Craig Taubman Takes on Wilshire Blvd. Temple Critics

Posted by JewishJournal.com -- August 21, 2013 | 1:11 am

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Craig Taubman

A heated Facebook debate has broken out over whether the $120 - $150 million rennovation of Wilshire Blvd. Temple in Los Angeles is worth it.
A front page New York Times story on the campaign led by Rabbi Steve Leder to restore the grand synagogue in L.A.'s Koreatown neighborhood and turn its adjacent property into a community social service center promped Rabbi Charlie Savenor, director of congregational enrichment at the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, to post a criticism on his Facebook page.
"Intriguing article about a synagogue facelift," Savenor wrote.  "While I respect their leadership's conviction and sense of purpose, $150 million can buy a lot of Shabbat dinners and hire an army of engagement/outreach professionals. What do you think?"
Dozens of Rabbi Savenor's Facebook friends weighed in, most of them equally critical of the project.
That prompted Craig Taubman, the Los Angeles activist and musician, to send an e-mail to rabbis and other Jewish professionals taking issue with the critics.  Taubman, who requested his message be quoted in full, wrote:

From where I sit in sunny California - reading the critiques of Rabbi Steve Leder’s $150 million project…I read "envy".
From where I sit, I see a visionary man leading his flock,  raising millions and inspiring a community to create a center of healing, hope and promise in the heart of Los Angeles.
From where I sit, I question how people can question whether the money can be used more wisely?

Some other thoughts:

1.  It's his vision and charisma that has motivated his people to pony up. He’s banking on the future and I say Kol Hakavod - all honor to him and his generous trusting flock!

2. The USCJ by it's own admission  “according to a financial audit obtained by JTA, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism reported back-to-back losses of $3 million in 2012 and $2.7 million the previous year” Assuming this information is accurate, the USCJ just might be bankrupt possibly before Wilshire Blvd completes it’s historic build out.

3. If I were an investor in the futures market, I’d bank on Rabbi Leder before the USCJ.  He has a vision of the future and based on his portfolio it seems likely he will be in business for at least another 100 years (Since its founding in 1862 when Abraham Lincoln was President)

4.  From where I still sit in sunny California, while I know the convention planner are working like dogs with nothing but the best intentions, I question the value of the USCJ hosting yet another “conversation of the century" Franky I think it's time we (us, you, me) take action and make gutsy "movement" that informs the future rather then yet another talk about the future.
Why? Because long after the newspaper articles and Facebook critiques have been written and read.  Weeks, months and years after the "conversation of the century" has taken place, Rabbi Leder will have created a model and a foundation that will speak far more loudly than our words.  He will have laid the foundation for his truth based in the conviction of his actions. A truth that reflects his spirit of hope, and his faith in the potential that we all have reverberate today, tomorrow and perhaps even into yet another glorious century.
Talk is cheap.  Ought we not walk the walk?

Craig Taubman

(In sunny California)

Taubman's wasn't the first defense of the grand vision behind the rennovation (see this Jewish Journal column here), but it is definitely, judging by the numbers on Facebook, in the minority.
To quote Rabbi Savenor: What do you think?

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Multi-Generational Families on Staff at Ramah Camps 2013

