It was after the destruction of the Second Temple that educational institutes became a central component of Jewish life. With no Temple to keep Jews rooted to their religion, the rabbis realized that study was necessary to keep Jews connected to Torah.
Today, it is freedom of choice so prevalent in so many aspects of American life that often leads Jews on a path away from their heritage, according to Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg, and, again, it is education that will keep Jews rooted.
The Orthodox rabbi was the keynote speaker for last week's Foundation for Jewish Studies annual meeting, which also honored its founder, Rabbi Joshua Haberman. The event, which drew some 250 people and included the announcement of the Joshua O. Haberman Chair for Advanced Learning, was held at Washington Hebrew Congregation, where Haberman is rabbi emeritus. The foundation provides adult learning programs.
At a time when every ethnic group faces a crisis of assimilation, Greenberg, president of Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation, said that the only way to "win loyalty," to nurture identity and commitment is through education.
Those faiths that can adapt, that can educate and that can inspire people with the sense they have a meaningful life, will thrive, he said.
Childhood values are not permanent, he explained, and must be reinforced throughout life. It is not the Orthodox who need to be observant and study, Greenberg said, noting they are in an isolated community, immersed in Judaism. It is other Jews "who have to intensify their observance and learning, because they are far more integrated."
Torah, he said, "is our future. Torah is what unites us. Torah is Klal Yisrael," the people of Israel.
In his acceptance, Haberman echoed many of Greenberg's themes, saying, "Judaism is not kids' stuff. Only with life experience and mental maturity can one appreciate the depth" of Torah teachings, of the sages, Jewish heritage and belief.
Lamenting that many homes today are "Jewishly barren," he said that Jews must not let anti-Semitism shake their self-esteem.
"If all you know about Judaism is expulsions, persecution Š you cannot help but develop a victim complex," he said. Studying the Bible, the writings of the sages and others "can give you the self-esteem you need to immunize yourself against the poison of hatred and think of Judaism not as a punishment," but as a great thing.
In honoring Haberman, honorary FJS board member Stuart Eizenstat ticked off a list of the Reform rabbi's accomplishments, saying, for example, that the rabbi was one of the first to reach out to the Muslim community and that, 30 years ago, he "extended a crucial hand of friendship to the Chabad movement when the first Chabad rabbi, Shmuel Kaplan, came to Washington." Kaplan is director of Lubavitch of Maryland.
A portion of the dinner proceeds (the amount was unknown at press time) will go toward funding the new Haberman chair, which will support an annual lecture series. Last week's annual meeting also included the announcement of the lead gift for the Ammerman Endowment for Lectureship Series, in memory of H. Max Ammerman, who was a Washington-area developer, and in honor of his wife, Josephine. ‹ Debra Rubin
Today, it is freedom of choice so prevalent in so many aspects of American life that often leads Jews on a path away from their heritage, according to Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg, and, again, it is education that will keep Jews rooted.
The Orthodox rabbi was the keynote speaker for last week's Foundation for Jewish Studies annual meeting, which also honored its founder, Rabbi Joshua Haberman. The event, which drew some 250 people and included the announcement of the Joshua O. Haberman Chair for Advanced Learning, was held at Washington Hebrew Congregation, where Haberman is rabbi emeritus. The foundation provides adult learning programs.
At a time when every ethnic group faces a crisis of assimilation, Greenberg, president of Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation, said that the only way to "win loyalty," to nurture identity and commitment is through education.
Those faiths that can adapt, that can educate and that can inspire people with the sense they have a meaningful life, will thrive, he said.
Childhood values are not permanent, he explained, and must be reinforced throughout life. It is not the Orthodox who need to be observant and study, Greenberg said, noting they are in an isolated community, immersed in Judaism. It is other Jews "who have to intensify their observance and learning, because they are far more integrated."
Torah, he said, "is our future. Torah is what unites us. Torah is Klal Yisrael," the people of Israel.
In his acceptance, Haberman echoed many of Greenberg's themes, saying, "Judaism is not kids' stuff. Only with life experience and mental maturity can one appreciate the depth" of Torah teachings, of the sages, Jewish heritage and belief.
Lamenting that many homes today are "Jewishly barren," he said that Jews must not let anti-Semitism shake their self-esteem.
"If all you know about Judaism is expulsions, persecution Š you cannot help but develop a victim complex," he said. Studying the Bible, the writings of the sages and others "can give you the self-esteem you need to immunize yourself against the poison of hatred and think of Judaism not as a punishment," but as a great thing.
In honoring Haberman, honorary FJS board member Stuart Eizenstat ticked off a list of the Reform rabbi's accomplishments, saying, for example, that the rabbi was one of the first to reach out to the Muslim community and that, 30 years ago, he "extended a crucial hand of friendship to the Chabad movement when the first Chabad rabbi, Shmuel Kaplan, came to Washington." Kaplan is director of Lubavitch of Maryland.
A portion of the dinner proceeds (the amount was unknown at press time) will go toward funding the new Haberman chair, which will support an annual lecture series. Last week's annual meeting also included the announcement of the lead gift for the Ammerman Endowment for Lectureship Series, in memory of H. Max Ammerman, who was a Washington-area developer, and in honor of his wife, Josephine. ‹ Debra Rubin
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