Reform Movement Commission on Lifelong Jewish Learning The Joint Commission on Lifelong Jewish Learning (CLJL) is a reflective, deliberative and collaborative coalition that advises its constituents on systemic issues that involve Jewish learning. The executive committee is made up of representatives from each of the primary bodies of the Commission who have Jewish education as their primary mission: URJ, HUC-JIR, NATE, CCAR, ECE-RJ and PARDeS. The CLJL is designed to meet the need for a structured, ongoing forum in which the overarching vision and priorities for Jewish education in the Reform Movement emerge. Read more.
A conversation with Rabbis Ellenson and Yoffie at the Joint Commission on Lifelong Jewish Learning, May 2007
At the most recent meeting of the CLJL, participants had the privilege of hearing the reflections of two leaders of our movement, Union for Reform Judaism President Rabbi Eric Yoffie and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion President Rabbi David Ellenson. We share the audio here. Consider listening and discussing the questions with a synagogue board or education committee, chevruta learning partner, chavurah or group of adult learners, or high school class. To share with us how you’ve used and benefited from these recordings, please send an e-mail to educate@urj.org.
Question One
Q: We represent the Jewish educational system in the Reform Movement. You are our teachers. What do you want us to learn from you here and now?
A: Rabbi Ellenson discusses the challenges and benefits of developing a Jewish identity in modern times. Rabbi Yoffie emphasizes the joy and celebration of Jewish life.
Q: Orthodox Judaism is growing in North America – growing richer, growing stronger and growing younger. What should we be learning from Orthodoxy?
A: Rabbi Ellenson reflects on his Orthodox Jewish upbringing and his commitment to Reform. Both Rabbis struggle with relating to the Orthodox Movement’s leadership proper.
Q: 90 years ago Franz Rosenzweig analyzed the Jewish world around him and said at the opening of the Lehrhaus in Frankfort, that Jewish education had to be a centripetal force, in his words “from the outside in.” Ayn chadash tachat hashamesh! This analysis seems cogent here and now. There is a literate, passionate and committed core of Reform Jews and a periphery that seems to be increasingly remote and indifferent. Take issue with this premise or, if you accept it, advise us how to respond.
A: Rabbi Ellenson addresses the hope and the challenge: islands of renewal among oceans of indifference. Rabbi Yoffie emphasizes the importance of Jewishly literate leadership in our movement.
Q: Recently the chairman of Yeshiva University donated $100 million to Yeshiva University. If and when someone donates $100 million to HUC-JIR or the URJ, how would you begin to spend it?
A: The importance of day schools is emphasized. Rabbi Yoffie also speaks about the importance of teacher training.
Q: Rabbi Katzew asks the panelists to reflect on their spiritual lives and their relationships to God. What gives you hope for the future of Reform Judaism?
A: Rabbi Ellenson sees hope in the graduates of HUC-JIR. Rabbi Yoffie shares those Reform values that most inspire him (equality of women, adapting tradition and social justice).
Vice Chairs: Sam Joseph, HUC-JIR; Mindy Davids, NATE; Rabbi Eric Gurvis, CCAR
Executive Committee: URJ - Rabbi Dan Freelander, Wendy Grinberg, Rabbi Mike Mellen, Paul Reichenbach HUC-JIR - Michael Zeldin, Jo Kay CCAR - Rabbi Daniel Gropper, Rabbi David Cohen NATE - Lisa Lieberman Barzilai, Deborah Niederman ECE-RJ - Norma Cahen PARDeS - Allan Hirsh III ARZA - Anna Kislanski
