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Election special
Written by Ben Jacobs
Passover may seem like a distant memory, as might the subsequent matzah fest, but at this point in the Jewish calendar we are still very much thinking about the transition from slavery to freedom. What does it mean to be free? Popular culture might extol the virtues of a Lennonesque anarchy, with no borders, religion, posessions or inequality of outcome. However, if freedom isn't expressed in those terms, and we assume that rules do protect us from the abuse of power, then we bear certain responsibilities also. In my humble opinion, nothing could express a more profound commitment to that freedom, and its value in our lives, than voting. Today is the day people, when we decide on our collective future. Given your stake in it, I very much suggest that you have your say.
If you're still undecided, then take a look at the Reform Movement's website. You can see letters written by the three party leaders to the Reform Jews of Britain. On a related note, you might also want to check out their recent speeches made at a General Election Assembly Citizens UK event (which I was at - it was pretty cool!)
A liberal's argument for same-sex marriage
Written by Ben Jacobs
Kieth Olberman, a famous American news anchor and left-wing political commentator, is a long-standing advocate of same-sex marriage. This thought-provoking plea to the people of California was largely drowned out of the news cycle by Obama's election a little over a year and a half ago. I wanted to shine a light on it once more. Some background info: gay marriage was made legal in California in June 2008. 4 months later however, a change in the law called Proposition 8 meant that the right for same-sex couples to marry was repealed. This angered the gay community, and is the subject of Olberman's disappointment. To watch the broadcast, click here. Alternatively, you can read the transcript below:
The benefits of failure and the importance of imagination by J.K.Rowling
In her commencement address at Harvard University's graduation ceremony, J.K. offers some words of wisdom. A really good 20 minutes worth of procrastination if you have time. To watch click here.
Add a commentCrazy, Hazy and Lazy – Sarah's Musings on Denominations of Judaism Today and her Reform Judaism
Written by Sarah Grabiner
Having been on Machon for nearly 3 months now, I have learnt a lot about my own Judaism as well as other denominations. Not only has this led me to further understand, criticize and respect other ways in which people choose to practice their religion, but it has also led me to some understandings about my own choices and customs.
I maintain my Reform perspective and attitudes. However, I have decided that up until now my practices have not actually been true to my ideology. We throw around terms like \"informed decision making\" and \"personal autonomy\" and I am usually the first to defend Reform Judaism as more than just non-observance. I would claim that it is not a lesser way of practicing, just a different one; that I am not subscribing to an inactive, thoughtless, unreligious variety of Judaism but that on the contrast, I believe Reform Judaism to be more authentically \"Jewish\" in the sense of debate, thought and discussion contributing to the way we practice. I label myself as a religious Reform Jew but am I true to myself? Do I actually practice what I claim? Or is it hypocrisy to claim to be more than just the Progressive stereotype of \"lazy\" Jews who just d
on\'t really feel like/want to/have time to carry out the "real" Judaism of the Orthodox world.
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