National Ramah Commission, Inc. of The Jewish Theological Seminary www.campramah.org  August 15, 2013 9 Elul 5773 Multi-Generational Families on Staff at Ramah Camps 2013*   This summer, there were more than 50 families at Ramah camps with both a parent and a child working on staff, sharing a Ramah summer together. There was even one grandparent-parent-child combination! Here they are--some of them even told us that the best part of camp was being together. Enjoy! *If we've missed any families, please let us know!  Camp Ramah in Wisconsin (4 families)      Nina Harris (Yoetzet) and Jonah Harris (Rosh Nagarut)   Dr. Bob Karasov (Camp Physician) and Matan Karasov (Madrich)   Ralph Schwartz (Director of Special Needs Programs) and Aviva Schwartz (Madricha) Ralph and Aviva Schwartz David Sherman (Visiting Photographer) and Caleb Sherman (Rosh Edah)  Ramah Philadelphia Day Camp (3 families)    Sue Ansul (Director) and Liora Segal (Rosh Edah) (see photo in Poconos section) Michelle Ravitch (Rosh Edah) and Sara Ravitch (Rosh B'recha) Sara and Michelle Ravitch Nomi Shapiro (Rosh Omanut) and Elijah Ackerman (Madrich) Nomi Shapiro and Elijah Ackerman Camp Ramah in New England (3 families)      Howard Blas and Abigail / Dan Blas Dan, Abigail, and Howard Blas Talya Kalender and Aryeh Kalender Talya and Aryeh Kalendar Marcia Glickman and Hannah / Sarah Glickman Hannah, Marcia, and Sarah Glickman Ramah Darom (2 families)       Cathy (Rosh Yahadut) & Fred Berkowitz (Summer Business Manager) and Greg Berkowitz (Assistant Business Manager) / Leah Berkowitz (Madricha) Amy Wasser (Yoetzet) and Ayala Wasser (Rosh Edah) / Shira Wasser (Madricha) Amy and Ayala Wasser Amy: I have been so fortunate to watch Ayala develop from a chanicha to rosh edah. For 20 summers we have shared our love of Ramah and to see her now leading chanichim of her own is invaluable. Her energy and passion for instilling a love of Judaism and camp in all that she does is a credit to the exceptional experiences she had growing up at Darom. I am so lucky to have shared this with her and look forward to more summers with her and her siblings as we continue to reap the benefits of Ramah. Ayala: Most people would think having your mom at camp is lame. However, I have learned so much from my mother and see her in a different light. It is rewarding to see how she works with my peers and that she is able to help me develop as a leader in camp. My family has been at Darom together for the past 17 years, so having her here is pretty natural and has enabled us to bring Ramah home. Also, where else would a self-respecting 22-year-old be in a lip sync with her mom? Camp Ramah in Canada (3 families)     Rona & Dan Mink and Ahbra Mink Marlene Noveck and Yoni Goldstein Netta Zweig (Yoetzet) and Rachel Goldberg (Rosh Edah) Rachel Goldberg and Netta Zweig Camp Ramah in California (6 families)  Glenda & Aaron Amit and Shemaiah Amit Aaron, Shemaiah, and Glenda Amit  Jillian Berman (Nurse) and Lauren Berman Cari Cohen (Yoetzet) and Tali Cohen (Tikvah Educator) Cari and Tali Cohen Renee Fineman and Rachel Blatt Sue Hetsroni and Gil / Sivan Hetsroni Michele Lavin (Head Nurse) and Jonah / Ari Lavin  Camp Ramah in the Poconos (8 families)    Sharon Bromberg and Yonah Bromberg-Gaber Harriet Caplan and Shana Caplan Sarah & Michael Goldberg and Benjy Goldberg Bruce Lipton & Meryl Sussman and Rachel Lipton Nava Isseroff and Shani / Oz Isseroff Elise & Larry McAfoos and Ilana McAfoos Sue Schwartzman and Mark Schwartzman Dr. Sion Segal and Eliana Segal   Sue Ansul, Liora Segal, Eliana Segal, and Sion Segal Sion: During the past 15 years, I have watched my daughters grow up at the Ramah Philadelphia Day Camp and Camp Ramah in the Poconos, absorbing the values of Ramah, and embracing its mission as tzevet members. This summer, as camp psychologist, I have the pleasure of working with both Liora, Rosh Cochavim at the Ramah Day Camp, and Eliana, a madricha in Machon at Ramah Poconos. In addition to the "nachas" I experience from seeing the professionalism, dedication, warmth, and insight that they bring to their roles, it is amazing to work with them as members of the same team. Ramah Day Camp in Nyack  (16 families) Ramah Nyack Multi-Generational Staff Families  Arlene Cox (Office Staff--grandparent), Ellen Abrams (Rosh Gan--parent), and Mitchell Abrams (CIT--grandchild) Anat Atzmon (Omanut) and Achsaf Atzmon (EA) / Atad Atzmon (Madrich) Shari Brodsky (Office Coordinator) and Rachel Brodsky (EA) Amy Skopp Cooper (Director) and Eitan Cooper (Rosh Edah) / Yoni Cooper (Madrich) Amy and Yoni Cooper Mindy Fischer (Morah) & Adam Teitelbaum (Kitchen Staff) and Daniel Fischer (Migdal) Rachel Greenwald (Co-Rosh Chinuch) and Hannah Greenwald (Gan) Pam Greenwood (Rosh Sha'ar) and Liat Greenwood (EA) Carol Karlin (Ceramics) & Gary Karlin (Security Guard) and Michal Karlin (Gan) Gerri Kurland (Office Staff) and Ami Kurland (Madrich) Cindy Levine (Bishul) and Cara Levine (EA) Liz Marcus (Omanut) and Talia Marcus (EA) Sharon Rappaport (Yoetzet) and Josh Rappaport (Maintenance) Tova Shapiro (Morah) and Liav Shapiro (Rosh Edah) Kim Lori Sokol (Sports Staff) and Dana Sokol (CIT) Debby Tamir (Rosh Mayim) and Liat Tamir (EA) Debby: My kids grew up in this camp. We came when they were 2, 5, and 7. They are now 16, 19, and 21. Leadership skills, the ability to work as a team, to make decisions, to have patience and be creative--these are all skills that were cultivated and nurtured here at camp. Skills that stay with them for a lifetime! It doesn't take a village, it takes a camp! Paula Wolosky (Ceramics) and Ross (Teva) / Samuel Wolosky (Kitchen Staff) Ramah Day Camp - Chicago Area (2 families)     Linda Abrams (Office, Pottery) and Elana Abrams (Bishul, Teva) Elana and Linda Abrams Linda: When your child goes to school, you only get to see report cards. At work, you get to see how they're actually doing day to day. Everyone comes up to tell me what a hard worker she is. It's very gratifying. We also get to be a team. We get to talk after work and support each other. Because we share the camp experience, we can be more supportive and understanding. Leila Zuckerman (Lifeguard, Gardener, Bishul) and Tali Zuckerman (Madricha) Leila and Tali Zuckerman Leila: I get to spend a lot of time with her, which is especially nice because she lives in Israel now....She gets to see what I do. She supports me at work by encouraging her chanichim to follow the pool rules. Since I also do a lot of cooking here, she gets to enjoy my food too. The best part: It's great to see how much the chanichim and madrichim enjoy being with her. She gives me hugs during the day and calls me "Mommy" in front of her kids. That makes me feel proud and makes me smile. Camp Ramah in the Berkshires (7 families)  Rabbi Barry & Carol Chesler and Rafi / Aliza Chesler Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Didi Kalmanofsky Rabbi Elliot Malomet and Yaakov Malomet Rabbi Paul Resnick (Director) and Dori Resnick Rabbi Paul and Dori Resnick Paul: Having my third child work here for a second year makes my summer even more fulfilling. I am blessed to have had each of our children work on staff here over the past seven summers. Wendy Rosen and Sarah Rosen Karen Legman-Segal (Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives) and Orli Segal Leslie Tubul (Director, Breira B'Ramah) and Naamit Tubul

