ON THE FUTURE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM
Join The Conversation
Shalom and Happy Hanukkah!
Over the past few weeks, there have been numerous articles in the Jewish press about the future of the Conservative Movement. Some say we are dying out as a movement. Others say that while we have some challenges, our future can be bright and successful if we learn from our past mistakes and work together as a movement to build upon our strengths. As a Conservative Rabbi and life-long Conservative Jew, I am optimistic. The predictions of our imminent demise are, in my opinion, over exaggerated. Do we have challenges and have we had a great deal of difficulty marketing our message? Yes. But, unfortunately, as the recent Pew Research study on Jews in American demonstrated, we are a part of a larger trend in America that is moving away from religious identify and towards secular/cultural affiliation with Judaism.
The greater challenge of the moment is how the Jewish leaders of today, both lay and professional, can work to bring the wisdom, beauty, and relevance of Jewish living to those who feel disconnected or marginalized from the organized Jewish community.
I believe that Conservative Judaism has an important voice to offer in this conversation. We are a movement that values tradition and innovation. We are a movement that values embracing the best of religious and modern thought simultaneously- even when they are in tension. We are a movement that values holding onto the “center” as we travel through life. We are a movement that strives to fulfill the Maimonidean ideal of neither veering to far to the left or the right, but rather striving to take the middle path in life. Is it messy and challenging? Does it force us to think a lot? Yes. But can it provide us with a framework that brings meaning, holiness, beauty, purpose and the wisdom of authentic Jewish practice and belief into our lives? Absolutely.
Below are links to many articles that have been written on this topic over the past week. As always, I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on this subject. Specifically:
1 Why are you a Conservative Jew?
2. Does denominational affiliation matter to you?
3. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of the Conservative movement?
Articles:
The “Half Empty” articles
1. Requiem for a Movement- Rabbi Daniel Gordis
2. How Conservative Judaism Lost Me Micah Gottleib
The “Half Full” articles
1. Write no Requiem for the Conservative Movement- Rabbi Gerald Skolnik
2 . A L’chaim to Conservative Judaism: Dr. Arnold Eisen
3. Creating a Worthy Tomorrow- Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson
4. What’s Needed is the courage to change- Rabbi Ben Goldstein
5. The Death and Life of Conservative/Masorti Judaism- Rabbi David Lerner