Betsy Frank is UHC para-rabbinic fellow and president.
Unfortunately, the recent election failed to heal our country’s divisiveness. We are constantly bombarded with opposing viewpoints, anger and hostility from opposite ends of the political spectrum.
How as a congregation should we respond to “hot button” social issues? At a recent Temple board meeting, the members grappled with taking a stand on the issue of immigration.
How as a congregation should we respond to “hot button” social issues? At a recent Temple board meeting, the members grappled with taking a stand on the issue of immigration.
In the end, we did not take a position as a board. However, the best part of our discussion was that we were civil and listened to each other.
And in typical Jewish fashion, we drew support for our individual positions from sacred texts — some of which were contradictory. Our discussion carried on during Torah study that week. (Thanks to Herschel for suggesting the week’s topic.)
I have been thinking a lot about the board discussion and subsequent Torah study. As a result of my pondering, I have concluded that as the only Jewish congregation in town, we must make every effort to welcome all Jews, including those who were raised in or practice a different form of Judaism — even if we are officially a Reform congregation.
As the only Jewish congregation in town, we must make every effort to welcome all Jews, including those who were raised in or practice a different form of Judaism.
Given our eclectic congregation, how, then, should we respond to social issues from a Reform Jewish perspective?
I am not sure we can. But when others ask what Jews believe about any issue, such as immigration, we can share our own views, as well as refer those who ask to the various Jewish denominations’ websites and the Indiana Jewish Relations Council.
Let us continue to be civil in our discussions and above all, let us listen to one another.
We may not all agree on an issue — we are Jews, after ali — but surely we can listen to each other. We may actually find common ground with others who do not share our views.
Shalom,
Betsy Frank