Why I’ll Be at the Centennial

By Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson

Anyone who knows me knows that I found a home in the ideas, community, and practices of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. I am grateful every day for this way of loving the tradition that lets us integrate the many blessings of today’s best hearts and minds into a Judaism that is dynamic, observant and spiritual enough to require disciplined effort and to inspire greatness.

My love for Conservative/Masorti Judaism is why I will be attending the United Synagogue Centennial this October, and why I invite you to join me there too.

A century after Rabbi Solomon Schechter established the United Synagogue, we find ourselves again invited to re-imagine and re-invigorate a religious movement that has had such a powerful impact on Jewish life precisely because of its courage to retain, to renew, and to recalibrate.

We are United Synagogue — all of us, and each of us! In the last few years, United Synagogue has worked tirelessly to reinvent itself to strengthen and renew our kehillot, leading and supporting them toward becoming the inspiring communities our people crave and our clergy inspire. I’ve seen firsthand the passion, talent, and commitment that USCJ’s Rabbi Steven Wernick and his team brings to this mission.

This is a conference for everyone – an all-too-rare occasion for us to contribute to our collective future. I will participate in the Centennial Conversation, not only as a teacher but as a student. I want to learn and converse with the extraordinary array of rabbis, cantors, educators, and lay leaders who share my passion for a pluralist halakhic observance and my hunger for harvesting a raucous aggadah to continue to draw our traditions forward. I want to ignite our prayers and help Jews (and seeking non-Jews) find meaning in our beautiful masorah. I want honest consideration about connecting with Jews who’ve married non-Jews, with real gender inclusion, and with a new generation that doesn’t simply join a synagogue out of inertia or guilt. I want to talk about Israel and how we can be in conversation with others who share a love of Israel deeper than our diverse political convictions. I want to share a love of Torah.

Now is the time to rally together for Conservative/Masorti Judaism. Let’s embrace this opportunity for shared reflection and inspiration. Let’s join together to face today’s challenges and, like those who have come before us, rise in joyous service of God, Torah, and Israel, together!

Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson holds the Abner & Roslyn Goldstine Dean’s Chair at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, American Jewish University