Conservative Judaism Sicha Material
METNY 10th and 11th Grade Shabbaton
February 21-22, 2014
Session 1 - Friday night
Icebreaker (5 min)
USYers introduce themselves and share one word they would use to describe what
Judaism means to them.
Discussion questions:
- Was it easy to choose only one word? Why or why not?
- Did everyone pick similar words?
Judaism means many different things to different people. It can even mean multiple
things to one person. Tonight and tomorrow we’ll be discussing how to combine and
struggle with all of these different understandings of Judaism.
Introduction (10 min)
Ask one volunteer to read the quote below. Ask another volunteer to read it for a second
time.
“Judaism should change from one time and place to another. The simple fact is that the
world does not stand still, and consequently, all living organisms must learn to live
under new circumstances if they are going to survive. Judaism in no exception…”
- Elliott Dorff
Discussion questions:
- What does this quote say?
- Do you like or dislike the quote?
- What are examples of Judaism changing in different places?
- What are examples of Judaism changing in different times?
Scenarios (20-30 min)
Elliott Dorff is a Conservative rabbi who teaches at the American Jewish University. His
quote fits well with the phrase “tradition and change,” which is often used to describe
Conservative Judaism. We’re now going to explore some scenarios of when tradition
and change seem to be in conflict. As you’re discussing these scenarios, remember to
keep in mind the needs of everyone involved, not just your own personal opinion.
Two options for scenario format based on timing/mood of group.
Option A: Split USYers into 2 groups. Each group discusses one scenario and
prepares a skit to act out the decision they made.
Option B: Split USYers into 2 groups. Each group discusses all three scenarios.
Make 2 new groups with equal representation from first groups. Each group
discusses one scenario, sharing the decisions from the first group.
Scenario 1
Sarah’s family belongs to a synagogue where women do not equally participate in
rituals like reading Torah and leading services. Sarah has never been very interested in
Judaism, so one summer her parents decide to send her to a Jewish camp. This camp
is Conservative and egalitarian: both women and men participate in ritual life. Sarah
falls in love with Judaism and she even learns how to read Torah! When she gets back
from camp, Sarah tells her rabbi that she wants to read Torah at the synagogue. How
should the rabbi respond to Sarah?
Perspectives to keep in mind:
Sarah, who just learned to love Judaism
The rabbi, who believes in egalitarianism but has only been at the synagogue for
a few months
The congregation, a mostly older crowd that is very set in their ways and is also
seriously lacking in good Torah readers
Sarah’s parents, who are afraid of Sarah rejecting Judaism
Sarah’s friends, who think it’s weird that she wants to be so involved in Jewish
life
Scenario 2
David’s father is Jewish and his mother is not. They decided to raise David in a Jewish
home, but have never been very involved in synagogue life. A lot of David’s friends from
school are in USY and they are talking about the upcoming kinnus at lunch. David says
that he wants to go but a friend responds that David can’t go because he’s not really
Jewish. You are another friend sitting with them at lunch. What do you say?
Perspectives to keep in mind:
David, who grew up thinking that he was Jewish
David’s parents, who raised him as a Jew and made a decision not to convert
him
The USY chapter president, who would really appreciate a new member
David’s friends, who want to spend the weekend with him
Wrap up (5-10 min)
With all of the characters and values involved in these scenarios, there is no right or
wrong response. There also is no easy response. Judaism often conflicts with other
values in our lives. Whether it’s prom and Shabbat or tradition and change,
Conservative Judaism provides us with a way of thinking that takes into account many
different factors.
Session 2 - Saturday afternoon
Icebreaker (5 min)
USYers introduce themselves and share one word they would use to describe
Conservative Judaism.
Introduction (10 min)
Although many of us identify as Conservative Jews, it is often hard to define what
exactly that means. It is sometimes easier to think about who Conservative Jews are or
what Conservative Jews do. Or what Reform or Orthodox Judaism is.
Discussion questions:
- How would you describe a typical Conservative Jew?
- What differentiates Conservative Judaism from Reform Judaism?
- What differentiates Conservative Judaism from Orthodox Judaism?
- Does a Conservative Jew observe Shabbat? What does that look like?
- Does a Conservative Jew believe in egalitarianism? What does that look like?
Struggles (15 min)
A few months ago, the Pew Research Center published a report on American Jews.
This report was filled with both shocking and expected data. One popular interpretation
of the study is that the Conservative movement is shrinking. Thirty percent of Jews who
were raised Conservative now identify as Reform and 4% now identify as Orthodox.
These ideas led to much discussion and conflict among leaders and members of the
Conservative movement.
Discussion questions:
- Do you think this data is important?
- Why might people who grew up as Conservative Jews not identify as
Conservative Jews now?
- What do you like/not like about Conservative Judaism?
- What will Conservative Judaism look like in 10 years? 50 years? 100 years?
- What will American Judaism look like in 10 years? 50 years? 100 years?
Strengths (15 min)
While there are many struggles within Conservative Judaism, there are also huge
successes -- both on a small and large scale.
Split USYers into 2 or 3 groups. Each group picks one significant success of
Conservative Judaism and brainstorms how to showcase this success to the
Conservative movement/American Jews/the world. This success can be an anything
from an organization to a personal story. Each group shares their ideas with the other
groups.
Wrap up (5 min)
Note: This wrap up represents my own opinion. Please feel free to replace with your
personal connection to Conservative Judaism.
I’d like to end with sharing some of my own views on Conservative Judaism. Being the
movement in the middle, it’s really easy for Conservative Judaism not to make definitive
statements on anything. Or to make multiple opposing statements on the same topic.
While this lack of clarity can be frustrating, I also think it’s the most beautiful part of
Conservative Judaism. Judaism does not mean the same thing to everyone.
Conservative Judaism recognizes this fact, and it attempts to make Judaism accessible
and meaningful for as many people as possible. This approach could be seen as wishywashy or indecisive, but I choose to view it as open and inclusive. I hope you all
continue to struggle with your relationship with Conservative Judaism and Judaism as a
whole.