Maybe Politics Should Take a Page Out of Religion

Friday November 1, 2024/Rosh Chodesh Heshvan

Parashat Noah

Hevre/Friends,

This past Wednesday in my Contemporary Halakhah (Jewish Law) class for senior rabbinical students at JTS we explored the topic of Jewish identity and biological descent. The growing population of Jews with one biological parent - mother or father - as a consequence of increasing rates of intermarriage poses a serious and compelling question to a rabbinic tradition that for 2000 years has recognized as Jewish only those born of a Jewish mother or converted. (In biblical times Israelite identity passed through the father.)

It’s over 40 years now that the Reform and Reconstructing Judaism denominations answered it by affirming the ability of a father (or a mother) to transmit Jewish status to a child they raise as a Jew. But the Orthodox and Conservative movements have maintained the matrilineal position, even as Conservative communities are making more efforts to be inclusive of multifaith families and the varied combinations of identities that shape them. This work can also challenge long-held precedents as leaders seek to engage multifaith families in the life of the synagogue and new questions about participation in prayer services and holiday observances emerge. 

As most of you know, in 2015 I took a controversial position as a Conservative-trained rabbi to stand with multifaith couples and, with an adapted ceremony, to officiate at the marriages of those who are committed to establishing a Jewish home, raising Jewish children, and helping to build the Jewish future. We live in a world today where these couples are contributing meaningfully to the strength and resilience of the Jewish people. In fact, on Sunday I will be presiding over the wedding of one such couple whose shared commitment to Judaism and the Jewish people would be the envy of many Jewish families.

As the US Presidential election approaches, I find myself angry and saddened at how diminished our capacity has become for such generative fluidity when it relates to political affiliation. One might think that religious traditions would be the more fearful of porous boundaries, and yet, the political atmosphere in the US and frequently even in Canada is one of extreme and defiant polarization, to the point where we become suspect and derisive of someone who claims one party but appears sympathetic to a policy or position of another. We demand purity of one another in a manner that undermines discussion, stifles debate, and weakens us all regardless of the team we represent. Given the despicable, disgraceful displays of what some consider leadership, it’s not hard to understand such reactivity. And yet, it’s that very horrific behavior that is motivating some to seek alliances with others whom they formerly considered political adversaries.

At the end of the day, a choice must be made on every ballot just as, in my opinion, one must be made in the pew. One can no more vote for two different candidates than identify as both a Jew and a Christian. And yet, our choices can still live in a productive relationship with others and the values that they hold dear. After all, integrity isn’t measured by indifference to any other point of view, but by the ability to speak your truth in the midst of many others. Our social and political discourse ought to be fostering more humble exchanges and more honest struggles. Next week, may the choice made by the American people return us to a path of unity, collaboration, and peace.

With ongoing prayers for the hostages in Gaza, for the injured and the bereaved, and for the soldiers of the IDF, I wish you a Shabbat Shalom.

Dini

(photo courtesy of Ronen Avisror)