Comments for OurJewishCommunity.org

Comment on Anat Hoffman Arrested for Carrying Torah by Rabbi Baum

Rabbi Baum — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:20:42 +0000

@Helen, I agree Anat did want publicity – in order to bring change so that women are not treated unfairly. I admire her for that.

Comment on Anat Hoffman Arrested for Carrying Torah by Helen

Helen — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:37:32 +0000

Obviously, she was looking for the publicity. From looking at the video, she is not arrested for carrying the Torah, she is arrested for not listening to the police, not following instructions. I think it is unrespectful to the Torah she so dearly loves, to hold on to the Torah that way, like a child you are trying to keep a toy from others.
She wanted to be arrested. She wanted to make a point. It would have been better if she just listened to what police was telling her to do.

Comment on Coco the Clown, Humanistic Judaism, and Online Community by Sara

Sara — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:16:04 +0000

Nicely written. So many people complain about the virtual world, facebook etc as pulling us away from real connections, I feel like you however, that it has saved so many of my friendships as we are all spread out across the globe! And oh how easy it is to spread your word now, and this can be so important. Certainly in speaking up for Israel and the Jewish community! So use what has been given to you wisely and spread the word of Torah!

Comment on Lisa’s Adoption of Judaism by Jeff K.

Jeff K. — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:59:29 +0000

I too was drawn to reading Batman as a youngster and continued to read his adventures through the 80′s. The things that he stood for never dawned on me that they could be thought of as Jewish concepts. But now that I have read Lisa’s thoughts, it certainly makes sense that Bob and Bill would make him undeniably Jewish. The character will endure forever.

Comment on Who is a Jew? by Catherine

Catherine — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 04:16:17 +0000

I’m so glad I found this blog entry tonight. I was actually looking up something else. Earlier today I said this:

“I find it interesting that in order to be a Christian, and recognized as such, one only need say they are one, but this does not seem to be the same for Judaism.”

I’m speaking generally here. Too often I’ve felt like I don’t fit even though I’ve had a calling to Judaism since I was young, even though I am not Jewish by either ancestry or through early religious practice. It is that ‘not Jewish enough’ sentiment that has kept me from pursuing anything, plus a lack of resources/location in the past.

I know how G-d and I connect and I’m Jewish enough for s/he, but it is also nice to have an accepting Jewish community too. Thank you.

Comment on Violence against Women in Israel is Wrong by paulacn

paulacn — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:41:44 +0000

I agree Rabbi Baum that it is wrong to treat women, and also anyone with violence. I don’t understand the Orthodox and have never tried…it seems like their way is the only thing they care about! I can’t imagine women tolerating the mens’ behavior.

Comment on Adoption of Judaism by Rabbi Baum

Rabbi Baum — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:51:49 +0000

@Heather – the JPS (Jewish Publication Society) translation is pretty standard. Best wishes!

Comment on Synagogue Dues – A Thing of the Past? by Rivka

Rivka — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:49:55 +0000

I wish you success in finding an alternative way to finance your synagogue. I believe that the budgets of religious organizations should reflect the funds the participants decide to provide. Although I keep a kosher kitchen, my relationship with Judaism has always been tenuous and conflicted because I do not believe in worshiping a deity. I view religion as an opportunity for community and comfort related to tradition. After 40 years of paying dues to various synagogues, my involvement with my local conservative synagogue was terminated by that synagogue leadership when I refused to pay the “required” dues or complete their form to apply for reduced dues. I feel estranged from people I knew for many years, I rarely go to a service at any synagogue and I no longer feel the need to be a synagogue “member”. I make financial contributions or commitments, that I feel I can afford, to support a program/activity/community.

Comment on Synagogue Dues – A Thing of the Past? by Ken B.

Ken B. — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:24:42 +0000

This is something I have long considered. The fact that places of worship are shuttering their doors across the nation while a select few thrive suggests that the thriving ones are those which earn the support of their congregants. Those that fall back on outdated expectations of how they should serve their communities will certainly loose support.

This is about business. Some congregations would argue that the old dues-structure is all about business. But business changes with time and one business inevitably draws customers from those who are under-performing.

Especially in this day and age, people are more likely to voluntarily support something they really believe in than mandatory support something they only grudgingly accept as a “necessity”.

Not very far from where I live, (but too far to attend) there are congregations that have “mandatory dues” based on what you can afford to give. This may sound good but this still requires an up-front purchase of that ticket in the door. For people like myself who are emerging from a temporary financial crisis, this means that I am unwelcome in the mean-time. This also means that I am probably not likely to come back and support those congregations when I have the resources to to give. Those resources will go to that congregation that opened the door for me when I most needed it.

Comment on Adoption of Judaism by Heather Smith

Heather Smith — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:06:48 +0000

Hi Rabbi Baum,
I would appreciate the list as well. I also wonder what Hebrew/Jewish bible translation/version you would recommend. What is most commonly read from?

Thanks!