Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere

OK - so I basically come from a liberal background that has fostered my support for a variety of "progressive" causes. As an educated contemporary Reform Jew, I am very much aware that this is a key piece of my identity and activity. To my own surprise, my positions and perspective on issues continues to become increasingly progressive. I find this quite interesting.

Now I have no problem with the idea that there are those who hold differing opinions from mine; as a matter of fact, that is of course what makes life interesting. What baffles me is the level of narrow-minded hatred that often emerges from within the right-wing spectrum (of any issue). As if to say "because YOU hold a different view, I have the right to demean your worth as a human being."

And more recently - at least in my experience - these vitriolic attacks are often propped up by unitelligible (in not outright unintelligent) arguments. Don't get me wrong - I'm not looking to live in a world where everyone agrees with *me*. I would appreciate a greater level of respect and openness in civil discourse - in our society, in our political arena, and in our own communities as well. If we can cultivate an atmosphere in which people truly strive for understanding, while protecting and upholding the inherent dignity of those who with whom we disagree, or find different, or are relegated to being "other", we will go a long way toward fulfilling the obligation for tikkun olam - repairing the ills that face our world

I know this is not a new issue, and I'm certainly aware that there are no quick-fixes to such complex, emotionally charged matters. Yet I maintain the hope that in our own day, we will find ways to make this world better, and not worse, for our having been here.

Any great ideas? PLEASE feel encouraged to share.

Bring it on home

Many of my closest friends and colleagues spend a great deal of their time and energy - throughout the year - in an effort to creat meaningful Jewish experience for our young people. For me, there is no more satisfying opportunity and for youth work than time spent at camp (anyone who knows me is now saying "duh"). With its atmosphere, programming, creative and experimental setting - camp provides the best "laboratory" for the richest of Jewish learning, living and growth. This is true for all who attend and participate, from youngest children to eldest returnees and visitors.

We just came back from two absolutely wonderful weeks at OSRUI (http://www.osrui.org/), and again I am so very thrilled to have had the chance to be part of the faculty - a group of talented, dedicated rabbis, educators and cantors who are inspired in their work to build kehillah (community), to express ruach (spirit) and foster kedoshah (holiness) by drawing deeply and practically on the treasures of our tradition - applying them in meaningful ways that connect with (and stay with) the campers, staff and others who make up camp.

The lasting questions that I have is: how do we maintain the sense of active, engaging spirit that saturates the camp environment? How do those who "go away" for 2, 4, or 8 weeks keep that level of positive energetic Judaism in their daily lives? And more so (perhaps the real kicker) how do we share the wealth - and inject even some of camp's power and potential into our "home" communities and congregations? This has been my personal mission for 30 years - and I revel in this continuing challenge.

How do you sustain the best of your experiences? That is, how do you bring it on home?

Loving camp, again and again

Here we are, in the middle of our first week at camp - always one of best times of the year. Serving on faculty at OSRUI is a treat - to continue enjoying one of the real favorites of my life - Jewish summer camping. I loved camp as a kid...and now as an adult I can both share that joy with today's campers and staff - and also rely on them to rekindle and strengthen my own delight in being here: living as one community, sharing meals, learning and playing together, and creating life-long bonds that in many ways help shape and define who we are. The list, the memories, the fun and meaningful stories could go on and on...
I hope you'll share how camp has influenced your life - whether in your choice of career, finding your passions, and especially the people who've been added to your world. I'd love to hear.

From fasting to Fast Times

According to the Hebrew calendar, today is 17 Tamuz 5770 - the date commemorating the breach of Jerusalem's walls three weeks prior to the destruction of the city on Tisha B'av (9 Av). Since the year 70 c.e. (and especially until the Shoah), this was the saddest event in Jewish history, marking the dispersion of the people from their homeland in Israel. Traditionally, this minor holiday has been a fast day, beginning the three week period of mourning leading up to the anniversary of Jerusalem's downfall. It would be observed by fasting and reciting passages lamenting the siege and fall of the city. There are also those who hold that this was the day that Moses broke the original set of tablets.

