Archive for the ‘Religion’ Category
Recalibrating the Bar Mitzvah rite: An idea whose time has come
Published under Education/Raising Children, Introspection, Religion Sep 08, 2013I read about efforts by the Reform and Conservative movements of Judaism to revise the way Bar Mitzvahs are being conducted and to explore how the rite of passage can deepen the bond with the B’nei Mitzvah and their families. It is the type of refreshing idea that is so obviously on target that in retrospect makes you wonder why nobody had led such a charge before.
Rethinking how we train for and conduct Bar Mitzvahs is urgently needed. Not only should we do away with the Vegas-type excesses of some parties, but as the NYT article below shares, B’nei Mitzvah offer the opportunity for kids that are becoming men and women to learn their roles in making this a better world – a critical concept of Judaism, tikkun olam, and one that makes me most proud of my heritage and religion.
We should not stop at supporting social projects that kids can adopt that year. We should use the Bar Mitzvah training year to educate kids about how Judaism extols us to be mentshes (good human beings). Pirkei Avot – The Ethics of Our Fathers – is the type of jewel that I think is often skipped in favor of more traditional but less spiritual, inspirational and value-centric teaching in temple. It makes all the sense in the world to me that instead of rote repetition of words kids may not understand, we should invest in ethical guidance that will serve them for the rest of their lives, not to mention connect them to their faith with greater pride.
This week, we mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Rabbi David Hartman who died on Sunday. As a teacher and religious leader, Rabbi Hartman championed an adaptive Judaism with loving kindness at the core of his religious philosophy. May his progressive approach to Judaism inspire a greater focus on morality and inclusion in the Jewish community and beyond.
See below for Rabbi Hartman’s New York Times obituary as well as a tribute written by Arnold Eisen of JTS to better understand the life and legacy that Rabbi Hartman leaves behind.
Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Julianna Storch
In Thomas Friedman’s poignant New York Times piece this week, he asked Muslim demonstrators wreaking havoc at our embassies abroad to “look in the mirror.” Many outraged demonstrators are claiming, “We never insult any prophet — not Moses, not Jesus — so why can’t we demand that Muhammad be respected?” Friedman responds by first clarifying that no matter how offensive the insult, it does not warrant attacks and murders of innocent people. Second, he points out the hypocrisy in the demonstrators’ outcry and proceeds to list the many ways in which Sunni Muslims around the world have disrespected and insulted religions of all types in recent years. We could all benefit from looking in our mirrors and give greater respect to others, but as Friedman points out, it is the responsibility of government and the media to condemn those who spew hateful rhetoric. And in America, we are fortunate to see exactly that in our reflection.
Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Julianna Storch
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Finding the Truth Beneath the Lies of the Anti-Islam Filmmaker
Published under Media and Alternative Media, Middle East, Religion Sep 14, 2012After a deadly attack at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, followed by attacks on the U.S. Embassies in Sana’a and Cairo this week, the media widely reported the catalyst to be an anti-Islam film created by Jewish Israeli-American Sam Bacile. Bacile, at the center of this global controversy, claimed that 100 Jewish donors provided him with $5 million to finance the film in order to help Israel. As the JTA uncovers, the creator of the film, is neither Jewish nor Israeli; rather, he is an Egyptian Chrisitian living in California named Nakoula Basseley Nakoula. Despite recent reports revealing the filmmaker’s true identity, his widely publicized alias and lie resonated around the Middle East and will endanger Jews assigned with blame as a result.
Spotted by Daniel Lubetzy, by Julianna Storch
Rosh Hashanah and the Possibilty of Time Travel
Published under Introspection, Religion Sep 13, 2012Andrés Spokoiny, President and CEO of the Jewish Funders Network, wrote a beautiful piece on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year that will be celebrated next week. Traditionally, Rosh Hashanah presents a time for self-reflection and renewal at the start of the new year. At this pivotal time of year, Spokoiny empowers readers to rewrite their past by altering their future, reminding everyone that “The story of our lives hasn’t yet been written: a single act of courage or kindness can change how the narrative ends.” See the full piece below after the jump.
Wishing everyone a good and sweet new year!
Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Julianna Storch
This article fills me with sadness and anger at this deep injustice, including against the most defenseless in society. This is not behavior worthy of civilized society or consistent with Jewish & human values. It is also inspiring to see some community members who have so much courage to do the right thing. They deserve all our support.