tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post8703549191384892333..comments2023-07-27T04:33:11.719-05:00Comments on UJ Thee and Me: THE GA...FOREVERGracklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315763008609379449noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-3338861400782056972013-07-09T21:48:06.637-05:002013-07-09T21:48:06.637-05:00As the Executive Director of CLAL at that time, I ...As the Executive Director of CLAL at that time, I was very involved with the 'Who Is A Jew" issue. The effort by the CJF (led by Shoshana Cardin) was done the appropriate way. No picketing or other public demonstrations. And, it was effective.<br /><br />I never said that the JFNA should not be involved. I said that GAers going to the Wall was not appropriate and would not be effective. Picture some GAers supporting the WoW and some supporting those who do not beleive in mixed-gender davening, which is, in fact, what will happen. <br /><br />If you reread my last comment I suggested that the JFNA connect with Hiddush and or other organizations dealing with the bigger issue of developing a pluralistic nstion.<br /><br />The changes in Israel will be made by the people of Israel. It is our job, and the job of the FEDS, to strengthen them. paul jesernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-90673588190066433892013-07-09T21:05:36.559-05:002013-07-09T21:05:36.559-05:00Paul, I must say that I agree with Richard. The fa...Paul, I must say that I agree with Richard. The fact that many supporters of federations are traditional and opposed to mixed davening, is not an acceptable excuse for JFNA not to act. Think back to the late 1980's when "Who is a Jew" was the most important issue that Diasporah Jewry dealt with. I remember recruiting Orthodox leaders in my own community at the time to meet with the PM who was closely connected to them) to advocate for the inclusion of Reform and Conservative Jews regardless of halachah. This was done on the basis of how divisive the issue was. If I am not mistaken even the then president of CJF, herself a traditional Jew was one of the strongest advocates for the position of inclusion. JFNA and the federations should take a leadership position in having traditional Jews address this issue now. It is not an issue of davening together, but rather to be able to daven at the Wall. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-38081739014276860872013-07-09T19:17:13.081-05:002013-07-09T19:17:13.081-05:00And consider the optics as found in a future headl...And consider the optics as found in a future headline in The Forward. "Women risk safety to pray while cross town machers are feted in their fair and balanced GA".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-41185686684694842272013-07-09T18:49:00.023-05:002013-07-09T18:49:00.023-05:00:-)
Instead of spending time writing that letter,...:-)<br /><br />Instead of spending time writing that letter, JFNA should invite Stanley Gold (who happens to be past President of the LA Fed) to speak about Hiddush (www.hiddush.org). Now, that would be a worthwhile expenditure of time and effort.paul jesernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-59249840479275163652013-07-09T17:42:45.089-05:002013-07-09T17:42:45.089-05:00Paul,
Thanks. Of course, all of this is hypotheti...Paul,<br /><br />Thanks. Of course, all of this is hypothetical and the expectation is that nothing at all will happen until the GA is over, all have gone home...and JFNA delivers a letter to the P.M.RWEXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01583858140298821830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-18587997024452183272013-07-09T16:28:08.030-05:002013-07-09T16:28:08.030-05:00I understand the points made.
First - to be clear...I understand the points made.<br /><br />First - to be clear - I will not daven where men and women are separated. When in Jerusalem I try to attend Kol Hanishama.<br /><br />2nd - I think that what is happening at the Wall is unacceptable and needs significant and quick change.<br /><br />Having said that, and not withstanding the earlier comments, I still feel that having a delegation from the GA join the WoW is not the right way to go - especially since there are many within the FED system, traditional Jews, who do not believe in 'mixed-gender' davening.<br /><br />I also find it questionable that the FEDS, with their significant lowering of percentage support of Israel, think that they will be effective.<br /><br />The issue is larger than what just happens at the Wall. I'd suggest that if the FEDs want change that they support organizations such as Hiddush (S.Gold) and others. If those organizations are strengthened, then change will come much more quickly than if a bunch of GAers show up at the Wall.paul jesernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-22993280098978822372013-07-09T14:52:08.610-05:002013-07-09T14:52:08.610-05:00Isn't a restudy of the GA one of Jerry's &...Isn't a restudy of the GA one of Jerry's "Signature Projects" in the 2014 Budget? Maybe he'll appoint Manning to Chair the effort -- keep it "in the family" once again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-10703132245440048722013-07-09T11:08:17.817-05:002013-07-09T11:08:17.817-05:00Paul,
Even though we most often agree, I find mys...Paul,<br /><br />Even though we most often agree, I find myself in real disagreement with you over whether the right to pray at our People's holiest site is a "domestic issue." It isn't; it is a fundamental right of the Jewish People, of Jewish women as well as Jewish men. It is far too simplistic for you, Paul, to unilaterally determine that this issue (or others) are "domestic to Israel" and, therefore, Diaspora Jewry has no voice and no right to assert basic Jewish values.<br /><br />We can make a statement, as Women of the Wall have done, and still support a "stronger Israel;" in fact, some would argue that pluralism and tolerance will "...make Israel a stronger and more secure nation."RWEXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01583858140298821830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-81615574640764671802013-07-09T10:55:06.365-05:002013-07-09T10:55:06.365-05:00And if during the GA on rosh chodesh morning more ...And if during the GA on rosh chodesh morning more eggs, epithets and worse are thrown at our sisters at the wall, will we be sitting quietly in a hall waiting for a glimpse of Bibi? Just once, once, let us stop being "responsible" and "nice" and do what our values tell us is right. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-80300262204136858722013-07-09T09:00:06.400-05:002013-07-09T09:00:06.400-05:00Careful - although I support the Women at the Wall...Careful - although I support the Women at the Wall, and gender mixed davening, I'm not sure American Jewish intervention in what is a 'domestic' issue is the way to go. I don't think it'd be well received if Israelis joined pro (or anti) abortion protests here in America.<br /><br />I think that the best way to solve that - and the many other issues Israel faces - is to make Israel a stronger and more secure nation. The FEDS have moved away from that responsibility with the significant reduction of percentage of funds raised being sent to Israel. That sends a loud and horrible message.<br /><br />I hope that the GA planners will follow the lead of those who planned National UJA missions to Israel - more time with the people than in meeting rooms. Revive what happened on the KOACH and other mega-missions. I think that will be much more effective than taking sides at the Wall.paul jesernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-63761595151665153802013-07-09T07:47:25.189-05:002013-07-09T07:47:25.189-05:00Both Comments are terrific -- wouldn't it be g...Both Comments are terrific -- wouldn't it be great if the GA marked a "new Day" as well as Rosh Chodesh? RWEXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01583858140298821830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-14733607240920437472013-07-09T07:01:43.739-05:002013-07-09T07:01:43.739-05:00Rosh Chodesh will occur during the GA. Rosh Chodesh will occur during the GA. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565163061165974643.post-79977833825523007972013-07-08T20:05:47.465-05:002013-07-08T20:05:47.465-05:00A simple suggestion to save not only the GA but Is...A simple suggestion to save not only the GA but Israel -Diaspora relations: Announce that during the GA there will be a gender mixed minyan at the Western Wall fully supported by JFNA, individual federations and any other groups Israeli or Diaspora that will sign on. Validate the leadership of Women of the Wall and show that we walk the walk of inclusivity and gender equality.Restore our Relevancenoreply@blogger.com