The annual lecture is tonight @ 7:30pm
Topic: What does inter-religious dialogue have to do with the State of Israel?
Admission is free / donations accepted.
Refreshments will be served.
I went last year and enjoyed the lecture and discussion.
Shalom. Jeremy
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
A Happy, Healthy, Joyous and Sweet New Year
As Rosh Hashanah quickly approaches, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone the very best this 5767.
Some thoughts....
As a very good friend of mine likes to say "Life is not easy."
No, it is not easy. But if we can survive the daily slings and arrows that occur everyday and take a moment or two to remember all the joys of life, family and friends and count our blessings, then maybe, just maybe, the slings and arrows of daily life will be more tolerable and less significant.
If we can truly make an effort to see the glass as half full, instead of nearly empty, if we can try and search for the good in people as opposed to highlighting their foibles, and if we can savor each and every moment G-d has given us on this earth, then maybe, just maybe, 5767 will be a year of both personal as well as community fulfillment.
I have been told that when you capitalize on internet writing it is a type of yelling. So
SHALOM - SHALOM - SHALOM FOR ALL IN 5767.
Jeremy
Some thoughts....
As a very good friend of mine likes to say "Life is not easy."
No, it is not easy. But if we can survive the daily slings and arrows that occur everyday and take a moment or two to remember all the joys of life, family and friends and count our blessings, then maybe, just maybe, the slings and arrows of daily life will be more tolerable and less significant.
If we can truly make an effort to see the glass as half full, instead of nearly empty, if we can try and search for the good in people as opposed to highlighting their foibles, and if we can savor each and every moment G-d has given us on this earth, then maybe, just maybe, 5767 will be a year of both personal as well as community fulfillment.
I have been told that when you capitalize on internet writing it is a type of yelling. So
SHALOM - SHALOM - SHALOM FOR ALL IN 5767.
Jeremy
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Invite some Jewish Friends to FHC for 9/17/06 open house
It is not too late to speak to some of your Jewish friends who are not affiliated with FHC to join us on September 17, 2006 for the open house/food/coffee and other events that morning. We have invited several non-affiliated Jews to FHC. (Whether they come is their decision)
The best word of mouth concerning our open house is from a member of FHC.
See you on 9/17/06
Shalom. Jeremy
The best word of mouth concerning our open house is from a member of FHC.
See you on 9/17/06
Shalom. Jeremy
Friday, September 08, 2006
Reprinted from the Advocate.com 9/8/06 posting
AS IF THE CONSERVATIVE MOVEMENT DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH PROBLEMS. IT IS NOW LOOKING TO HAVE MULTIPLE POSITIONS ON A THORNY ISSUE. READ BELOW WHAT HAS BEEN REPRINTED DIRECTLY FROM THE ADVOCATE.COM 9/8/06 POSTING.
September 08, 2006 Conservative Jewish leaders moving to end ban on gay rabbis
A key Conservative Jewish leader is organizing talks nationwide to tell synagogues that the movement will likely roll back its ban on ordaining openly gay rabbis by year's end. He and two religious law experts joining him at the meetings are trying to help congregations prepare for the confusion and discomfort to follow.Rabbi Jerome Epstein, executive vice president of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism in New York City, says a committee of scholars who interpret Jewish law for the movement will likely loosen the prohibition when they vote in December. At the same time, Epstein expects the scholars will endorse a policy aiming to keep more traditional congregations within the fold. Synagogues that believe Jewish law bars same-sex relationships still will be able to hire rabbis who share their view.The vote by the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards will test what Conservative leaders call their "big umbrella" allowing diverse practices within one movement. It will also signal to the wider community how far the Conservative branch will go to reinterpret Jewish law."The committee might accept—will accept, I think—two or more" policies, Epstein said at an Aug. 24 meeting of New York Conservative Jewish leaders. "One that actually reaffirms the current position and at least one that will liberalize it."The effect of the contradictory actions will be that local Jewish communities have more freedom. Conservative seminaries, along with the movement's estimated 750 synagogues and more than 1,000 North American rabbis, will get to decide which policy to follow."It could cause confusion, it could cause tremendous angst, it could cause tremendous tension, it could cause tremendous disagreement," Epstein said.The vote comes as the movement is trying to hold on to a shrinking middle ground between innovation and strict tradition in American Judaism. The Conservative branch follows Jewish law, while allowing limited change for modern circumstances.It's been a hard road to follow. Many Conservative Jews have joined the more liberal Reform stream, which has recently surpassed the Conservative branch as the largest in America. The Reform movement ordains gays and is more accepting of interfaith couples.For Conservative Jews seeking more rigorous observance, the Orthodox branch has become a popular choice. The Orthodox strictly adhere to traditional interpretations of Jewish law, prohibiting women and gays from becoming rabbis.Rabbi Joel Roth, a leading religious scholar and a member of the Conservative Law Committee, questioned whether people with traditional Jewish views on sexuality will stay, even if the panel allows synagogues leeway to accept or reject gay relationships. Roth said he has been "demonized" for saying that he interprets religious law as