Tal Becker of the Shalom Hartman Institute: "Israel and the Constancy of Change"

Tal Becker: Israel and the Constancy of Change Hartman Scholars Explore the High Holy Days Hartman Institute scholars have many insights to offer for the High Holidays. Click here to access articles, essays, videos, and educational materials.   Tal Becker says that Judaism tells us that change is coming, the only question is whether we will be a part of it. Read his column: What is astonishing is that the pull of determinism remains strong even when evidence of change is all around us. As parents, our children grow and change before our eyes, and yet at each stage of their development we can find it hard to imagine them transitioning to the next. We are often drawn to seeing our current job, or our family life, or our emotional state, as fixed in stone even if our own very life experience points to the contrary.  When we look at the Middle East the same dynamic is often at play. In the last years we have watched the region undergo unprecedented change, and yet many find it hard to accept that more is yet to come. With each transition, many quickly persuade themselves that things have settled permanently into place. Read all of Tal's "Israel and the Constancy of Change" Support the Shalom Hartman Institute Your support helps Shalom Hartman Institute to continue to develop and deliver innovative, pluralistic programs which enhance thousands of Jewish lives in Israel and the world. Support us.

It's that time of the year when Craig n' Company offers you free Inspiration for the hoy days without the Guilt!

It's that time of the year when Craig n' Company offers you                                                                                                       free Inspiration for the hoy days without the Guilt!  

