,,Contact: The Journal of the Jewish Life Network / Steinhardt Foundation -- Jewish Unity

Contact: The Journal of the Jewish Life Network / Steinhardt Foundation -- Jewish Unity


 

Publication Date: January 2001

Publisher: Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life

Author(s): Michael H. Steinhardt; Yitz Greenberg; Saul Berman

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Values; Jewish Unity; Religious Denominations; Pluralism

Type: Other

Abstract:

This issue of Contact asks: are there traits and beliefs that unite all Jews, and are there areas we should focus on to encourage greater cohesion? Michael H. Steinhardt advocates a focus on joy and celebration as the key to Jewish unity, and as the way to reorient Judaism toward the spirit of the age. Rabbi Yitz Greenberg and Rabbi David Wolpe both suggest that Jewish memory is a bond that links all Jews. Rabbi Saul Berman points to responsibility, and Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg to spirituality. Kyla Epstein Schneider puts forth learning as common ground for all Jews. Maggi Gaines and Rabbi Sara Paasche-Orlow suggest service as the uniting ideal.