In Judaism there’s room for all religious streams

Simonne Horwitz

Many of the replies from members of the Progressive movement have excellently discussed aspects of rabbinic training, outlined some of the principles for which our movement stands and the ways in which we express our Judaism.

I would like to add another dimension to this by drawing from a document a group of young Progressive Jewish leaders put together at a retreat a month ago as a way of articulating some of the core values to which we relate – values that speak to us, as young people from all different backgrounds who have chosen to be part of the Progressive movement. 

As Progressive Jews we strive to harness the Divine Presences in our daily life. We make the continual choice to be engaged in the Progressive Jewish community. As such, we draw on a tradition that wrestles with dynamic interpretations of the Torah, Jewish tradition and communal texts.

We engage with and seek to influence contemporary society. From this emerges a proactive desire for dignity and justice and a celebration of the Divine in every person and all living things. We are Jewish people of faith who actively celebrate our rich cultural heritage and tradition and strive to create an authentic sacred experience.

We endeavour to create a fully inclusive community that seeks to build a sustainable world that embodies environmental and substantive social justice. We seek to actively fulfil the prophetic ideals of universal peace, harmony, balance, human dignity and a just society.

Of course, these ideas and beliefs don’t speak to everybody, but they resonate with how many of us live our Jewish lives. Value judgements don’t add anything to the conversation, nor will they change how either group practises – and nor should they. 

Each of us has the right (and ability) to choose the way in which we practise our Judaism and we do so in a way that speaks to our heart and soul. 

In Canada, Jews who identify as Ultra-Orthodox, Orthodox, Modern Orthodox, Conservative, Progressive/Reform and Humanist, live side by side. In most cases one group does not necessarily agree with the interpretations and forms of practice of the other, but the pages of the Jewish newspapers are not filled with animosity between the communities.

I hope that in the future, Jewish communities in South Africa can live side by side, that our rabbis can share a platform as equals at communal events and that we can recognise the value in each other as human beings – Jewish human beings.

Bramley, Johannesburg/Saskatchewan, Canada