 White Plains, NY – 100-year old Temple Israel Center, one of the largest and most influential Conservative Jewish synagogues, is hosting a major symposium on Conservative Judaism January 13th.
The event is a highlight of the synagogue’s Centennial celebration that includes a variety of community, educational, charity, and musical events.
The symposium will consist of nearly a full day of learning and high energy dialogue with leading-edge thinkers and scholars in the Conservative movement: Dr. Michael Berenbaum, Dr. Judith Hauptman, and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg.
Drawing from traditional and modern learning, the scholars will present their visions of God, Torah, and Israel—the classical three pillars and defining elements of Jewish belief.
“Many deeply connected Jews today find it hard to affirm the traditional views of God and Torah” commented Rabbi Gordon Tucker, Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel Center. Tucker, a former dean of the Rabbinical school of the Jewish Theological Seminary, and a noted scholar in the Conservative community, felt it was important to extend the conversation on the central tenets of Judaism beyond the walls of the Seminary.
“Our community is home to many highly engaged Jews who are searching for meaningful and inspiring answers to the most basic question: What does it mean to be a Jew in the 21st century?” noted Tucker.
There has been much speculation and discussion in the press over the past few years on the direction of the Conservative movement. And with the new Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, Arnie Eisen, announcing a renewed focus on “commandment,” it seems as if this symposium comes at just the right time.
“Our desire is to expose our community, and the community at large, to a diverse and original group of thinkers” said Rabbi Neil Zuckerman, Rabbi of Temple Israel Center. “We have assembled a group of scholars with a variety of perspectives—from the academic to the communal to the international.”
The symposium isn’t shy about asking the tough questions. The session led by Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg of London is ambitiously titled: Understanding God: Conservative Perspectives on the Struggle to Define and Connect with the Divine. Professor Judith Hauptman will focus on understanding the nature of the authority vested in Torah. Dr. Michael Berenbaum will wrestle with the question of Israel’s particular place in the world, often expressed by the traditional but problematic word “chosenness.”
Mark Zeichner, president of Temple Israel Center noted, “This event is very much focused on the community of committed Jews at large. We look forward to hosting this symposium and hope to welcome many Jews from communities across the tri-state area and beyond. These important questions are being asked by Jews everywhere.”
Since there is likely to be a large turnout, the organizers are advising the community to pre-register for the symposium by either calling 914-948-2800 (x175) or sending email to
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. The suggested contribution for the Symposium is $20 per person, which includes lunch. There is no charge for students and teachers.
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