What’s God got to do with it?

November 26, 2008 · Filed Under Baum's Blog 

Have you ever noticed that Jews (and even many Jewish professionals) are really good at closing doors? Too often in the Jewish world, walls are built instead of doors being opened.

I was so pleased to read an article in which Edgar Bronfman attacks the ultra-Orthodox conversion system which is rigid and unaccepting. Bronfman argues that if a person says he or she is Jewish, we must accept that person as part of the Jewish people. Amen!

While Orthodox law tries to define one’s Jewishness in strict ways (specifically you have to be born to a Jewish mother or you must convert), Jews like Mr. Bronfman and I prefer Judaism to be open and inclusive.

In addition, we recognize that Judaism is not about buying into an inflexible belief system. A compelling point from the article is “You don’t have to believe in God to be Jewish.” Amen – there is a wide spectrum of belief among Jews! Even the Orthodox should agree with that- after all, they don’t make you assert belief in God to call yourself a Jew (you just have to have a Jewish mother!).

The God Concept of Congregation Beth Adam and OurJewishCommunity.org is worth reading. But, if you prefer the CliffsNotes version, here’s what I take away from it:

  • The concept of God has changed greatly over the course of Judaism’s history.
  • Jewish theology is inherently diverse.
  • There are many views of God that are compatible with viewing Judaism from a humanistic perspective. Within that framework, we recognize that authority rests within individuals and events of the world follow laws of nature and are a product of human actions. This still leaves much room for a person to believe in God.
  • In being Jewish, one’s concept of God need not be primary. We also embrace aspects of Judaism and its traditions, membership in Jewish peoplehood, and a philosophy that emphasizes human reason and experience.
  • We must be open in our discussions and not assume that the language we use (like the word ‘God’) means the same thing to everyone.

There may be no answers, but the journey is a great deal of fun.

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Comments

3 Responses to “What’s God got to do with it?”

  1. DMS Says:
    November 26th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

    That’s an excellent summary. The whole point is to allow people to use their Reason (god given, evolved, or whatever the source) to live a life that contributes to humanity.

  2. Godwrestler Says:
    November 28th, 2008 at 3:51 pm

    Amen! It is up to us to make tikkun olam reality! I post a poem here about two recent tragedies that ties in methinks.

    We offered thanks
    in America
    but the
    following day
    we trampled
    a Wal-mart employee
    to death

    We offered thanks
    in America
    but killed
    a young rabbi and
    his wife
    and many others
    in Mumbai

    Gratitude
    must begin in
    our hearts
    take over our
    lives
    so that we can truly
    see eachother as
    sisters and brothers,
    holy sisters and brothers

    If not now,
    WHEN

    @2008 Yosef Atzulit NurWasi Lopez-Hineynu

  3. NiceJewishBoy Says:
    December 10th, 2008 at 3:32 am

    Thank you Rabbi Baum for writing this blog and also for pointing out the Bronfman article.
    I found them both very encouraging and uplifting.
    I agree with your thoughts on prefering Judaism to be open and inclusive and I was very pleased to read such a positive and reassuring message.

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