I miss the culture and decorum of our old East Coast synagogues - traditional cantorial music, a cappella music, not turning Jewish services into a church with pianos and other instruments.
Sometimes people have disabilities and just getting to certain locations is a problem. Add in event fees and memberships and the problems increase even more. And being treated as an equal socially and professionally, respecting our education. is another concern.
I have a very different view of participation - acknowledge that 10% of American Jews earn less than $32,000 per year. Treat people as professionals and equals, socially and professionally. Build inclusion and accessibility into program location, fees, carpooling, etc. Offer direct career support as the Catholic, Muslim and LDS religions do. End the Seattle freeze. Be there standing up for us when we experience antisemitism. Did someone remove my first, longer comment
Nice article. My thoughts on expanding membership.
All religions are supported by three principal elements: Faith, tradition, and values. It's been my observation that the Jewish experience is strong on faith and tradition, but values deserve more emphasis. What are the principal values Judaism embraces? Name the top 10? Or even 5? It's fuzzy and inconsistent. Is equality in the top 10? If so why are sexes segregated in an orthodox sanctuary? Nice to 'talk-the-talk' but need to 'walk-the-walk' also.
Our contemporary society has devolved and entered into a values free zone. Most, if not all, of our established institutions, government, judicial, and religion, have become unmoored because values are no longer a priority.
Judaism can offer a sanctuary from contemporary chaos by delivering a clear, consistent, and authentic accounting of values.
I saw that sign at Rainier and Dearborn and didn't know what to make of it. But, now I know. Thanks for explaining.
I miss the culture and decorum of our old East Coast synagogues - traditional cantorial music, a cappella music, not turning Jewish services into a church with pianos and other instruments.
Sometimes people have disabilities and just getting to certain locations is a problem. Add in event fees and memberships and the problems increase even more. And being treated as an equal socially and professionally, respecting our education. is another concern.
I have a very different view of participation - acknowledge that 10% of American Jews earn less than $32,000 per year. Treat people as professionals and equals, socially and professionally. Build inclusion and accessibility into program location, fees, carpooling, etc. Offer direct career support as the Catholic, Muslim and LDS religions do. End the Seattle freeze. Be there standing up for us when we experience antisemitism. Did someone remove my first, longer comment
Nice article. My thoughts on expanding membership.
All religions are supported by three principal elements: Faith, tradition, and values. It's been my observation that the Jewish experience is strong on faith and tradition, but values deserve more emphasis. What are the principal values Judaism embraces? Name the top 10? Or even 5? It's fuzzy and inconsistent. Is equality in the top 10? If so why are sexes segregated in an orthodox sanctuary? Nice to 'talk-the-talk' but need to 'walk-the-walk' also.
Our contemporary society has devolved and entered into a values free zone. Most, if not all, of our established institutions, government, judicial, and religion, have become unmoored because values are no longer a priority.
Judaism can offer a sanctuary from contemporary chaos by delivering a clear, consistent, and authentic accounting of values.
Articulate those. That's the covenant.