Jewels of Elul Vol IX, The Art of Welcoming 

is a booklet featuring Jewels from Rick Lupert, Frank Luntz, Donald Davis, Cantor Angela Buchdahl, Liz Creditor, Quincy Jones, Idit Klein, Rabbi Stuart Kelman, Rabbi David Saperstein, Clive Lawton, Rabbi B. Elka Abrahamson, Raychel Kubby Adler, Yael Unterman, Rabbi David Wolpe, Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot, Carrie Bornstein, Joan Glanz Rimmon, Sally Quinn, Herve Humler, Anat Hoffman, Dr. Ron Wolfson, Dr. Richard S. Vosko, David Brenner, Rabbi Simon Jacobson,  Mayor Eric Garcetti, Noa, Angela Sanbrano, Andrew Lustig & Rabbi Hayim Herring.

Elul starts this Wednesday. Sign up for your daily Jewels Here

JTS Leaders Are Inspired By Their Visits To Ramah Camps

National Ramah Commission, Inc. of The Jewish Theological Seminary www.campramah.org  July 31, 2013 24 Av 5773 JTS Leaders Are Inspired By Their Visits To Ramah Camps "Visiting Ramah is one of the most enjoyable things I get to do all year. Ramah is incredible. It does an amazing job of building the Jewish future and Jewish leaders. Ramah is a critically important part of JTS's mission." - JTS Chancellor Arnold Eisen Each summer, leaders from The Jewish Theological Seminary visit Ramah camps and have the opportunity to spend time with campers and staff. Topics of conversation range from questions about their own personal Jewish journeys, to the future of Conservative Judaism, to study opportunities at JTS. We are delighted to be able to share with you some of what those JTS leaders and Ramah campers experienced in recent weeks. Ramah Poconos Hosts JTS Chancellor JTS Executive Vice Chancellor Spends Shabbat at Ramah New England  Dean of JTS Rabbinical School Visits Ramah Berkshires, Ramah Canada, Ramah Darom, and Ramah Nyack  Ramah California Hosts JTS Provost  Ramah Poconos Hosts JTS Chancellor  by Rabbi Mitchell Cohen, National Ramah Director    Chancellor Eisen and I spent the Shabbat of June 28-30 at Camp Ramah in the Poconos, and inspiration was everywhere. Each year, Chancellor Eisen comes with me to visit at least one camp. Being at Ramah Poconos was especially moving to Chancellor Eisen. "I grew up in Philadelphia but my parents didn't send me to Ramah," he said. "I always wished they had. I finally feel like I've come home." Dr. Eisen, a scholar of Torah and modern American Judaism, spoke to the entire camp during Kabbalat Shabbat services, and taught various groups of staff and campers throughout Shabbat. During Friday night singing, Chancellor Eisen commented, "I love watching the youngest campers looking wide-eyed as the camp erupts with ruach. Clearly this forms a deep impression, leading to their desire to grow up here." After Shabbat, he said, "I was so moved on Friday night in the chadar ochel when the counselors blessed all their campers prior to kiddush. Watching young counselors then go up to their former counselors to ask for their blessing showed how much of a family there is at Ramah." (L-R) Rabbi Mitchell Cohen; Andy Markowitz, Rosh Gesher; Chancellor Arnold Eisen; and Rabbi Joel Seltzer, Director We were also lucky enough to share the camp's joy when two young alumni, Matt Kanoff and Liz Steele, celebrated their aufruf during Shabbat morning services. "Ramah is where our relationship blossomed and it is wonderful to be able to celebrate with these young campers," said Matt. Matt and Liz are getting married on August 25, surrounded by their Ramah friends. On Sunday morning, Chancellor Eisen addressed the Ramah Poconos Board of Directors, praising the camp and their dedication as lay leaders to the future of Ramah. Whether in conversations with young Israeli mishlachat members or while teaching the hanhalah (senior camp leaders), Chancellor Eisen shared his great optimism about the future of Ramah, JTS, and the Jewish community. JTS and Ramah are working together more closely than ever, and it was my personal pleasure to accompany Chancellor Eisen to camp and hear his thoughts and reflections.  Dean of JTS Rabbinical School Visits Ramah Berkshires, Ramah Canada, Ramah Darom, and Ramah Nyack Rabbi Danny Nevins at Ramah Canada with children Sam, Leora, and Talya  Rabbi Daniel Nevins, the Pearl Resnick Dean of The Rabbinical School and Dean of the Division of Religious Leadership at JTS, spent time at Berkshires, Canada, Darom, and Nyack this summer. His reflections on his visits appear below: "While the primary purposes for my visits to four Ramah camps this summer were to reinforce the relationship between JTS and Ramah, and to scout for new talent to recruit for our undergraduate and graduate programs, I also went with an ulterior motive. Well, two, to be truthful, since I was certainly eager to see my own three kids at Ramah Canada. But I also wanted feedback on a prayer that I have written for the forthcoming Siddur Lev Shalem. It is an environmental