ShefaNetwork.

org: The Conservative/Masorti Movement Dreaming from Within

ShefaJournal 5770:3

Why Must Masorti/Conservative Judaism Thrive?

Editor’s Note:
ShefaNetwork.org was born in December of 2004 in the hope that an equalized and dynamic
conversation between Jewish professionals and lay members invested in the Masorti/Conservative Movement
could occur. Better than that, the vision was that this conversation would move beyond the institutional
limitations and hierarchical dysfunctionality that had plagued our leadership in the Diaspora, in Israel, and the
rest of the world. Better than that, the dream was to make this new, mentchlich conversation contagious. To
date, the ShefaNetwork is made up of 507 participants spanning all ages, all walks of life, professionals,
professors, high school students, grandparents, rabbis, sociologists, early childhood educators, journalists and
more. There have been 3,514 posts and 8 ShefaJournals during the past six years, some of which have been
utilized by individuals, shuls, and by national organizations concerned with and deeply involved in the future of
Masorti/Conservative Judaism.

These last years have been transformative, with stronger and intentionally positive public relationships
between leaders of our Movement, emerging alignment between Masorti Judaism in Israel and Diaspora
Masorti/Conservative institutions, publication of new and vastly improved siddurim and machzorim (130,000
copies of Machzor Lev Shalem have already been purchased and Siddur Va’ani Tefilati was on the Israeli
Bestseller List for 4 months this past year).

It never hurts to ask basic affirming questions, especially facing a Movemental

future which remains unsure despite our many successful projects. This
ShefaJournal is an attempt to clarify the motivations behind the energy so many
professionals and lay leaders expend for the sake of Masorti/Conservative
Judaism. It is not narrow interest that compels the emotionality of our
conversation – it is hope for the Jewish People and for the world at large that
commands our devotion. The three pieces within this ShefaJournal are short,
focused responses to one profound and simple question: The Mission of the
ShefaNetwork is two-
“Why Must Masorti/Conservative Judaism Thrive?” fold: To bring together
dreamers from within
Each response is intended to be an outpouring of the heart, a quote usable by the Conservative
any institution of – and any individual in relationship with - the Global Masorti Movement and to give
Movement. But we only matter if we connect with people, and these their dreams an audible
statements of principle alone will not do it. People are looking for a spiritual voice.
home in which they find meaning – they (we) look to tradition to help them (us)
We are part of the
deal with contemporary life. If we offer that, we will succeed.
Conservative Movement
and commit ourselves to
May the year ahead find us healthy, strong - and hopeful!
work towards its health.
Be a part of our
Rabbi Menachem Creditor community of builders
Rosh Chodesh Elul 5770 and dreamers!
Berkeley, CA

© 2010, shefanetwork.org
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Why Must Masorti/Conservative Judaism Thrive?
Why Must Masorti/Conservative
Judaism Thrive?
Nina S. Kretzmer
Conservative Judaism enables us
to celebrate and learn from the past,
present, and future through commitment
to study and halachic observance.
Conservative Judaism preserves
our ability to claim our right as human
beings and human communities to shape
our history and reminds us that at the
same time, boundaries are very healthy
and necessary.
Conservative Judaism reminds us
that intellectual honesty, intellectual
dialogue, and critical scholarship are
Jewish values.
Conservative Judaism reminds us
that literalism does not equal truth.
Conservative Judaism reminds us
of our equality as human beings and thus
our equal obligations as Jews.
Conservative Judaism is capable
of restoring religious freedom and
equality to the Jewish homeland.
Conservative Judaism reminds us
that tension is real, healthy, necessary for
us to grow, and a source of meaning in
our lives.
Conservative Judaism is the
Judaism of simultaneous liberation and
gravity, teaching us to be unafraid.
ShefaNetwork.org: The Conservative/Masorti Movement Dreaming from Within
Why Must Masorti/Conservative
Judaism Thrive?
Rabbi Neil Tow
Masorti-Conservative Judaism should
thrive because it is in the wonderful,
mysterious, traditional, modern and ever-
changing "center".
History is all too often a swing from one
end of the spectrum to the other, from
the conservative to the liberal and back
the other way, or from the traditional to
the new-age and back.
Conservative Judaism has the true grit to
remain in the volatile "center" with all
the vulnerability and uncertainty that will
accompany any religious movement that
seeks to exist within such important but
tenuous boundaries.
"Do you accept the challenge of living in
a dynamic Judaism that won't let
tradition go but also won't hide its head
from the blossoming of human
consciousness and civilization?"
Yes, it's a bit heady, but that's for me!
The Mission of the ShefaNetwork is
two-fold: To bring together
dreamers from within the
Conservative Movement and to give
their dreams an audible voice.
We are part of the Conservative
Movement and commit ourselves to
work towards its health. Be a part of
our community of builders and
dreamers!
2
ShefaJournal 5770:3
Why Must Masorti/Conservative
Judaism Thrive?
Karla Worrell
Because, by connecting traditional texts
and halachah, with their rich complexity,
to contemporary Jewish life with its rich
complexity, Masorti/Conservative
Judaism creates an accessible authentic
bridge connecting us to both our ancient
past and our unfolding future.
It offers a living halachah that is both
binding and flexible and communities
where this halachah can be explored and
embraced from a positive perspective
with meaningful purpose rather than by
rote with an "all or nothing" approach.
It provides a place where our prayers can
flow from the heart as we seek
covenantal communion through a variety
of expressions.
Its egalitarian inclusive environment
opens the doors of Jewish learning and
living to all Jews inviting participation
and growth on all levels.
Being part of Masorti/Conservative
Judaism gives us a unique voice in the
ancient yet ongoing conversation that is
Judaism while connecting us to our local
communities and klal Israel through the
shared history, destiny and commitment
that bind us in unity.
Without Masorti/Conservative Judaism
there would be many passionate,
creative Jews without an opportunity to
express their souls and contribute their
gifts in ways that are meaningful to them
and enriching to all of us.
© 2010, shefanetwork.org