tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post2975196016999498071..comments2023-07-27T04:33:11.719-05:00Comments on UJ Thee and Me: THE PERCEPTION OF JFNAGracklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315763008609379449noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-40878697037518227922014-11-26T09:35:52.935-06:002014-11-26T09:35:52.935-06:00The story related by the 12:23 Anonymous commentat...The story related by the 12:23 Anonymous commentator is interesting. Is Israel a required major element of Jewishness? i can tell you it is for me. Not sure if it's "required" for me -- it just is.<br /><br />The bigger question this suggests is whether there is a singular definition of Jewishness that connects with (and more importantly is ascribed to) by the Jewish people?<br /><br />I think that for American jews, increasingly there are many meaningful definitions and just at the same rate there is decreasing identification with (and subservience to) Jewish institutional authority for these definitions.<br /><br />This is being played out within JFNA, within federations and of course across the Jewish community (and especially within established Jewish institutions).<br /><br />JFNA is a failure because it lacks a common vision shared by, committed to and executed by its member federations.<br /><br />Federations are failing for similar reasons, just on a more micro level.<br /><br />By failing I mean like a building is failing (as opposed to lack of success. In fact I'd contend that it is the very success of these institutions and the successful socio-economic status of American Jews -- thank God! -- that have created he conditions for the failure).<br /><br />When American Jews were the "outs," cohesive and shared definitions were needed and they worked. When American Jews became the "ins," our people felt free to self-navigate, self define, etc. The Big Tent that was safe harbor when safety was needed has become un-engaging. By definition it lacks the distinctiveness (and/or has conflicting distinctivenesses within it that are no longer compatible) and so people leave the tent for their own tent.<br /><br />All this is scary to be sure, but also inevitable considering the current conditions. I think as such there is no alternative but to either assume the fetal position or engage in the new fragmented Jewish world where meaning, purpose and value/values rule.<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving!<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-22445656437223838452014-11-26T00:23:54.016-06:002014-11-26T00:23:54.016-06:00Below is a personal anecdote as to why I believe i...Below is a personal anecdote as to why I believe it is a gross mistake of JFNA and Federations to remain silent and not to at least discuss the Jewish State legislation controversy now taking the headlines in Israel. Aside from subverting the spirit of Israel's Declaration of Independence and giving ammunition to Israel detractors worldwide, the bill would give legislative status to Jewish law - a step toward theocracy that would further alienate Diaspora Jewry. <br />A year ago I had a conversation with a senior JFNA professional during which I expressed my satisfaction with the wide range of Jewish self definition and exploration in Israel. The colleague disagreed saying what I was witnessing was a move toward "Israeliness" not Jewishness and that was undesirable. So much for Zionism in our leadership circle.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-8361029536787492082014-11-24T16:08:22.742-06:002014-11-24T16:08:22.742-06:00Points taken.Points taken.RWEXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01583858140298821830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-84248071758421321082014-11-24T15:51:49.475-06:002014-11-24T15:51:49.475-06:00Stop blaming Silverman already.....he was either t...Stop blaming Silverman already.....he was either the right choice or the wrong choice (I think the latter).<br />The blame falls on the Search Committee for his first 5 years; they should have done some diligence (I would be curious to know exactly what form that took).<br />Regarding his renewal contract, you can take your pick, but don't give the Executive Committee a free pass....it would appear that nobody there had any complaints.<br />And you've got to hand it to Jerry for simply taking what JFNA Leadership wanted to give him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-63141095743694575392014-11-24T13:52:38.569-06:002014-11-24T13:52:38.569-06:00"GET YOUR SCORECARDS HERE. YOU CAN'T TELL..."GET YOUR SCORECARDS HERE. YOU CAN'T TELL ONE BOZO FROM ANOTHER WITHOUT A SCORECARD. GET YOUR SCORECARDS HERE."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-56680081072151141682014-11-24T13:46:37.281-06:002014-11-24T13:46:37.281-06:00It's way to easy to blame Silverman. But he ca...It's way to easy to blame Silverman. But he can't help it if he has proved to be the wrong person at the wrong time for the wrong job. For that blame first Kathy Manning and those of her blind followers and then Michael Siegal who knew better and did nothing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-24935465434163147882014-11-24T13:23:31.013-06:002014-11-24T13:23:31.013-06:00Bozo the clown would be a better CEO of JFNA. At l...Bozo the clown would be a better CEO of JFNA. At least it is funny when he dances in public. No Harlem Shake,Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-25503373542210025302014-11-24T06:51:06.588-06:002014-11-24T06:51:06.588-06:00Just out of curiosity, can you name some people wh...Just out of curiosity, can you name some people whom you think would be better at the top professional position of JFNA? Would be interesting for your readers to know whom you are thinking about...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-88144755591228727352014-11-23T17:07:29.345-06:002014-11-23T17:07:29.345-06:00Silverman is the living paradigm for JFNA -- futil...Silverman is the living paradigm for JFNA -- futile, never understanding and incapable of leading. A sad excuse for a CEO. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com