This Tuesday March 19th, all of the Jewish History classes gathered together in the Belmont for an educational seminar on different sects of Judaism. We welcomed Yehosua and Bracha Weinberger who represented the Modern Orthodox, Rabbi Alona nir Keren of Reform Judaism, and Rabbi Arie Hasit who representd Conservative Judaism.
We first heard from the Weinbergers, both originally from New York, who's main topic of discussion was their work in Kiev, Ukraine (in the former Soviet Union). Yehosua and Bracha moved to Kiev in 1990 with the intent to revitalize the Jewish community there. The community in Kiev had only a few members under the age of 75 years old, the overall population was dwindling, and the entire fabric of the community was falling apart. Hearing about the community from personal connections, the Weinbergers decided it would be a worthy endeavor to move their to restore the Jewish community and make it a new and up-and-coming spot for Jews to live and worship. Yehoshua and Bracha taught ulpan classes, yeshiva lessons, and Sunday school. In addition to their time in the former Soviet Union, the Weinbergers talked about how proud they are to be Jews and their lifestyle as Orthodox Jews; Yehoshua said that "Judaism to us is life" and that their life revolves around being Jewish and following Halakha.
Second, we heard from Rabbi Alona nir Keren who represented Reform Judaism. Rabbi Alona, originally from Haifa, was brought up in an Ashkenazi Jewish family that did not believe in God. Her experiences growing up, her time in the IDF as a nature guide, working at the Jewish Agency, and being a part of the LGBTQ+ community all shaped Rabbi Alona's views and Jewish practices. She was first introduced to Reform Judaism while working on a summer program with the Jewish Agency. After being exposed to the world of Reform Judaism in America through the Jewish Agency Rabbi Alona wanted to bring back the philosophies and ideas back to Israel, and that is exactly what she did. She became a Reform Rabbi in 2016 and now works at a synagogue in Mevaseret Zion. Rabbi Alona shared her view on Reform Judaism which is as follows: Reform Judaism takes the responsibility of being Jewish and put it on the individual. She also described Refrom Judaism as being an evolved part of traditional Judaism's religious side and cultural side.
Lastly, we heard from Rabbi Arie Hasit who represented the Conservative movement. Arie, originally from Cherry Hill, NJ, grew up in a half Ashkenazi and half Sephardi, Conservative family and he was involved with youth group iwhen he was young. Arie explained that his profound love for Israel started from a young age; he visited Israel many times and fell in love with the country. After moving to Israel he became ordained as a Conservative Rabbi in 2016. Rabbi Arie shared his ethical views and religious beliefs. He is a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community, a feminist, and an equal rights supporter. In addition to his personal story and details, Rabbi Arie gave us a description of Conservative Judaism: everyone has the right to hear God's voice in a different way, and Conservative Judaism builds onto the "chain link" of the Jewish faith. He also explained to us that as modern times progress, we as Jews have the right to adapt certain aspects of the culture; however, he said that we should still attempt to understand why the original laws were made and how we can still respect them while adding on to the "chain link" of Jewish culture and religion.
After hearing all three guest speakers, I shocked myself with how little I knew about all three sects. Listening to the opinions and practices of the Weinbergers, Rabbi Alona, and Rabbi Arie definitely opened my eyes and even shattered many of the stereotypes I held. I personally felt very connected with the views, philosophies, and ideas that Arie holds; I really admire the way that he combines religion and ethics in a very fluid, balanced way. Think back to the lectures from each speaker and think: which speaker did you connect the most with, and why?
On a personal level I think I connected most with the reform speaker because it was very interesting to get a first hand account of what it's like to be an lgbtq individual in Israel but religiously I found what Rabbi Arie talked about in terms of not necessarily abandoning any rules but building on and reinterpreting them to be very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI most connect with Rabbi Alona nir Keren's practices, in the sense that she does not follow strick Halakha and her life is heavily influenced by Judaism but it does not control every action she does daily. I connected ideologically with Rabbi Arie Hasit, especially his claim that all Jews were at Mount Sinai and heard the same thing, we just interpreted God's words differently. I loved that analogy and I also loved how progressive he was while at the same time being extremely Jewish.
ReplyDeleteI connected most with Rabbi Arie Hasit. He represents the form of Judaism that I am being raised in and that I feel the most at home in. He inspired and made me feel more connected to Jhat Judaism that I identify the most with.
ReplyDeleteI also connected the most with Rabbi Arie Hasit just because of his learned acceptance of all sects. Yes, we dont agree on everysingle aspect but people like him whom have learned to grow as Judaism does are the types of people I can get behind and follow. Overall watching and listening to all the speakers allowed me to find my focal point and view on Judaism.
ReplyDeleteEven though I am a Reform Jew, hearing Rabbi Alona nir Keren speak made me aware of the disconnect between American and Israeli Reform Judaism. And while I am no where near as observant as Rabbi Arie Hasit, his way of articulating his views. Really connected with me in a way that spiritually makes sense.
ReplyDeleteHearing Rabbi Alona speak gave me some sort of nostalgic feel to my synagogue at home. Everything to her was interpretive and flexible which really allowed for the inclusion of literally anyone that considers themself Jewish. Her form of Judaism was inclusive and, for those who can’t or don’t have the time to keep up with every single instruction required for the Conservative or Orthodox sects, kept simple.
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