Or rather, Christmas movies.
An oldie but a goodie (2008) from Dahlia Lithwick at Slate. Not sure I agree with some of it; we were allowed to watch pretty much everything, but we had a a pretty strong understanding of the whole Jewish/not Jewish thing, and definitely had good internal compasses over what felt comfortable (and Charlie Brown didn't) and what did. Then again, I was the kid who told my classmates that Santa didn't exist--in Kindergarten.
My "The Rabbi Speaks" is on this topic more generally, and I'll post it next week. Let's just say it might get me in trouble.
Friday, December 10, 2010
How do you dedicate a prayerbook?
Well, I guess we're going to find out tonight!
It seems like a funny idea: we'll do a prayer over something that contains prayer. And yet, we know how important ritual is in our lives, especially in transitions. Tonight CBE is going to mark the formal transition from the Gates of Prayer series to Mishkan T'fillah. Of course, we've been using the new books in one form or another for over six months, and will continue to use the "Gates" books for a little while longer (perhaps we'll do a 'decommission' service in the spring), but this gives us a chance to acknowledge the direction we're going.
It'll be a brief dedication service, only a few lines. We were lucky to have a donor gift us with the books (in memory of his in-laws), and I'll be inviting him to come up to speak as well. Not sure I would do this for any gift, even a large one, but for something like a prayerbook, it seems appropriate.
I hope it'll be a meaningful experience for folks. I know change can be really hard for people, and it's important to acknowledge that; but change can also be invigorating, and hope we'll speak to that feeling as well. The new book won't answer any prayers, but hopefully people will find it prayer-full.
It seems like a funny idea: we'll do a prayer over something that contains prayer. And yet, we know how important ritual is in our lives, especially in transitions. Tonight CBE is going to mark the formal transition from the Gates of Prayer series to Mishkan T'fillah. Of course, we've been using the new books in one form or another for over six months, and will continue to use the "Gates" books for a little while longer (perhaps we'll do a 'decommission' service in the spring), but this gives us a chance to acknowledge the direction we're going.
It'll be a brief dedication service, only a few lines. We were lucky to have a donor gift us with the books (in memory of his in-laws), and I'll be inviting him to come up to speak as well. Not sure I would do this for any gift, even a large one, but for something like a prayerbook, it seems appropriate.
I hope it'll be a meaningful experience for folks. I know change can be really hard for people, and it's important to acknowledge that; but change can also be invigorating, and hope we'll speak to that feeling as well. The new book won't answer any prayers, but hopefully people will find it prayer-full.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The RAC on DADT (that's a lot of acronyms)
Here's David Saperstein on the failure to overturn DADT. Really, a great shame, especially right before Human Rights Shabbat.
Today, Senators have failed to support the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who have dedicated their professional lives to the defense of our nation. Refusing to repeal the misguided "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy rejects the views and entreaties of Defense Secretary Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mullen. It also ignores the views of the overwhelming majority of service members whose opinions were solicited in the Pentagon's extensive study of the impact of repeal and who said such action would not negatively impact unit cohesion.
The military's code of honor is tarnished when service members are required to lie about their identity. And as people of faith, we are pained by this affront to the dignity of those in uniform, each of whom, gay or straight, embodies the spark of the Divine presence in every person, and each of whom should be a source of pride for all Americans.
No doubt the courts, which have already shown a willingness to challenge this policy, will soon overturn it in recognition that we cannot in good conscience continue to ask the members of our Armed Forces to fight on behalf of a country that refuses to recognize their basic dignity and rights.
Even as we are deeply disappointed by today's Senate vote, we know that the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy's days are numbered. We look forward to the future when this policy will be a mere memory of a sad and discredited chapter in our nation's history.
Reform Movement Deeply Dismayed by Senate Failure to Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t’ Tell”
Rabbi Saperstein: "As people of faith, we are pained by this affront to the dignity of those in uniform, each of whom, gay or straight, embodies the spark of the Divine presence in every person, and each of whom should be a source of pride for all Americans."
Washington DC, December 9, 2010- In response to the Senate's failure to advance legislation to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
Today, Senators have failed to support the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who have dedicated their professional lives to the defense of our nation. Refusing to repeal the misguided "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy rejects the views and entreaties of Defense Secretary Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mullen. It also ignores the views of the overwhelming majority of service members whose opinions were solicited in the Pentagon's extensive study of the impact of repeal and who said such action would not negatively impact unit cohesion.
The military's code of honor is tarnished when service members are required to lie about their identity. And as people of faith, we are pained by this affront to the dignity of those in uniform, each of whom, gay or straight, embodies the spark of the Divine presence in every person, and each of whom should be a source of pride for all Americans.
No doubt the courts, which have already shown a willingness to challenge this policy, will soon overturn it in recognition that we cannot in good conscience continue to ask the members of our Armed Forces to fight on behalf of a country that refuses to recognize their basic dignity and rights.
Even as we are deeply disappointed by today's Senate vote, we know that the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy's days are numbered. We look forward to the future when this policy will be a mere memory of a sad and discredited chapter in our nation's history.
This fire is still burning: Racism is spreading
An article by my colleague, teacher and friend, Rabbi Michael Marmur. This fire is still burning: Racism is spreading
Free Jonathan Pollard!
This letter was composed by my friend and colleague Rabbi Steven Saks, from Adas Kodesh Shel Emeth.
We, the members of the Delaware Association of Rabbis and Cantors join with the National Council of Young Israel, The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations in calling for the release of Jonathan Pollard. While Pollard actions were clearly wrong, his sentence was disproportionate to his crime. He is the only person to have been sentenced to life for spying for an American ally, the average sentence being 2-4 years. Pollard is now beginning the 26th year of his sentence and is in poor health.
In the interest of justice and compassion we urge you to support Congressman Barney Frank’s effort to have Pollard released from prison. As of now, 39 House Democrats have signed a letter asking the President to commute the reminder of Pollard’s sentence. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Steven Saks, Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth, Wilmington & President of the Delaware Association of Rabbis and Cantors
Rabbi Michael Beals, Congregation Beth Shalom, Wilmington
Rabbi Yair D. Robinson, Beth Emeth, Wilmington
Rabbi Peggy deProphetis, Congregation Beth Shalom, Dover
Beth Cohen, Spiritual Leader, Seaside Jewish Community, Rehoboth Beach
Rabbi Michael Krammer
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Forgot to mention
The URJ's magazine, Reform Judaism, included this blog in their blogroll, specifically my quoting an article regarding college-aged folks' commitment to Israel. You can find that article at Tablet here.
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