Machon Schechter slams its students

Two brief, incomplete, articles were published last week by the Jerusalem Post and the JTA, talking about a, uh, problem at Schecter concerning gay rabbinical students. Jewschool has an exclusive report from sources close to the story, which I recommend reading.

Some stories have been floating around the media with varying levels of accuracy, but Jewschool has obtained the full (or fuller) story from reliable sources. The real story here isn’t about gay and lesbian rabbis in the Conservative movement (that was last year’s story); it’s about the lengths to which people and institutions will go out of fear, demonizing their own students and losing all perspective.

The story begins a year ago this week, when the Jewish Theological Seminary announced that it would begin admitting openly gay and lesbian students to its rabbinical and cantorial schools. (The American Jewish University, formerly the University of Judaism, is now also admitting gay and lesbian students.) One year later, to mark the anniversary, JTS held a program on Wednesday called Hazak Hazak V’nithazek: Celebrating Strength Through Inclusion, a full day of study, conversation, and celebration.

Several JTS students studying this year at Machon Schechter (the Conservative rabbinical school in Jerusalem where American Conservative rabbinical students are required to spend a year) wanted to participate in the celebration going on in New York in some way, and since they couldn’t attend physically, they organized a small parallel event in Israel. According to email invitations sent to the Conservative Yeshiva and other rabbinical students in Jerusalem, the students invited Yonatan Gher, former Director of Communications for the Masorti (Israeli Conservative) movement, incoming director of the Jerusalem Open House, and a member of Masorti congregations his whole life (and recently profiled in the New York Times because he and his partner are having a child via a surrogate mother in India), to speak over lunch about his personal experiences as a member of a GLBT family in the Masorti movement.

The email announcing the event makes clear what this event was not: It was not intended as a proposal for an official Schechter event. It was not a discussion of Schechter’s admissions policy. (Schechter does not admit gay and lesbian students.) It was not a protest or demonstration to advocate for change in Schechter policy. It was not a halakhic debate, nor was it an exposition of a particular halakhic position. It was not an event manufactured for the media. It was not a “ceremony,” as the media has incorrectly reported it. It was simply a lunch-and-learn with an opportunity for students to listen to Mr. Gher’s personal story and to participate remotely in JTS’s anniversary event. The email says that outright.

Read more…

Canada and Israel, x2

The government of Israel is partnering with Jewish community organizations in Toronto to improve Israel’s image and to get Canadians thinking of the country outside “the narrow prism of the Arab-Israeli conflict.”

Ido Aharoni, founder of the ministry’s Brand Israel concept said the ministry has conducted market research over the past few years that showed “Israel is viewed solely through the narrow prism of the Arab-Israeli conflict… Israel’s personality is 90 per cent dominated by conflict-related images and some religious connotations,” he said. “Those of us who know the brand intimately are disturbed by the divergence of brand and the perception.”

Federation spokesperson Howard English said his organization and other federated communities across the country are committed to supporting the branding initiative and mobilizing the Jewish community behind the effort. [source]

From my temporary station in the US, I heard the same spin coming from an AIPAC sponsored-speaker this weekend. Yes, there’s war, the speaker acknowledged, but why aren’t we praising Israel’s contribution to technology, alternative power sources, and films? (”Such a small fraction of a percentage of the world speaks our language, but yet our films win awards at all of the film festivals! Everyone should be seeing our films!”) Why is this the wrong approach? Why does this idea of rebranding, marketing Israel as “more than violence!” irk me? Because Israel’s military policies and human rights abuses should not be ignored just because some Israelis are also really good at developing computer chips. If anything, as the Jewish nation, Israel should be held to higher standards than secular nations, or nations of other religions.

And what about the other issue: not all Jews share the same views (ideologically, politically, religiously) of Israel. And yet Federations are supposed to (at least in theory), represent and support all Jews. If Canada’s Federations follow suit, as English suggests, won’t we just continue to further alienate those among us who already feel out of place in our communities? Any time a national organisation, or network of organisations, makes a statement saying “All of Us will do X, Y, and Z,” it makes me nervous - and makes me realise just how far removed those organisations are from the communities and people they’re supposed to be serving.

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First Canada signs with the US, now with Israel? What the heck is going on, Harper?! And what could these “common threats” be?

In a statement released by Canada’s Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Day said the declaration would help both countries address “common threats” to national security.

“Today’s declaration demonstrates the longstanding co-operation between Canada and Israel on public safety issues, and we welcome this increased co-operation in order to improve our countries’ capacity to protect our citizens,” Day said.

