From: dkantor@uspi2.Prime.COM (Dave Kantor)
Subject: Re: Conversion Question
Organization: Prime Computer, Inc.
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1992 16:11:10 GMT

Judging from the following excerpts, it appears that my posting regarding
celebrating common tradition and respecting differences has been either
ignored or rejected.  I can't tell since there's been no response from
anyone who has participated so vigorously in criticizing and insulting
their fellow Jews.

In article <10Nov92.035339.18650@granite.ciw.edu>, cohen@quartz.ciw.edu (Ronald Cohen) writes:
> In article <1992Nov10.032437.14904@umbc3.umbc.edu> shimoff@umbc4.umbc.edu (Eliot Shimoff) writes:
> >
> >I assume that some Reform Jews will soon enter the fray.  In
> >case they don't, let me suggest that they are convinced that
> >_they_ are the legitimate inheritors of rabbinic Judaism!

I assume you've interviewed a representative sampling of Reform Jews to
arrive at this blanket generalization.  My own experience among Reform
Jews has been one of inclusion and community.  I have heard or seen nothing
that would support this observation.  

> 
> I don't know how they can think they are "the legitimate..."
> when they don't even accept the concept of halacha.

Why must Reform Jews past a litmus test of legitimacy proscribed
by other Jews ?  More importantly, what is to be gained by this kind
of condescension ?  How could this possibly be good for the
Jewish people ?


> My personal view is that reform Judaism is a failure...

I think that many thousands of Reform Jews who have enjoyed an
enriched and meaningful Jewish life would be profoundly insulted
by being called failures.  The only failure among Jews that I see
is a failure to put aside divisive inter-denominational struggles,
and concentrate on building a stronger feeling of community among
the Jewish people as a whole.  Calling an entire section of our
community a failure is at best counter-productive and at worst
simply mean-spirited.  


> This is not meant as flame war, nor should it be insulting to
> anyone. 

Just because you say it shouldn't be insulting does not make everything
OK.  By questioning their legitimacy and calling them failures, you HAVE
insulted many of your fellow Jews.  I wish you could find it in your heart
to honor and respect all members of the Jewish family, not just those who
share your views on halacha.


> I do not "reject" Reform. 

In a previous posting, you stated that " If I had my druthers, there would be no
reform Judaism...".  If that isn't a rejection, what is it ?

Allow me to include an excerpt from my previous posting, which for me sums
up this whole issue:

"The OCR debates have raged often in this group, and IMHO have done more to polarize us than bring us together.  Can we not instead focus on our shared
values ?  We may disagree about halacha, but we all care deeply about our
heritage and our future as a people.  Let us put aside this divisive and sometimes
insulting debate, and seek a more supportive and respectful relationship among
all Jews."

We can do this if we try.

-- 
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David Kantor
Computervision Services (formerly PrimeService, formerly Prime Computer)
dkantor@uspi2.prime.com 

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