Learning From Each Other
Over the past several years, the Jewish community has focused a good deal of attention on pluralism. This emphasis, unfortunately, has stressed that which divides us as Jews. Clearly, the differences among the various religious streams are legitimate and will most likely continue to exist. But just as there are things that divide us, there are also factors that unite us. One, in particular, is Jewish study; Jewish education.
Last November, as part of the General Assembly, the Council of Jewish Federations took note of Jewish pluralism by offering a session in which Rabbi Haskel Lookstein (a leading Orthodox congregational rabbi), Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman (President of the Reform Movement's Hebrew Union College) and I taught Torah to the delegates from our own particular point of view. We each maintained our integrity -- but we were each able to teach and learn from one another. This year, the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations had a similar program. Participants saw differences in how we -- as individuals -- understood the Torah. But they also understood that it was the same Torah.
We live in a goal-oriented society. The value of activities is measured in the results achieved. We work to earn money. We study to pass tests. We attend classes to earn a degree. Thus, for most of us, the Jewish value of learning for its own sake -- Torah lishmah -- is often regarded as a quaint but antiquated tradition.
It is time for Jews to reappropriate the value of Torah lishmah not only for our personal growth but for the healing that it can bring. In studying for no ulterior motive, but simply to acquire knowledge, one's attitude becomes open to change. An individual's viewpoint may be shaped by the learning experience. Significantly, the desire to learn often eclipses the desire to be right. The quest to understand supersedes the need to "win."
Although The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism has developed Perek Yomi for members of Conservative congregations, it would be a wonderful thing if every Jew, irrespective of religious identification, would join in reading a chapter of the Tanakh (the Jewish Bible) each day. Reading the Tanakh on a daily basis is not an ideological imperative specific to Conservative Jews -- it is important for all Jews. As Conservative Jews, we will, inevitably, read it from our own perspective. But it would be wonderfully instructive for our members to benefit from the reactions of those who read the Tanakh with different understandings. Learning from the thoughtful insights of Reconstructionist, Reform and Orthodox Jews would only serve to enrich us.
As Conservative Jews begin reading the Book of Joshua on Simhat Torah (October 3, 1999), we hope that each Conservative Jew will invite others with different perspectives to begin reading as well. And we hope that each of those approached will accept the invitation, and the challenge, of reading a chapter a day.
According to the Rabbis, the Torah was given at Mount Sinai to the entire people of Israel so that it would unite all Jews, under God's will. Now, thousands of years later, we have an opportunity to make that vision a reality. Let us make the Tanakh more than a historical text. Let us make it ours.
Rabbi Epstein is the Executive Vice-President of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the association of Conservative congregations in North America.
