I'm moving...

I'm moving...

head on over to jepaikin.wordpress.com

It's much better. Quite nice, roomy, nice view of the ocean.
You should check it out.

Overheard in New York...

Black Bible-thumper: Jesus will save you! Have you been saved? Praise Jesus!
Passerby: Praise Allah!
Black Bible-thumper: Fuck you, motherfucker! Jesus will kick your ass!

--42nd & 8th

Overheard by: The Jewish Asian

Religious Balance in the State of Israel

This is a part of an ongoing discussion that the ARZA-KESHER Fellows have been having. Heavy stuff! I'm so glad to have dumped it out of my head and onto "paper." I've been mulling over it for quite a while... and I still am...
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Before you even attempt to discuss what role religion has in the State of Israel, I belive that you have to recognize that the entire discussion depends on how you define Judaism / Jews / Jewish / the Jewish people...

Avram Infeld if famous for his passionate statement "Judaism is NOT a religion. It is a PEOPLE WITH a RELIGION." I think this is a good starting point. But we need to go one step further. I believe strongly that the most basic definition we can arrive at is that there is this identifiable group of people (Jews) that in addition to the cultures and customs of its peoplehood, happens to have a religion (Judaism) that was instrumental in solidifying its peoplehood-ness {is that a word?!}. It's this instrumentality that must be recognized and is vital to this dicussion.

Yes, we were a nation before we had a religion injected into our people... but it was that religion which solidified our peoplehood-ness and has allowed us to remain intact for so many millenia. To remove the religion from the people would be a disaster. In short... You can take the people out of the religion, but you can't take the religion out of the people. (This is a topic for another discussion... not enough room here to delve into it)

With this in mind, I believe that Israel, as a Jewish state, MUST have a certain aspect of religiosity in it. Yes, Israel should be able to rule on who is considered a Jew... but they must do it CAREFULLY. I know this is a somewhat contentious statement. First, let me say what I believe would happen if Israel didn't have a say in this matter.

If Israel promulagetd a cultural notion of Judaism, it would be very easy for anyone to claim "Hey! My version of Judaism is equally legit" Even in the Reform movment, we strongly denounce Messianic Judaism, Jews for Jesus, and Secular Humanism. I believe that these expressions of Judaism are misguided and do not have a place in Israel. I know that this is similar to the argument that the ultra-orthodox use against the Reform Movement, however I believe that there's a big difference between the two. Even the Reform Movement draws lines somwwhere... a cultural notion of Judaism in Israel would blur or alltogether erase these lines.

Secondly... If Israel were to espouse a cultural notion of Judaism, it would make it very easy for anti-Zionists and those with anti-Israel sentiments to argue against the legitimacy of a Jewish state. Without the biblical claim to Eretz Yisrael, it becomes very easy to say "Ok, the Jews are a people... but why do they have to have the land of Israel?" or "You know what, without a religion... the Jews really aren't a people." Reform Zionism, as a form of religious Zionism, is grounded in some understanding that theology has an influence on our Zionism. (What exactly that theology is... man, I have had some serious debates on that. I think that's another topic for discussion)

So how does the State maintain some aspect of religiosity, without being discriminatory? It's a very delicate balance. To be truly democratic, Israel must recognize the three (four?) major movements in modern Jewry and invite them to the table in determining what the religious policy of the State should be. NOW... I'm not naive. I know that the reality of such a discussion taking place is slim to none - thanks in great part to the fracturing divisiveness of the ultra-orthodox. But I do believe that if Israel is to remain democratic, while acknowledging the necessity of some dose of religion, such a discussion is painfully necessary.

Perhaps there should be both a political knesset and a religious knesset. A religious knesset wouldn't have unwavering powers, but it would at least provide a forum for discussion and a system of checks and balances in religious matters.

Furthermore... if a Jew in Israel chooses to be secular... so be it. As long as they're not espousing beliefs antithetical to Judaism (i.e. messianic Judaism, Jews for Jesus, etc.) that decision is theirs to make. I may not disagree with the choice, but it's not my choice to make. If the state should recognize the major worldwide Jewish movements (which it must), then it also needs to recognize that the vast majority of its Jewish constituents are secular. It needs to stop disenfranchizing these Jews and find a way for them to feel comfortably Jewish within the Jewish state. Non-religious Jewish weddings must therefore be permitted (as long as it's two Jews getting married... if it isn't, then it should be a secular wedding).

