Despite high intermarriage
rates and the decline of men participating in synagogue life, Rabbi
Eric Yoffie is bullish about the future of Reform Judaism.
“Intermarriage is a reality in
American life and it flows from the fact (that) America has embraced
us like no other country,” said Yoffie, president of the Union for
Reform Judaism, which, with 1.5 million members, is the largest of
the three main branches of Judaism.
His strategy: “Welcome them into our synagogues and encourage
them to be part of Jewish life. Encourage conversion, if they are
interested, and if not, encourage the couple to raise the children
as Jews.”
As for the decline of men participating in synagogues, Yoffie
notes that other religions – including mainline Protestant
congregations – are having similar problems. “There are no magical
answers,” he said. “We're struggling hard with this.”
But the denomination's headquarters in New York, Yoffie points
out that Reform Judaism is growing – so they must be doing something
right.
“We live in an era when we tend to think that vibrant religion is
found only in the traditional or conservative movements,” he said.
“That just isn't so. It's possible to be a liberal Jew, in the
religious sense not in the political sense, and to be part of a
vibrant movement.”
He added: “People are hungry for religious experience. They're
hungry for community. They're hungry for religious ritual.”
Yoffie will bring these challenges and this optimism with him
next week when he and some 5,000 Reform Jews come to San Diego for
their biennial convention. From Wednesday through next Sunday, they
will get to choose from nearly 200 workshops and come together for
talks ranging from stem cells to Muslims at the San Diego Convention
Center.
For the first time, a major Muslim leader will address the entire
assembly.
Ingrid Mattson, president of the Islamic Society of North
America, is scheduled to speak on Dec. 16, the final day of the
meeting.
Yoffie said he's serious about bridging the gap between Muslims
and Jews. “This isn't just a feel good kind of thing,” he said.
Actor Michael J. Fox, who is helping lead a campaign for stem
cell research, will speak to conventioneers. So will Orange County
evangelical pastor Rick Warren, author of the best-selling book “The
Purpose-Driven Life.”
Attendees will get a chance to participate in a variety of
worship services and styles (including ones centered on yoga and
meditation).
The convention also will officially roll out a new women's
commentary on the Torah, which is being touted as a groundbreaking
book incorporating more than 80 female biblical scholars, rabbis,
archaeologists, historians, poets, cantors and philosophers.
The public is invited to shop in a makeshift Judaica emporium on
Dec. 16, when the convention center exhibit hall will open its doors
from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wares range from T-shirts and jewelry to
synagogue pews.
“I think all of this,” said Yoffie, “speaks to the vitality of
the movement.”
Sandi Dolbee: (619) 293-2082; sandi.dolbee@uniontrib.com
