Posts by Rabbi George Gittleman

My last blog elicited more of a response than anything I have ever written for the Voice! The topic was “alienation,” specifically, how the overwhelming majority of Jews in America are alienated from Judaism and Jewish Tradition.
I guess I “hit a nerve.”
I received three kinds of responses: folks who wanted to help by offering suggestions regarding how to make Judaism/Services more compelling and meaningful; people who personally resonated with the feelings of alienation I articulated; and some who simply said that in one way or another my blog “brought up stuff” both good and not so pleasant, about their experience and relationship to Jewish life.
In truth, when I wrote the blog I had no ulterior goal or objective other than to put “on paper” what had been bouncing around in my mind for a while. But now, given your response, I am wondering if a more extensive conversation is in order. What is on your minds? What does Judaism mean to you? What excites you? What turns you off? When you look into your crystal ball, what do you see in the Jewish future? I’m not promising anything but interest and openness to what you have to say.
Feeling alienated from Jewish life?
Interested in a conversation about what keeps you (and perhaps others) away, as well as what might make synagogue participation more compelling? Here are two ways to respond: Join me for a bagel brunch and conversation on Sunday, January 30 at 10:00 am in the Kolbo room; or e-mail me with your thoughts at rabbi@shomreitorah.org.
Please RSVP for the brunch to denise@shomreitorah.org.
I look forward to what we discover together.
RG