Ccar Journal Spring 2022

Central Conference of American Rabbis Spring 2022 Journal Published by CCAR Press, a division of the Central Conference of American Rabbis

The CCAR Journal: The Reform Jewish Quarterly, Summer 2022 Published by CCAR Press, a division of the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Central Conference of American Rabbis Spring/Summer 2021 Journal Published by CCAR Press, a division of the Central Conference of American Rabbis

The CCAR Journal: The Reform Jewish Quarterly, Fall 2002 Published by CCAR Press, a division of the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Combining age-old texts, fresh insights, inspiring poetry, new translations, and breathtaking art, Mishkan HaSeder sets a new standard in Passover Haggadot. Using the beloved format of Mishkan T'filah and Mishkan HaNefesh, this Haggadah offers beautiful new translations by Rabbis Janet and Sheldon Marder in conversation with an extraordinary collection of poetry from a diverse array of poets. The running commentary by Rabbis Oren Hayon, Seth Limmer, and Amy Scheinerman draws out the historic background of the seder rituals, builds on the social justice issues of our day, and offers contemporary connections to Passover. The text is complemented by full-color works from acclaimed artist Tobi Kahn that will enhance any seder experience. Mishkan HaSeder features poetry by Yehuda Amichai, Ellen Bass, Lucille Clifton, Edward Hirsch, Ross Gay, Emma Lazarus, Denise Levertov, Ada Limon, Grace Paley, Dan Pagis, Adrienne Rich, and many more. Equally suited to home and community celebrations, this is a Haggadah for today and tomorrow. Mishkan HaSeder has the depth to stimulate experienced seder leaders while its accessible explanations will make those joining our tables for the first time feel welcome. "In this brilliant new Reform Haggadah, the old is made new in a spiritual depth that is dazzling. The felicitous translation of traditional and modern sources, the insightful commentary and questions, the moving poetry, the aesthetically evocative depth of the art, and the beautiful and accessible layout of the text all combine to make this Haggadah a genuine treasure that will enrich Passover and the experience of the seder for this generation of religious seekers. We are all indebted to the CCAR for making this publication possible." -Rabbi David Ellenson, Chancellor Emeritus, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion "Finally, a Haggadah that is gorgeous, creative, serious, egalitarian, poetic, and inspiring! With so many layers of meaning and beauty, this new liturgy for the seder will nourish the skeptics, the seekers, and the scholars in your midst. This is the Haggadah my family and yours have been waiting for." -Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President, Union for Reform Judaism "Mishkan HaSeder is a gorgeous new Haggadah, with powerful feminist commentary that illuminates the moral and ethical underpinnings of the Passover seder and opens new doors of understanding, as well as inspiring poetry that deepens the experience. This is the new gold standard for every seder table." -Sheila Katz, CEO, National Council of Jewish Women "From poetry that lifts the heart to colorful artwork that deepens our vision, from the Talmud's wisdom to the insights of contemporary Jewish teachers, from ancient practice to the urgent call for justice in our own day, Mishkan HaSeder will enrich the Passover seder for experienced participants and newcomers alike. Like the seder itself, this new Haggadah is a gathering, a blessing, a feast." -Rabbi David Stern, Senior Rabbi, Temple Emanu-El Dallas and Past President, Central Conference of American Rabbis "This is the Haggadah you have to own. An amazing weaving together of the service we all know, in Hebrew and English, with astounding works of art--poems from many different sources, exceptional page design, and beautiful, meditative color images by the brilliant Tobi Kahn--and with thoughtful commentary that explicates the tradition and orients us to the work yet to be done. There are many Haggadot with various themes, but this is one for the ages, allowing each user to pull out favorite poems, highlight specific directives, open up thoughtful seder table discussions, and become truly immersed in the holiday." -Ruth Messinger, Global Ambassador and Past President, American Jewish World Service

This edition of CCAR Journal considers various scholarly issues, including a study of Bava M’tzia 59b, a discussion of Jacob Neusner and Reform Judaism, and an analysis of Joseph and Aseneth's marriage. Another article addresses equity riders in rabbinic employment contracts. The issue also contains new book reviews and poems. Published by CCAR Press, a division of the Central Conference of American Rabbis

