Today's visit to the Jewish synagogue was informative as well as entertaining. Rabbi Ari's sense of humor and his ability to honor Jewish doctrine while acknowledging the realities of today's society and his congregation was impressive. It was interesting to learn the differences between Orthodox, Conservative, and Reformed Jewish practices. For example, Rabbi Ari's explanation of him, as a Conservative Jewish rabbi, not being allowed to perform or attend a marriage ceremony between a Jew and non-Jew was intriguing. I gained a better understanding on why the rule exists but definitely appreciate the difficult position this puts him in with respect to wanting to share in the joyous union of a couple that the next day would be welcomed into his temple. There are many similar predicaments across faiths, I would imagine.
I live in a community with a large population of Jewish families. I have attended bar/bat/and binai mitzvahs and after my first bar mitzvah I distinctly remember thinking, our faiths have SO much in common! OK - Jesus Christ is a big difference, but still . . .I am grateful that my own children can experience and learn about faiths other than their own when they are young and not have to wait until they are adults. I love that they don't see their friends as different and that they are excited to celebrate their religious milestones with them - and not just because of the parties at the receptions =)
Just wow! (Oh, and just one more time, Rabbi Ari's personality made this experience even better - what a great presenter!)
I live in a community with a large population of Jewish families. I have attended bar/bat/and binai mitzvahs and after my first bar mitzvah I distinctly remember thinking, our faiths have SO much in common! OK - Jesus Christ is a big difference, but still . . .I am grateful that my own children can experience and learn about faiths other than their own when they are young and not have to wait until they are adults. I love that they don't see their friends as different and that they are excited to celebrate their religious milestones with them - and not just because of the parties at the receptions =)
Just wow! (Oh, and just one more time, Rabbi Ari's personality made this experience even better - what a great presenter!)