Should "chiloni" be considered a legitimate movement in Israel? That's a tough question. Should "apathetic" be considered a legitimate political party in Canada or the U.S.? I know it's an option on facebook, but... No, I don't think being secular should be considered a legitimate movement. By that, I mean that while those who choose to be secular shouldn't be disenfranchised of rights, it doesn't necessarily mean that they automatically get official recognition as a religious movement. I think it's similiar to trying to create a non-political political party. It's anachronistic. Yes, the chiloni are an identifiable group of people within Judaism, but are they a religious group of people? Choosing to be secular is a religious choice, but does making that choice automatically entitle you to the status of a religious movement. My inclination is to say no, but I'm not entierely sure yet.

Wow. I know that was a lot. And I know that some of what I said is potentially controversial and provocative. And that's good. Please challenge me on these things, and if I've been unclear in anything, it's only because I didn't want to add even more to my posting. If I've been unclear, please ask me to elaborate on what I've said.

I feel better now dumping that all out of my brain. I've been mulling over this for a while. And I think I've found the topic for a master's thesis

Balance... it's all about balance.

T'fillin Barbie

http://www.geniza.net/bar/barbie.shtml

Like a fish(ner)?

Quotes of the Evening:

"I could fillet you!" ~ Melissa

(Condition for posting: "You can only put that up if you tell people that I'm filleting you while we're in a knife fight" ~ Melissa)


"I love moisturizing my cuticles"

From Mira's Blog... Profound and Relevant

Apparently my definition of holiness is different than other people. It could, I suppose, be argued that mine is immediately incorrect, as I do not consider myself to be an observant Jew – the phrase I heard from my mother growing up and that I have somewhat adopted is ‘Religious Reform,’ though recently I lean more toward ‘progressive.’ I have gone to Hebrew Day School for 14 years, though that does not make me a better Jew than anyone else who attended public school, nor does it mean that I am a lesser Jew because I did not attend Yeshiva, I do not wear skirts unless I choose to for a special occasion, and I do plan on covering my head when I get married (which will not be in the next few years). I know the laws, though not all in full detail (I’m still hazy on whether or not we’re supposed to give back a found wallet if the owner is not Jewish, and how many metres of grass my cattle can have if my neighbour is my brother in law. I believe that for my Judaism to mean something to me I must choose those adherences which enhance my spiritual growth. I do not believe in blind faith, though I find it a fascinating topic of study and often envy those who can subscribe to it.

I believe that the basis of holiness is the golden rule. Love thy neighbour as thyself. I believe that we must strive to go beyond that – try thinking of someone else first, though ensuring your own health and safety. I’ve heard arguments against this by people who bring up self-loathing, and those who do not treat themselves with dignity and honour. Perhaps it should be ‘love your neighbour as you wish you could love yourself.’ Through the loving of others we reach that beautiful, fulfilling place beyond self acceptance, and can reach self love.
I am in shock, I am frightened, and I am so disappointed by the events which are happening in Israel and indeed the entire world, but particularly the Jewish community, in regards to this march for pride and tolerance. I am in shock because as much as I am not so naïve to think that Jews do not commit sins against Jews (I just participated in Rabin’s memorial day with a moving ceremony in Kikar Rabin – accompanied by a Gaza protest, of course) I am disgusted and stunned at the scope to which people will use my religion, MY religion, OUR religion, and use it to incite hatred against a group of people who were born being attracted to people with a different combination of X and Y chromosomes than we are told is natural. Whose only sin is wanting to express that attraction and love without the common discrimination and violence that can be seen, and appallingly even now expected and accepted and somewhat institutionalized, here. I am shocked that a group who claims to and is seen to represent the epitome of my religion, the core of it, those who protect it, will use my religion to disobey what I see as far more important laws in order to subjugate another group who are doing nothing to them personally. These important laws are led with our friend the Golden Rule. They include respect for all people, accepting/welcoming the stranger, and recognizing that EVERYONE is created in the image of God. I find those to be so much more important and basic to this religion which is so integral in their lives than ensuring that one group which, according to traditional Jewish law, is not permitted to express their feelings openly (it does not say that one cannot have these feelings, by the way – we just can’t act on them) will not speak out against prejudice in a legal gathering which is their basic right as well.