I look at today very differently, especially this year. On the secular calendar, it is June 29, 2010, twenty years to the day since I met Debra - making this the anniversary of the most significant day in my life. With two decades gone by (!) I can reflect and understand that my life was not only changed in meeting her - but also the journey of continued progress, challenge and blessing was begun then too. Like most of us, I don't express my appreciation enough (or always in the right way :) - yet this is clear - I am so much better for having met Deb, getting married, creating a family, and sharing the ups and downs of career, hobbies, fun and life with her. And, like most of us, I'm still working at becoming the best partner that I can be, and that she deserves. I am truly fortunate for the chance to keep at it.

So what's been most significant day(s) in your life - and how has it changed you?

On the road again...

We head back to SB from AZ tomorrow. This has been another "vacation to remember" (pics to follow). Once again exploring the desert SW from home base in Anthem, AZ - we've enjoyed Sedona, Taliesin West, the Saguaro National Park (Tucson), the zoo, museums, water parks, great food, glorious sunshine, and even a hot night with Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King. V loved the zoo and Taliesin, Ben enjoyed the Dbacks-Yankees game, Deb and I treated ourselves to a great meal at Barrio Cafe (among all the other stuff). And I'm realizing, each getaway we plan and take, that they're each great trips, adding to the wonderful experiences we create together. I'm already looking forward to figuring out what family outing will come next - whether a jaunt to nearby Chicago, or a road trip cross country to someplace we've never been. This is what life's about.
So now, share YOUR favorite vacation experience or memory - we can add to each other's virtual photo album.
N'siya tova - wishing you safe a successful travels, wherever the road takes you...

Your own deserted island

We're spending time in the desert southwest, at the oasis in Anthem, AZ provided by Deb's parents. A terrific getaway, with always so much to do and enjoy - and always the advantage of temps in the 100's. While among the cacti and lizards, there's also the great chance to daydream about life (some gurus call this the fulfillment of our human need for periodic refreshment; Jewish tradition reminds us of this idea every week with the concept of Shabbat). So I've been thinking about the old radio DJ question "what three things would you need on a deserted island?" (yes, vacation mode has finally seeped in). OK - they'd usually ask "what three songs", but with an iPod, it seems frivolous.
So for fun - if YOU were stranded on an island, or stuck somewhere remote, or even just off on your own by choice - what three items would you find indispensable? Play along, and have some fun.

The future of Reform?

Toward the end of my rabbinical school years at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), Dr. Michael Meyer (our eminent professor of history and my thesis adviser) engaged our class in a conversation about the coming "interregnum in the Reform movement." At that time, we knew of the coming retirement of the leaders of the three major branches of the movement: Alexander Schindler from his post as president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now URJ); Fred Gottschalk of HUC-JIR; and Joe Glaser of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). Meyer pointed out that this represented a true generational transition of historic proportions (a nearly direct quote), as each of these men were American Reform Rabbis who were born prior to the Shoah. Two (Schindler and Gottschalk) came to the U.S. from Europe. The third, Glaser, was a decorated G.I. who was twice wounded while serving in Europe during the war. Personally and professionally, they witnessed (and were part of) perhaps the greatest time of transformation of the world, and especially of the Jewish community. Their experiences certainly shaped their world-view, and how their significant leadership was crafted.

Dr. Meyer left us with an open-ended question: how will the next generation take shape?

I think again of this notion for two related reasons: this coming July 17th will be somewhat of an "anniversary" for the movement. It was on this date that Israel Jacobson "organized the first Reform temple" in Seesen, Germany (and yes, this is fascinating to those of us who maintain a Rainman-like interest in Reform history). Perhaps a more important related item just emerged today: at the URJ North American Board meeting, currently being held in Brooklyn, Rabbi Eric Yoffie, who has served as Union president for 14 years (as Schindler's successor) announced that he will retire in 2012. He has outlined a bold continuing agenda for the remainder of his term.

These years have been marked by great changes and triumphs in the movement - the URJ, HUC-JIR and CCAR have each experienced leadership transitions and turnover; have endured economic challenges (if not crises); and have faced (along with the rest of the Jewish world) a growing demographic changeover that has disturbed the previous century's status quo.

The next Union president (and leadership team, of course) will undoubtedly have new issues to face - incorporating the latest in organizational methods along with the strength of Jewish tradition. Just yesterday, I wrote about how we cannot afford to evaluate ourselves based on our previous accomplishments; rather, we must ever strive to create new visions even as we re-imagine old ones.

So now I ask - what does the future hold for the Reform movement, and for progressive Judaism? What would you envision? Please share, as the future is in our hands, right now...