This Summer in Jerusalem

The closest I got to Israel as a youth was erecting a U.S. military tent in the Utica, Mississippi, backwoods of Henry S. Jacobs Camp. At least we called it the Kibbutz program. Now, our high schoolers have the opportunity to visit the real deal. The issue is whether we will lend them a helping hand.

Be an Amazing Faith

“A Jew, a Catholic, a Muslim, a Protestant and a Hindu walk into a sanctuary.”

No, this is not the first line of a joke; it is a reality we can help create.

Petition for Pluralism

During my year of rabbinical studies in Jerusalem, I learned that one of the easiest ways to make an Israeli look like a deer in the headlights is to try to describe pluralistic Judaism. The conversation went like this:

“You’re studying to be a rabbi?”

“Yes.”

“So you’re ‘dati’ (ultra-Orthodox)?”

“No.”

“You’re obviously  not ‘chiloni’ (secular).”

“Right.”

“So you’re ‘dati.’”

“No, I’m studying to be a Reform rabbi.”

“Reform?”

“I’m neither ‘dati’ nor ‘chiloni.’ I’m in between.”

“What is this?”

Silence.