prayer for Shabbat designed for the end of the Torah service, and I have written it in both Hebrew and in English. At three camps--Berkshires, Canada, and Darom--I taught the prayer to a small group of camp educators and asked for their feedback. Each time I was treated to some positive response followed by constructive criticism. And each time I went back to the text and edited it a little more so that it could benefit from the collective wisdom of our Ramah community. In addition, the beautiful natural setting of many prayer services at the various camps helped me access the blend of awe and textual allusion that could enrich this prayer throughout the year. I am grateful for the  opportunity to study and pray with the campers and staff of Ramah and will hold these memories dear as we enter into the new Jewish year." JTS Executive Vice Chancellor Spends Shabbat at Ramah New England  (L-R) Rabbi Ed Gelb, Director; Michelle and Marc Gary; and Josh Edelglass, Assistant Director Camp Ramah in New England had the privilege of hosting Marc and Michelle Gary as guests the Shabbat of July 12-13. Marc is the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer of JTS. In addition, Marc and Michelle are Ramah New England parents and Michelle is a Ramah New England alumna. Marc shared words of Torah with the high-school-aged Machon and Nivonim campers, speaking about the power of words to shape an experience. As we strive to do at Ramah, he tied together our Jewish and American identities, connecting the beginning of Moses' speech  אלה הדברים to the 130th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg. He challenged campers and staff to use speech like Moses and Lincoln in order to sanctify our experiences both at camp and in our lives year-round.  Micah Cowen, a Nivonim camper, said, "I feel like the Garys' visit was beneficial both for Nivonim as a whole and for me personally. I think that his speech was applicable to people in our day and age, and really spoke to our edah. Having someone from JTS come to speak to us was very meaningful to me because I feel like he is an important leader in the Conservative Movement, and it shows what it means to be a leader of a people." Yoni Gelb, a Machon camper, added, "I like how he connected the Torah with American history because we study American history in school and that made it very relatable." Later in the day, Marc greeted former and current JTS students for a Shabbat afternoon oneg overlooking the lake. Among the group were not only incoming and graduating students, but also rabbis and cantors already in the field, including a recent JTS graduate en route to her naval chaplaincy post off the coast of Japan. Marc and Michelle joined the camp in closing out Shabbat with the poignant experience of seudah shlishit and havdalah, capping off a Shabbat of intellectual and emotional encounters enriched by the Garys' visit. Ramah California Hosts JTS Provost  Dr. Alan Cooper, the Elaine Ravich Professor of Jewish Studies and Provost of JTS, spent the Shabbat of July 12-13 at Camp Ramah in California. During his visit, he led a discussion with Solelim (entering 8th graders) about the words, "Shabbat Shalom." In addition, he spent time talking to madrichim and mishlachat on topics in Jewish education and leadership. Campers and staff members were delighted to have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Cooper. "He has an incredibly broad spectrum of knowledge and he truly understands the wisdom of the Conservative Movement. It made me feel more empowered as a Conservative Jew and that I had more say in the future of the Jewish people," said counselor Gabe Kachuck.  Tzevet member Emma Maier added, "Dr. Cooper was so down to earth and willing to talk about anything. ... As I come from a Reform background, hearing from someone high up in the Conservative Movement really changed my perspective. He also spoke briefly about performing at Woodstock, and it was amazing to see how someone could have two different sides that really complement each other." (Emma's reference to Woodstock alludes to the fact that in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Dr. Cooper performed in the band Sha Na Na.)      JTS Provost Alan Cooper with Wendy Rosenthal, Yoetzet  Dr. Cooper found his visit to be rewarding and inspiring. He said, "I now have a greater understanding and appreciation for your important work. ... my moments of engagement with kids and staff alike were a delight. My biggest regret was not having allotted more time, especially for conversation with the members of your extraordinary staff (including the shlichim)."

I am Not Free When my Sister is Silenced

I am Not Free When my Sister is Silenced
© Rabbi Menachem Creditor

Today I am a sad Zionist. I am not free when my sister is silenced, when my mother is in exile, when my sister is assaulted.

