Yoffie on Fundamentalists

URJ

Today in the Huffington Post, Rabbi Eric Yoffie writes an interesting editorial on what Reform Jews can learn from the ultra-orthodox.  (Read it here.)

Of course, we abhor many aspects of Jewish fundamentalism (e.g. bigotry, chauvinism, close-mindedness, etc.)  But Yoffie admires the cohesiveness and responsiveness of their community.  When it comes to visiting the sick, consoling the bereaved, or helping those in need, ultra-orthodox Jews take responsibility and participate in ways that—in liberal Jewish communities—are often left to the rabbis or a few select volunteers.

For Discussion:  What can we (at WHC) do to make it easer for our members to feel connected to each other and to participate in the mitzvot of community life?

P.S. — After 14 years as the president of the Union for Reform Judaism, Rabbi Yoffie has announced that he will retire in June, 2012.  In an undoubtedly wise decision, the Union has asked our own president, Peter Winik, to serve on the presidential search committee.  In a much more questionable very generous decision, Peter has accepted.