Among the items listed in the declaration, the two governments stated their intent to co-operate in the areas of border management and security; correctional services and prisons; illegal immigration; money laundering; organized crime; terrorist financing and trafficking in persons.

The document also outlines both countries’ desire to set up “clear lines of communication and points of contact” between them; to “identify and share public safety concerns on the basis of threats, risk assessments, priorities, vulnerabilities, and consequences” and to “facilitate technical exchange co-operation, including education, training, and exercises,” among other objectives. [source]

Oh, I get it now… Canada and Israel have a common border and need to be worried about illegal immigrants crossing it. No, wait, that can’t be it… Day, under Harper, is upping his Evangelical rhetoric and wants to ensure that the Jews who run the banks don’t take over the Canadian Mint? Hrm, probably not… I know, Day’s afraid (again) that UNICEF money will go to impoverished Palestinian children again, making Canadian trick-or-treaters “terrorist funders”? No? Well, I’m outta ideas then.

Tune in next week, when Canada signs a “you scratch our backs, we’ll scratch yours” with China.

Who wants to be an Everett Fellow?

cross posted to Jewschool.

Many of the writers here at Jewschool share something amazing in common: we were Everett Fellows. And you could be too!

Imagine late-night singing and philosophical discussions under the stars… engrossing Jewish learning … opportunities to participate in a variety of services, arts experiences, shabbat celebrations, and outdoor activities… the chance to meet a group of dynamic,
thoughtful, energetic Jewish young adults as well as community members of all ages at a weeklong institute. Sounds fantastic, right?

Apply to be an Everett Fellow at this year’s National Havurah Summer Institute. As an Everett Fellow, you can enjoy the institute for a fraction of the actual cost and benefit from a built-in community of other 20-something Jews.

The National Havurah Summer Institute 2008 will take place August 11th-17th at Franklin Pierce College in rural New Hampshire. Each participant selects two week-long courses on topics ranging from text study to ethics and social justice to arts and culture. In addition to the week-long classes, there are daily workshops and activities;
participants (even first-timers) are encouraged to design and teach a workshop, lead services, or otherwise take leadership roles. The community is egalitarian, diverse, and pluralistic.

Everett Fellows participate fully in the classes, workshops, and other activities at the Institute, plus they enjoy their own peer-led programming designed to help them form a community and support each other’s exploration of various Jewish issues. Fellows receive a scholarship for tuition, room, and board and only have to pay for registration and dues.

For more information, you can check out the National Havurah
Committee’s website at havurah.org (click on “summer institute brochure available”). The application is due May 15th. If you have any questions, you can leave a comment, or email institute@havurah.org

Looking forward to seeing you at the Institute!

Florida

After a nearly missed connection, lost luggage, and finally found luggage delivered soaked in an entire bottle of Dr Bronner’s (thanks, TSA, for not closing my toiletries after your inspection!), I got to southern Florida to join the University of Rochester Hillel’s Alternative Spring Break. The U of R was chosen as one of nine schools to take part in Hillel National (USA)’s ASB pilot program. Two students were given leadership training and support in planning the trip, and Hillel subsidized the costs. (This week o’social action cost each student $150.)

The students chose to go to South Florida, to work with Centro Campesino, a non-profit, rural development organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life and self-sufficiency of migrant and seasonal farmworkers, their children and other low-income families of all ethnic and racial backgrounds. The work they signed on for was fixing up a home for migrant workers. In addition to their daily work, they had sessions with local organisations, including Centro Campesino, to learn about issues facing migrant workers.

One of the conditions for the project was that the students must receive a minimum of three sessions of Jewish education over the course of the week. That was my job: Jewish educator. In addition to working alongside the students, I gave lessons on Jewish perspectives relating to housing, workers, and living wages, mostly as text study and discussions. I also helped organise Shabbat - I was especially impressed with our SoFlo niggun, composed on the spot for Psalm 99. Amazing.

In addition to finishing the tasks we were given in the home, the group found time to explore a bit of South Florida. At Robert Is Here, we found tasty, locally grown fruits that we hadn’t had before, including mamey sapote (which looks like a giant, squishy sweet potato, and tastes like sweet potato pie), fruits that were so fresh they almost had a different flavour (mangoes, key limes, papayas, kiwis), and more. One of the taller guys was able to pick a coconut, which I opened for the group - the coconut water was tasty (though not as tasty as it is when chilled), and the flesh was delicious. Having finished the work ahead of schedule, we spent Friday afternoon at the infamous South Beach, a short walk from the “woo! Spring Break!” and gay sections. We went on walks through Everglade National Park and alligators and herons and the sunrise.

