USCJ Review - Fall 2006
From the Executive Vice President
Many have criticized the Conservative movement for its pluralistic approach to Jewish life. They claim that Conservative Judaism would be much stronger were it to rigidly define a narrow position on the fine details of Jewish practice and Jewish living for its congregations and congregants. Although such a definition would produce clarity, it would radically transform the ideology and values of Conservative Judaism.
We are a movement rooted in pluralism. Because we are committed to the continual study of Jewish sources, those who engage in this learning often bring their own insights to the texts they encounter. For the committed Conservative Jew, the Revelation at Sinai was complete - but it was not final. It was complete for that instant in that nothing was absent. But it was not final because as God renews Himself and the world each day and as we change each day, our understanding and interpretation of that revelation evolves.
It is easy to suggest that we should define Conservative Jews or Conservative Congregations as either egalitarian or nonegalitarian; that we must permit or forbid music in Shabbat religious services for movement congregations; that the movement should mandate or forbid triennial Torah readings, or accept or reject commitment ceremonies for gays and lesbians. But Conservative Judaism has traditionally been defined by the pluralism of Jewish tradition. To eradicate this distinction would be a tragic error.
Pluralism can enrich our lives as Jews. To make it an asset, I would like to suggest five steps:
We must understand that pluralism in a legal system assumes boundaries for behavior, but there is a spectrum of permitted behavior between those boundaries. But we must understand just because there is a spectrum does not mean that every possible option is acceptable. As Conservative Jews, it is important to understand that pluralism places upon us responsibility for choosing amongst those alternatives that are halakhic and normative.
Pluralism requires study. We do not decide between acceptable options based simply upon convenience or personal desire. Rather, pluralism requires us to understand the rationales for the alternatives that are presented and then to decide amongst them. Thus, for the Conservative Jew continual Jewish study is essential.
In a pluralistic movement, synagogues must teach the legitimacy of diversity. It is important to understand that when others choose alternatives that differ from ours it does not necessarily make them wrong. It is natural for us to believe that our choices are correct. But what may be correct based upon our understanding may differ from others who study the text and arrive at a different conclusion.
Pluralism in the Conservative movement requires commitment to following the guidance of one's rabbi as the mara d'atra (rabbinic authority). The term "mara d'atra" literally means "teacher of the place." It is apt because the rabbi is charged with interpreting Jewish sources for his or her community based upon the needs and conditions of that community and for that at that particular time. One rabbi, may, therefore, legitimately arrive at a different conclusion from another, using the same texts and sources. In our pluralistic movement, it is important to appreciate the legitimacy of differing positions.
Because we are committed to pluralism, there will always be differences in acceptable practices within the spectrum of Conservative Judaism. It must, therefore, be a goal of the Conservative synagogue to help members adapt in such a way that they can maintain their principles and values while respecting the diversity of other congregants or congregations.
Pluralism is an asset for Conservative Judaism and Conservative Jewish living. To derive the most from that asset, however, requires the Conservative Jew and the Conservative congregation to commit energy and effort to those actions that will help pluralism enrich our lives.