I am frightened. Not only a knot in the pit of my stomach that something will happen while I am at the rally, which I will not outwardly share with people because I am so adamant about the importance of going but also the cause of the reason I am not directly convincing people who are on the fence to go, perhaps in order to avoid my own guilt should something, God forbid, happen. I am also frightened both for my faith personally, and the future of the religion as a whole. Me personally, I am afraid of losing faith. Why should I want to stay a part of a religion which condones this violent, immoral and, in my eyes, sac-religious behaviour? It is only my personal beliefs and the faith in my community that are holding me in. It is my drive to change rather than run away, and to know that they best way to do that is from the inside and with a dedicated heart and soul. For the religion, I don’t see how the rest of the world can’t detest us right now. For the progressive and ambivalent of the world, they see an archaic, violent people which will not stand by each other when we hurt. For those who hate us already, they have more reason and see us as divided and weak – what better opportunity to strike than when we cannot agree on who gets to march and where, and who is allowed whom in their private bed, never mind holding hands in the street.

A Castle in the Clouds?

The following is my response to a posting on Mike's blog.
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Interesting ideas...

One thing I struggle with is the "concept of constantly challenging ourselves to think differently,"

I do believe it's critical to any movment to challenge itself, otherwise it just remains stagnant. But I also believe that one of the greatest "flaws" (perhaps "challenges" is a better word) of the Reform Movement is that it is constantly doing things differently. (In the grand scheme of things... look at the evolution of responsa in just the past 25 years alone).

Theologically, philosophically, liturgically, religiously, etc... I think what will allow us to grow the most is if we grow our roots and stick into something permanent.

If you ask most Reform Jews "what's permanent about Reform Judaism?"... what response do you think you'll get? I'm not even sure myself.

It's a delicate balance. We need to grow to remain relevant and vibrant in the 21st century, but we also need to be standing on firm ground. I feel too often that Reform Judaism is a castle in the clouds. I believe that if we root ourselves strongly, we'll be able to grow even more. It's physics... look at trees.

Just as you note, it's so important to be able to say "HEY!! Look at it this way!"... we're taught that the Torah has 70 faces, and it's critical to explore those new faces. Let's just remember when we're exploring that all those faces are on the same head and even if someone is looking at a different face, it's still the same head.

The way of Man (or Woman)

When some disciples of a deceased tzaddik came to the Seer of Lublin and expressed surprise at the fact that his customs were different from those of their late master, the Seer exclaimed, "What sort of God would that be who has only one way in which he can be served! God does not say, 'This way leads to me and that does not.' Instead God says, "Whatever you do may be a way to me, provided you do it in such a manner that it leads you to me."
-Martin Buber, The Way of Man
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I spent this past weekend up at Camp George for the Hillel Arts and Culture retreat. I was expecting a relaxing weekend, and that is indeed what it was... for the most part.

I've come to grips with the fact that Toronto is not the most Jewishly pluralistic place on earth. In fact, it's nowhere near it. Culturally and philanthropically it is... but religiously it most certainly is not (with some notable exceptions). But even though I've learned how to live in this environment, I don't accept it - I'm always looking for ways to change it, and so I've been so thrilled at the latest endeavour by a few of us at Hillel to host a roundtable discussion with rabbis from each movement. Sponsored by KESHER, Koach, and Yavneh, it looks like it's going to be amazing.

That being said, there were a number of instances this weekend up at camp that... shocked me. Right now I don't have the mental capacity to delve into a commentary on each of them, but for the time being I'll share some of the choice phrases that I encountered....

"If Reform Judaism accepts homosexual marriages, why doesn't it accept incestuous relationships?"

"Pluralism is what's ruining Hillel and the Jewish community as a whole"

"This is the Talmud... have you ever seen one of these?" (Condescendingly, to a Reform Jew)

Granted, these comments represent the extreme end of the spectrum, however they are indicitive of the dire need to begin a mass education of the Toronto Jewish community... starting with the youth... about the importance of K'lal Yisrael and Jewish solidarity.

I'm not sure where to start - perhaps flying over the city, dropping leaflets with Buber's quote on it.

Watch this until the end. Definately.

Will Ferell for Mac

http://appleclips.podOmatic.com/entry/2006-06-10T09_16_09-07_00