barring same-gender sex."I know the law as it stands causes pain," he said. "But pain is not to be equated with immorality."Rabbi Elliot Dorff, vice chairman of the Law Committee and also a respected scholar, supports ordaining gays, saying "it is simply not natural" to demand that they remain celibate."We have to interpret God's will in our time," Dorff said.Dorff and Roth are traveling with Epstein, with more stops scheduled for Atlanta, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. The trio also spoke last month in Toronto.The debate focuses on the significance of Leviticus 18:22, which states "Do not lie with a male as one lies with a woman," and 20:13, which says such an act is punishable by death. The last major Law Committee vote on gay relationships came in 1992, when the panel decided overwhelmingly to maintain the ban on openly gay rabbis.In the latest discussion, the 25-member committee is considering legal opinions called "teshuvot," for and against change. A policy needs six votes to be accepted. Although it occurs rarely, more than one opinion can be endorsed, leaving local leaders to decide which to follow. That is the result Epstein expects.Arnold Eisen, incoming chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, the flagship school for Conservative Judaism, personally supports ordaining gays. But he plans to discuss the issue with faculty and students before any admissions rules are changed.The University of Judaism in Los Angeles, which also trains Conservative rabbis, says only that it will follow whatever policy the committee adopts. However, Dorff is the school's rector and many expect the seminary, if permitted, will admit openly gay students.The conflict over homosexuality mirrors the battles over the issue in mainline Protestant groups including The Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Dozens of individual churches are leaving the Christian denominations because of the disputes.Roth says many Conservative Jewish synagogues already know their position on the issue, but others will be conflicted after the committee votes. "The Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards," he says, "is debating the future of the entire movement. Nothing less." (Rachel Zoll, AP)
September 08, 2006 Conservative Jewish leaders moving to end ban on gay rabbis
A key Conservative Jewish leader is organizing talks nationwide to tell synagogues that the movement will likely roll back its ban on ordaining openly gay rabbis by year's end. He and two religious law experts joining him at the meetings are trying to help congregations prepare for the confusion and discomfort to follow.Rabbi Jerome Epstein, executive vice president of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism in New York City, says a committee of scholars who interpret Jewish law for the movement will likely loosen the prohibition when they vote in December. At the same time, Epstein expects the scholars will endorse a policy aiming to keep more traditional congregations within the fold. Synagogues that believe Jewish law bars same-sex relationships still will be able to hire rabbis who share their view.The vote by the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards will test what Conservative leaders call their "big umbrella" allowing diverse practices within one movement. It will also signal to the wider community how far the Conservative branch will go to reinterpret Jewish law."The committee might accept—will accept, I think—two or more" policies, Epstein said at an Aug. 24 meeting of New York Conservative Jewish leaders. "One that actually reaffirms the current position and at least one that will liberalize it."The effect of the contradictory actions will be that local Jewish communities have more freedom. Conservative seminaries, along with the movement's estimated 750 synagogues and more than 1,000 North American rabbis, will get to decide which policy to follow."It could cause confusion, it could cause tremendous angst, it could cause tremendous tension, it could cause tremendous disagreement," Epstein said.The vote comes as the movement is trying to hold on to a shrinking middle ground between innovation and strict tradition in American Judaism. The Conservative branch follows Jewish law, while allowing limited change for modern circumstances.It's been a hard road to follow. Many Conservative Jews have joined the more liberal Reform stream, which has recently surpassed the Conservative branch as the largest in America. The Reform movement ordains gays and is more accepting of interfaith couples.For Conservative Jews seeking more rigorous observance, the Orthodox branch has become a popular choice. The Orthodox strictly adhere to traditional interpretations of Jewish law, prohibiting women and gays from becoming rabbis.Rabbi Joel Roth, a leading religious scholar and a member of the Conservative Law Committee, questioned whether people with traditional Jewish views on sexuality will stay, even if the panel allows synagogues leeway to accept or reject gay relationships. Roth said he has been "demonized" for saying that he interprets religious law as barring same-gender sex."I know the law as it stands causes pain," he said. "But pain is not to be equated with immorality."Rabbi Elliot Dorff, vice chairman of the Law Committee and also a respected scholar, supports ordaining gays, saying "it is simply not natural" to demand that they remain celibate."We have to interpret God's will in our time," Dorff said.Dorff and Roth are traveling with Epstein, with more stops scheduled for Atlanta, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. The trio also spoke last month in Toronto.The debate focuses on the significance of Leviticus 18:22, which states "Do not lie with a male as one lies with a woman," and 20:13, which says such an act is punishable by death. The last major Law Committee vote on gay relationships came in 1992, when the panel decided overwhelmingly to maintain the ban on openly gay