It was a great experience, and I’m really happy that U of R Hillel let me join them.

Now, New York!

[Photos are here.]

George Bush: sinner

Recently, the Vatican has made some announcements that I was none too happy about.

But now?

Polluting the environment, and becoming ridiculously wealthy while doing so, are two of the new deadly sins unveiled by the Vatican.

Aiming to update morality for modern times, the Pope’s top lieutenant on matters of sin and penance, Bishop Gianfranco Girotti, promulgated the new list of capital vices over the weekend.

The new list is designed to make the faithful take into account how their lives impact others in a globalized world.

Of course, had I stopped reading there I could have given a brownie point to the church. But some of the other sins on the list make me detract a few: “‘Bioethical’ violations such as birth control” and “‘Morally dubious’ experiments such as stem cell research,” aren’t helpful. So let’s see… you’re a sinner if you use birth control, but you could die from contracting STIs, including HIV/AIDS, without it. (Brings a whole new meaning to “damned if you do, damned if you don’t.)

[source.]

Québec, encore.

English translation will follow shortly (in the comments). I felt it important to write in French after being back in Quebec for a week… (With thanks to .)

[Cross-posted from Jewschool.]

Et les Montréalais ne vois rien de mal à leur perspective «orthodoxe est le seul judaïsme nous [ne] pratiquons [pas]»? Ceux qui me connaissent ont déjà entendu mon discours contre la communauté juive de Montréal. Les options sont orthodoxes, orthodoxes, ou conservadoxes. Oui, il y a une synagogue réforme classique à Westmount. Et, oui, il y a une synagogue reconstructioniste à Côte-St-Luc. Mais pour un homme shomer Shabbos vivant sur le côté est, ces deux options ne sont pas viables. Selon les statistiques, je les appris par coeur dans un cours universitaire, Montréal est la seule ville en Amérique du Nord ayant plus orthodoxe que conservateurs et réformateurs juifs (c’est-à-dire, il y a très peu de Juifs qui s’identifient réformateurs ou conservateurs, même ceux qui mangent leurs hamburgers avec fromage). Il s’agit d’une ville où le discours d’ouverture sur les premières pages de l’annuaire des entreprises juives a commencé par une blague contre les réformateurs - et personne n’a jugé inapproprié.

Donc, il je ne suis pas étonné quand je vois que les effets de la fermeture et l’insularité de la communauté orthodoxe ont fait des ravages sur la société québécoise.

Un sondage national mené à la suite de la commission sur les «accommodements raisonnables» révèle une disparité frappante entre les attitudes Québécois à l’égard des Juifs et celles des autres Canadiens. Le sondage commandé par l’Association d’études canadiennes (AEC) et effectué par Léger Marketing entre le 31 Janvier et 4 février a demandé à 1500 Canadiens s’ils étaient en accord avec, en désaccord avec, ou ne savaient pas/n’ont pas d’opinion sur une série de déclarations concernant les juifs et l’antisémitisme. Selon les résultats du sondage, 41% des Québécois étaient en accord, tandis qu’un autre 41% étaient en désaccord avec l’idée que «les Juifs veulent imposer leurs coutumes et leurs traditions aux autres». Par contre, face à cette même idée, le reste du Canada étaient en accord à 11%, et en désaccord à 74%. La moyenne nationale était de 19% d’accord et 64% en désaccord.

Quant à une autre déclaration - «les Juifs veulent participer pleinement à la société» – 41% des Québécois étaient en désaccord, et 31% étaient en accord, à comparer au reste du Canada qui a répondu en désaccord à 8% et en accord à 72%. La moyenne nationale était de 16% en désaccord et 63% en accord.

À l’idée «les juifs ont apporté une importante contribution à la société», 35% des Québécois étaient en désaccord et 41% étaient en accord, tandis qu’au reste du Canada 10% étaient en désaccord et 74% étaient en accord. La moyenne canadienne était de 16% en désaccord et 65% en accord. [citation.]

Ne vous méprenez pas: je suis attristé que, en l’an 2008, à la société civilisée du monde occidental, les gens peuvent toujours penser si à l’envers. Dans le cas du Québec, je pense que la responsabilité est double et de grands changements sont nécessaires.

