Jacob J. Weinstein Scholars-in-Residence Weekend
The Reform Movement:
Which Way Should We Move?
Since its development in 19th century Germany, Reform Judaism has evolved with changing communities and changing times. Even this year there have been dialogues about the merits and advisability of whether and why worship in Reform synagogues should become less “Reform,” whether more traditional ritual should be included in the services, and the degree to which social justice should be emphasized, in addition to other issues. Here at KAM Isaiah Israel some of these questions are being discussed, argued, and confronted.
The Jacob J. Weinstein Committee invites you to join us as we explore Reform Judaism, discussing where it is going and understanding the reasons for moving in various directions. We hope that we will learn, with the help of distinguished scholars, about how we and others may move toward services and practices that continue to be meaningful as we progress in this still-new century.
Schedule
Sunday, January 27, at 10:30 a.m
Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan
"The Battle for the future of Reform Judaism"
Friday, February 1, at 8:00 p.m.
Jonathan Sarna, PhD, Brandeis University
"Contemporary Reform Judaism: An Historical Analysis"
Saturday, February 2
Torah Study at 9:30 a.m.
Shabbat Service at 10:30 a.m.
Kiddush Lunch following the service; reservations required.
Panel Discussion at 1:00 p.m.
"Where Is Reform Judaism in the U.S. Today?
Where Do We Want to Be Tomorrow?"
Rabbi Peter Knobel, Beth Emet Synagogue
Rabbi Evan Moffic, Chicago Sinai Congregation
Moderator: Jonathan Sarna
Sunday, February 3, at 10:30 a.m.
Rabbi Barry Block, Temple Beth El, San Antonio
"How Do We Change and Not Leave Congregants Behind?"
Resources
~American Reform Judaism: An Introduction by Dana Evan Kaplan. Available in the office for $20. Order here.
~Sh'ma, November 2007, "Reforming Reform Judaism," explores how Reform Judaism has come to be defined and where it is heading. Available in the office for no charge.
~Eilu v'Eilu, a series of dialogues on the URJ website concerning the future of the Reform Movement. Hard copy available in the office; click below for electronic copy of each article:
Larry Kaufman and Ben Dreyfus statements
Larry Kaufman and Ben Dreyfus responses to each other
Larry Kaufman and Ben Dreyfus responses to readers' questions
Larry Kaufman and Ben Dreyfus concluding statments
Rabbi Leon Morris and Rabbi Evan Moffic statements
Rabbi Leon Morris and Rabbi Evan Moffic responses to each other
Rabbi Leon Morris and Rabbi Evan Moffic responses to readers' questions
Rabbi Leon Morris and Rabbi Evan Moffic concluding statements
6 comments:
Want to post a comment? Click on the "Comments" link!
Thanks very much for putting this up. I hope and expect it will be a way to collect comments and reactions to the 2008 Weinstein weekend events.
Anonymous also said:
Rabbi Kaplan is a splendid lecturer as well as an interesting author. Congregants interested in the future of Reform Judaism and how that future will affect KAMII should definitely attend his talk on Sunday morning.
This weekend was wonderful. I think it was exactly what KAMII needed. Thank you Weinstein Committee for putting the time and energy to find the right speakers for us. Each presenter was adept and knowledgable. I learned much. Rabbi Block's presentation described our state of affairs perfectly.
I thought that this weekend was a very educational experience..as well as being very enjoyable.
While I have not completely processed everything I heard here are some preliminary thoughts.
What we have been going through is far from unique and has been a characteristic of Reform Judaism for a very long time. In several ways our conflicts are a reflection/consequence/manifestation of changes not only in American religious life but of other changes in American and especially in Jewish society.
There are several models of how congregations have responded to these changes: sticking with the "classical" model, embracing a "big tent" model and some variations on these models.
Rabbi Block gave us a variety of ideas for dealing with diversity. The one I liked the most was a corps of people trained to lead a variety of services. I think implementing this will be difficult but very rewarding.
I welcome your feedback/comments and critiques of my observations.
Alan Berger
http://reformjudaismmag.org/Articles/index.cfm?id=1337
Post a Comment