Big Tent Judaism

Is Your Judaism Merely Gastronomic?

This past Friday, Rabbi Roy Walter of Houston’s Congregation Emanu El delivered a resounding sermon on what he thinks is today’s “most serious threat to Judaism.” In response to this question made by an 11th grade student, Rabbi Walter did not answer with intermarriage, or other typical scapegoats. Rather, he hearkened back to a statement made by Dennis Prager years earlier, who said:

There are really only two kinds of Jews: serious Jews, and non-serious Jews. Those categories have nothing to do with Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform; it’s a non-denominational issue. Serious Jews and non serious Jews. Those are the two categories that count.

Rabbi Walter continued, “The most serious threat to Judaism, in my opinion, is non-serious Jews.” His statement is big and worth fleshing out.

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Addressing the Needs of Interfaith Families in 2030

On May 23-24, 2011 in New York, JOI will convene Judaism2030: A Working Conference for a Vibrant Jewish Future. This cutting-edge conference will bring together Jewish communal professionals and volunteer leaders to chart a course for a more inclusive and welcoming Jewish community—both now and in the future.

Integral to every session throughout the conference is how we address engaging interfaith households and other populations traditionally marginalized by the organized Jewish community, including GLBT Jews, multiracial Jews, and unaffiliated Jews.

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You Don’t Look Jewish

The editors of Heeb Magazine have gained a reputation for pushing the envelope of Jewish satire, often to a degree which many find offensive. Others see them as a hip, anti-establishment publication that serves as a critical voice of mainstream Jewish America. Whatever your opinion may be, they have never been afraid to take on serious issues in an edgy and provocative manner.

Recently, they introduced a new feature on their website that takes on the issues of Jewish diversity and identity in a uniquely straightforward way.

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A Little Small Talk with JOI

Lisa Robbins, director of outreach and engagement initiative “Let My People Know” at the Tampa Jewish Community Center and Federation, recently spoke to JOI associate executive director Paul Golin about intermarriage and what the Jewish community can do to support intermarried families who are raising Jewish children.

The interview, which you can watch on YouTube, is a great starting point for anyone who wants to not only understand the work we do, but also understand why we feel so strongly that being open and inclusive toward intermarried families is vital to our future as a Jewish community.

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