. Schnall, Ph.D. We’ve heard it over and more likely to give, to give more, Mandell I. Ganchrow, M.D. again: “IYM AIN KEMACH, AIN TORAH.” and to give more often. The reasons President, Orthodox Union It is a truism that barely needs rein- are at the same time obvious and Marcel Weber forcement We all favor expanding subtle. On the one hand: Chairman, Board of Directors our shul’s structure and its activities. Dr. Marcos Katz People of deep religious faith and Chairman, Board of Governors From a new youth wing to the values see charity as one among leaky roof to the rabbi’s next con- Rabbi Raphael B. Butler many divine obligations and Executive Vice President tract, we face a myriad of worthy responsibilities. In Jewish thought, Stephen J. Savitsky causes, all deserving attention and TZEDAKAH goes along with DAVENING, Chairman, Synagogue Services Commission priority. Like it or not, being an offi- KASHRUT, SHABBAT, TALMUD TORAH and Michael C. Wimpfheimer cer and a community leader, means all the rest — as part of an integrat- Chairman, Synagogue Membership Committee seeking new and more creative ed, holistic, constellation of values. Rabbi Moshe D. Krupka ways to develop financial resources, So it’s no surprise that those who National Director, Synagogue Services while holding and reinforcing the take it the most seriously are more Dr. David J. Schnall existing base of support. -
Tax-Exempt Bonds (The “Bonds”), to Be Issued As Qualified 501(C)(3) Bonds
BUILD NYC RESOURCE CORPORATION PROJECT COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS May 7, 2020 APPLICANT PROJECT LOCATION 11 Broadway Ave., 12th through 14th Floors 40 Rector St., 3rd and 4th Floors New York, NY 10004 New York, NY 10006 Project Description: Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, d/b/a Orthodox Union (“OU” or the “Organization”), a New York not-for-profit corporation exempt from federal taxation pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as borrower, is seeking approximately $60,060,000 in tax-exempt bonds (the “Bonds”), to be issued as qualified 501(c)(3) bonds. OU offers Kosher certification services, youth services and programs and educational programs, and the Facility will be owned and operated by OU to be used as OU’s headquarters and program space. Proceeds from the Bonds will be used to finance or refinance the costs of (i) the acquisition, construction, renovation, equipping and furnishing of one or more condominium units, consisting of 69,000 square feet, on two floors (floors three and four) of a building located at 40 Rector Street, New York, New York (the “Facility”); (ii) funding a debt service reserve fund and capitalized interest; and (iii) paying for certain costs related to the issuance of the Bonds. The proposed renovations of the Facility will include the build-out of offices and conference rooms, workstations, kitchens, and other work areas. B. Costs to City (New York City taxes to be exempted): Estimated NYC Forgone Income Tax on Bond $395,473 Interest (estimated NPV 25 years @ 6.25%) Mortgage Recording Tax Benefit $975,975 Total Cost to NYC $1,371,438 *The exact amount of personal income tax revenue that will be lost as a result of this transaction depends on factors including (but not limited to) the percentage of bond bought by entities subject to New York City personal income taxes, the interest income generated from the bonds and the tax rate applied to bond purchasers.