Je pense que ces problèmes sont le résultat d’une province traditionnellement catholique, avec l’Église au centre - les écoles publiques étaient (et sont encore, sans doute) gérés par les conseils scolaires français catholiques. Mes parents, qui ont grandi tous les deux au Québec, ont de nombreuses histoires à raconter sur ce sujet. Soit de se faire battre le dimanche après-midi par les ados catholiques qui viennent aux quartiers juifs (histoire de s’amuser après la messe), soit de se faire taquiner et se faire demander de «montrer leurs cornes», où bien d’être obligés de rester dans les couloirs pendant les prières se faisaient à l’école. Même à mon quartier de l’est, moi aussi, j’était affronté à antisémitisme qui m’a stupéfié – je me suis fait aussi demander de «montrer mes cornes» et me fait appeler les noms racistes. Le résultat de cette histoire de tourments et d’ignorance continuelle, c’est que la population juive vit dans les communautés insulaires exclusives dans les quartiers spécifiques. Je suis sûr que cela crée, d’un certain degré, la protection contre la haine, mais elle crée aussi des problèmes. Les Québécois n’ont donc pas l’occasion de fréquenter les Juifs, d’apprendre à connaître les Juifs comme leurs voisins, et de témoigner qu’il n’y a rien de bizarre ou de sinistre en cours. (Cette situation est à comparer avec celle au reste du Canada où les Juifs vivent en quartiers plus mitigés et intégrés. Ces quartiers juifs au reste du Canada n’arrivent même pas d’atteindre le même taux de densité juive comme, par exemple, à Côte-St-Luc et à Hampstead (les arrondissements de Montréal), qui ont tous les deux un taux de densité de plus de 70% juive.)

Comment pouvons-nous s’avancer? La province devrait réexaminer le système scolaire qui ne semble pas parvenir à créer un environnement ouvert, divers, et qui comprend toute la société. Les hommes politiques doivent se résister au Parti Québécois et demander que ces idées xénophobes et racistes soient rejetées (le province de Québec est, et doit être, pour biens d’autres que les «québécois»; dont les anglophones Québécois, les immigrants et d’autres Canadiens, qui viennent y habiter. Tous ces groupes devraient être traités de façon égale). De cette façon, la notion d’«accommodements raisonnables» et ses débats seront une chose du passé, et le Québec cessera de tacher une nation autrement avant-gardiste.

Mais je pense également que la responsabilité revient à la communauté juive de tendre la main et de contribuer à l’instruction. La première fois que j’ai rencontré antisémitisme à Montréal je marchais vers le côté ouest, vers le shul le jour du Yom Kippour, il y a quelques années. Par coïncidence, un membre du Congrès juif canadien a donné une conférence sur l’antisémitisme entre les services du matin et l’après-midi. Il a remarqué comment les Juifs de Montréal sont mis à part. «Vous rappelez-vous la dernière fois que vous êtes allé jusqu’à la rue St-Laurent?» At-il demandé, «Ou bien la rue St-Denis!?» Son point de vue était que la communauté juive avait besoin d’assumer des responsabilités à «construire des ponts». Comme les Juifs ne se mélangent pas avec les Québécois, beaucoup de Québécois propagent l’antisémitisme purement parce qu’ils n’ont jamais rencontré un Juif. J’ai cité mes expériences avec l’antisémitisme au cours de la période de questions. Quand j’ai dit que j’habite à l’est de la rue St-Denis (le côté français de la ville), je me suis fait dire que devais déménager et que je n’aurais pas à faire face à la haine dans les quartiers juifs. Les ghettos juifs ne sont pas la solution, ils n’ont pas fonctionné jusqu’ici, comme vous pouvez voir, grâce aux débats sur l’accommodement raisonnable et les statistiques ci-dessus. Les juifs devraient reconnaître qu’il y a un côté est de la ville de Montréal et qu’il existe toute une province au delà de l’île de Montréal, où les gens peuvent, et doivent, passer toute leur vie sans rencontrer un Juif. Prendre des excursions avec votre famille et vos enfants vers les petites villes. Apprendre le français. Connaître mieux vos collègues de travail québécois.

Je suis fermement convaincu que les mauvaises attitudes du Québec peuvent se transformer. Néanmoins, il va falloir travailler, pardonner, et surtout éduquer chez les deux côtés afin d’améliorer les conditions de vie dans la belle Province.

Modesty - or Arrr, Mateys!

This photo makes me smile.

I found it on TFOFR’s flickr stream, with the comment “The only headcoverings allowed in the church are headscarves” on an accompanying photo. So I’d taken off my baseball cap, which I’d intentionally worn in lieu of a kippah that day in Bethlehem, and put on a friend’s scarf. I love that the solution was crossdressing, of sorts.