rabbis.In the latest discussion, the 25-member committee is considering legal opinions called "teshuvot," for and against change. A policy needs six votes to be accepted. Although it occurs rarely, more than one opinion can be endorsed, leaving local leaders to decide which to follow. That is the result Epstein expects.Arnold Eisen, incoming chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, the flagship school for Conservative Judaism, personally supports ordaining gays. But he plans to discuss the issue with faculty and students before any admissions rules are changed.The University of Judaism in Los Angeles, which also trains Conservative rabbis, says only that it will follow whatever policy the committee adopts. However, Dorff is the school's rector and many expect the seminary, if permitted, will admit openly gay students.The conflict over homosexuality mirrors the battles over the issue in mainline Protestant groups including The Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Dozens of individual churches are leaving the Christian denominations because of the disputes.Roth says many Conservative Jewish synagogues already know their position on the issue, but others will be conflicted after the committee votes. "The Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards," he says, "is debating the future of the entire movement. Nothing less." (Rachel Zoll, AP)
GOLF OUTING HUGE SUCCESS
Let me take this opportunity to thank all of the people who were involved with the planning, organization, running, sponsorship as well as the golfers of the Golf Outing. FHC was advised by the organizers (and given the funds) that the event raised over $28,000. That is a lot of money!!!
All the effort that went into it by the organizers for this huge success is very much appreciated by this blogger.
Although I do not golf, this event is an important fund-raiser and we should all support it whether or not you golf. (I did purchase raffles which as usual for me with raffles, I was not the winner.)
Thank-you again for a great job.
Shalom. Jeremy
All the effort that went into it by the organizers for this huge success is very much appreciated by this blogger.
Although I do not golf, this event is an important fund-raiser and we should all support it whether or not you golf. (I did purchase raffles which as usual for me with raffles, I was not the winner.)
Thank-you again for a great job.
Shalom. Jeremy
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
In ten years...
Since my youngest recently turned 8 years old, I have considered where my family will be in ten years, the year he hopefully goes off to college. Ten years is a nice round even number, a decade.
I have considered my age, my financial position, my family's position relative to the youngest, etc. and I have tried to predict certain things based upon a ten year analysis.
So where will you be in ten years? Where will FHC be in ten years? Where will World and American Jewry be in ten years? Certainly I do not have the answers, but I would suggest that it is never too early to plan for the future.
I am going to suggest that FHC develop a think-tank or Decade Comm. to see where we are now and where we want to be in the next ten years. What milestones do we want to hit. What do we want to do as a Jewish Community in Northern Westchester. What are the current demographics, and what can we anticipate for the future. What are the needs of the Jewish community and how do we meet them. Even more importantly, in my opinion, how do we keep FHC and Conservative Judaism relevant to the community to create and forge relationships with Jews and Jewish Families and thereafter continue the relationship past the time of the last Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Similarly, how do we give Jews a viable reason to become and remain affiliated with FHC? A free cemetary plot or the type of bagels at a kiddush is not going to make the difference.
If anyone is interested in the concept of a Decade Committee which would be a forward thinking group to plan FHC's future, let me know. Such a Committee, if approved by the President or the Board of Trustees, can become a major catalyst in the direction of FHC, since it could provide both short term and long term proposed goals on essentially all issues.
Shalom. Jeremy
I have considered my age, my financial position, my family's position relative to the youngest, etc. and I have tried to predict certain things based upon a ten year analysis.
So where will you be in ten years? Where will FHC be in ten years? Where will World and American Jewry be in ten years? Certainly I do not have the answers, but I would suggest that it is never too early to plan for the future.
I am going to suggest that FHC develop a think-tank or Decade Comm. to see where we are now and where we want to be in the next ten years. What milestones do we want to hit. What do we want to do as a Jewish Community in Northern Westchester. What are the current demographics, and what can we anticipate for the future. What are the needs of the Jewish community and how do we meet them. Even more importantly, in my opinion, how do we keep FHC and Conservative Judaism relevant to the community to create and forge relationships with Jews and Jewish Families and thereafter continue the relationship past the time of the last Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Similarly, how do we give Jews a viable reason to become and remain affiliated with FHC? A free cemetary plot or the type of bagels at a kiddush is not going to make the difference.
If anyone is interested in the concept of a Decade Committee which would be a forward thinking group to plan FHC's future, let me know. Such a Committee, if approved by the President or the Board of Trustees, can become a major catalyst in the direction of FHC, since it could provide both short term and long term proposed goals on essentially all issues.
Shalom. Jeremy
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