The Right to Choose -- But Choose What?
January 1998
I am not convinced by the rhetoric of my Orthodox colleagues. I still maintain that Conservative Judaism is legitimate Judaism. Equally, I understand that my words will never persuade them. They will still refuse to acknowledge that Conservative Judaism and its ideology have engaged the plurality of Jews who identify with religious life. This is most unfortunate, for if my Orthodox colleagues would join me in that understanding, perhaps we would strengthen Jewish commitment rather than diminish it.
A war of words may sell newspapers, and it may provide grist for sermons. But I am convinced it will not change lives. The incendiary monologues of this past year will not impact on Jewish commitment. My deep regret is that our discussions will not make anyone a better Jew. A war of words will not strengthen one Jew's knowledge of the richness of our Torah. The heated name calling will not transform the apathetic Jew into a living Jew. I do not know a single Jew who has determined to enhance their practice of Shabbat or kashrut as a result of our skirmishes.
The struggle to secure religious rights and pluralism in the State of Israel must -- and will -- continue to hold an important place on our agenda. Nevertheless, it must not limit our agenda. The Orthodox community is convinced that they are right. As Conservative Jews, we believe that our position is equally justified. Let us recognize that our disagreements will continue and move beyond them.
I would like to make a modest proposal to deal with the real issues that plague the Jewish community: the paucity of Jews who care about Jewish living; and the scarcity of active synagogue Jews (of any stream) who study, pray, celebrate Shabbat and Yom Tov and who want to enrich the Jewish influence in how they live. An overwhelming number of Jews belong to no congregation and do not identify at all with Judaism as a religion.
I am a Conservative rabbi because I am committed to change that. I want to inspire Jews to let Judaism inspire them. I know that there are many Orthodox Jews who are committed to this same goal. What a wonderful statement would be made if we were to develop a joint campaign for Jewish living. Let us not focus on where we differ. Let us move beyond that and begin to stress our common commitment to the enrichment of Jewish life for each Jew.
For most Jews, the issue is not which synagogue they belong to. They are not associated with any synagogue. Our joint goal must be to motivate them to involve themselves in a synagogue of their choice.
For most Jews, the issue is not whether they will ride to synagogue on Shabbat. Most Jews do not observe Shabbat at all. Our common commitment must be to inspire them to bring Shabbat into their lives -- even if they do not do it all at once.
For most Jews, the issue is not which kashrut certification is acceptable. Because kashrut is foreign to their existence, certification is irrelevant. Our challenge is to stimulate them to begin to take the laws of kashrut seriously.
For most Jews, the issue is not whose interpretation of the Torah portion will be taught. The Torah is simply ignored. Our task is to stimulate Jews to study the Torah.
It is my goal to bring Jews closer to Jewish living. I am convinced that when Jews understand our tradition, they will choose the Conservative Movement's ideology. Yet, at the same time, I understand that some will choose another stream with which to identify. I am willing to accept that possibility. For the sake of Heaven, I hope that colleagues from other streams will be open to the same possibilities and will join me in our attempt to strengthen Jewish living now.
Rabbi Epstein is Executive Vice-President of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the association of Conservative congregations in North America.