Time is fundamental to the human experience, and in Judaism it is even more—time is sanctified. Understanding the Jewish calendar is thus essential for fully comprehending Judaism. In From Time to Time, Rabbi Dalia Marx, PhD, presents a fascinating exploration of the treasures of the Jewish year. The book artfully blends traditional and contemporary perspectives on each Hebrew month and its holidays. Rabbi Marx's insights are paired with striking illustrations; each month also features a diverse selection of poetry, prayers, and songs. Taking a distinctively Israeli, feminist, and progressive approach, From Time to Time is a comprehensive, indispensable companion you will want to return to each season. I have no doubt that this new book will contribute a great deal to the global Jewish cultural field, offering Dalia Marx's evocative and singular voice of insight and wisdom to the interpretation of our Jewish calendar, and greatly enriching the ongoing and vital conversation that is our Jewish heritage with Jews around the world. —Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel Dalia Marx's brilliant book From Time to Time offers extraordinary new ways of understanding Jewish time. With poetry, ancient and modern texts, ritual suggestions, and historical reflections, Marx illuminates traditional holidays, features lesser-known celebrations such as Moroccan Mimouna and Ethiopian Sigd, and brings an evolved scholarship that includes feminist, pluralist, and gender-fluid perspectives. This rich tapestry allows us not only to learn more about the expanded Israeli calendar, but about Jewish views of time across the world and the centuries. This indispensable volume will help every one of us make our time more meaningful and sacred. —Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi, Central Synagogue, NYC This is, quite simply, a genius of a book, not just the best of its kind but the only thing of its kind: a moving combination of scholarly depth and mastery of Jewish tradition---served up with personal anecdote, poetic sensitivity, and an uncanny ability to make the seasons, the holidays, and even ordinary time come alive with meaning. —Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute of Religion "God's glory is the human being fully alive," declared Saint Irenaeus of Lyon. Rabbi Dalia Marx's book offers a vade mecum for human flourishing. Her expansive compendium opens horizons on Israeli Jewish cultures and religious expressions---and takes readers beyond that world. From Time to Time is an evocative read, a splendid resource, and a powerful reminder that the diverse ways in which humans ritualize our longings and seek meaning connect us across boundaries of difference. —Sr. Mary C. Boys, Professor, Union Theological Seminary This book is a delightful and insightful road map for Jewish time travel, helping modern readers navigate the deeper meanings of each moment and season on the Jewish calendar. Rabbi Marx makes sacred time accessible and exciting through a fusion of historical clarity, cultural diversity, and contemporary relevance, revealing the essence of our ever-evolving traditions. —Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, Founding Spiritual Leader, Lab/Shul If, as Rabbi Heschel once said, our Sabbaths are cathedrals in time, Rabbi Dalia Marx has constructed a wonderland of the entire Jewish calendar. Her poetic imagination ranges across text and time, from Israel to Diaspora, across gender and geography and liturgy. This gorgeous book will be indispensable for those trying to find their way through the Jewish calendar, and also for those who may already live the Jewish calendar, yet seek to find themselves more deeply within it. —Dahlia Lithwick, Senior Editor, Slate The book's intellectual depth is balanced by an accessible writing style that successfully engages lay readers with applications to contemporary life, including prayers for schoolchildren and families. This emphasis on accessibility is reflected in the book's ample appendices, which include a glossary and a diagram of the Hebrew calendar year. While Marx's perceptive analysis is the star, this book is also a visually stunning volume, full of text-box vignettes, gorgeous illuminations, and other decorative flairs, as well as frequent parallel texts juxtaposing Hebrew scripture with English translations. This work is a welcome reminder of King David's adage to "count our days rightly...that we may obtain a wise heart." A brilliant introduction to the Jewish calendar that's both visually and intellectually striking. — Kirkus Reviews

Reform Judaism is constantly evolving as we continue to seek a faith that is in harmony with our beliefs and experiences. This volume offers readers a thought-provoking collection of essays by rabbis, cantors, and other scholars who differ, sometimes passionately, over religious practice, experience, and belief. Its goal is to situate Judaism in a contemporary context, and it is uniquely suited for community discussion as well as study groups.