Today women were cordoned off from their People, not even allowed to approach our Wall. The prayers of every Jew are null and void today. No voice counts unless all voices are heard.

Today God cries. It's the month of Menachem Av, a month of sadness. The Talmud tells that God coos like a dove amidst the ruins of Jerusalem, saying, "Oy to my children, who caused their own exile from My home." Today God wails with that two-thousand-year-old cry again.

Oy for our children, who deny the prayers of their mothers.
Oy for our sisters, who throw eggs at their sisters.
Oy for our People, who writhe with anger at difference.
Oy for our spirit, placed in exile by the Police in the Jewish Homeland.
Oy for God, who still cries because our sins.

Arthur Glauberman: Time to Start Thinking About the Future

Dear Fellow Members of the Shefa Listserv, 

I have rarely written but have enjoyed reading the discussions on this listserv for many years.  Recently I have been debating responding to the posts regarding the discussion about the USCJ and their upcoming "Conversation of the Century".  A few years ago, in the Spring of 2009, I was involved in organizing a "rebel'" group called, Bonim, whose purpose was to attempt to lobby for major changes in the USCJ. Our group formed at the same time that 25 of some of the largest congregations were creating a group that became known as Hayom and would later join forces with the USCJ as partners working together in hopes of creating a more transparent organization.  As a founding member of Bonim, I felt that after Rabbi Wernick had been selected to lead the USCJ, we should disband our group and be supportive of the new leadership.

There were many Bonim members who felt that we should stay active and act as a "watchdog" but I felt that we needed to give the new team time to regroup and did not want to risk undermining the future of the USCJ.  On reflection, I wonder if that was such a wise move. Prior to Rabbi Wernick's tenure, the USCJ had accumulated huge expenses agreeing to pay out exorbitant pensions and "golden parachutes" to former leaders and executives.  They also spent $14,000,000 to buy two floors at 802 Second Avenue, one of the most expensive business districts in New York City.  These huge expenditures were made at a time that the USCJ was feeling flush with cash, having sold their buildings on Fifth Avenue and were able to make executive decisions without thinking (or caring) of how it might impact on their long term planning.

In 2008, when I was finishing up my term as president of my synagogue, I was invited to join the METNY Board.  Although I wasn't an accountant, I was curious about the finances of the USCJ and thanks to Rabbi Charles Savenor, who was then Executive Director of METNY, I was encouraged to make an appointment to meet and spend a few afternoons with Brian Boczko, who was the Chief Operating Officer of the USCJ.  Mr. Boczko shared with me the specifics of the actual budgets and explained that it was costing the USCJ $13,000 a month in maintenance to maintain their new office space.  While the present leadership might say that I am sharing "old news" that is no longer relevant given all the changes that have occurred over the last few years, I wonder how much change is possible when the costs of operating their structure and paying salaries for retired staff as well as their pensions, takes such a huge bite out of their annual budget?

After Rabbi Wernick and his new team had time to review the costs and expenditures of being in such expensive space and the costs of paying out pensions that were out of his control, he could have urged that they move out of their headquarters.   Synagogues all over the country have had to downsize and change their strategies given the changes in our economic climate.   If the USCJ had opted to walk away from their emotional and psychological need to being next door to the Israeli Consulate and just steps from The United Nations, they could have won a great deal of respect from their member congregations that were facing similarly difficult financial decisions.  Instead they have refused to budge and instead have been forced to keep firing dedicated and gifted professionals and to continue to eliminate programs. It's possible that even after downsizing, they still would have had to make more difficult staffing decisions but instead their focus seemed to turn to semantics, making a great fuss about how  "congregations" would now be called "Kehillot" and focusing on how all they needed was to create a new group of philanthropists who would make up the millions they needed to continue to thrive.

About a week ago, I received a letter from Harvey Rosen, Chair of the Development and Marketing Committee of the USCJ.  It was one of those mail-merged letters that looks personal, but was sent to every lay leader and many rabbis who may have served  on a board or in some other region over years. The letter was written with the hope that if we were still on the fence about whether to  attend the convention, this letter would make the decision a no brainer.  it certainly had that effect on me.  The letter begins by announcing their plans to honor me:

"In Honor of your service to the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, for our next academic year, we will institute, in your name, a day of learning at the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem. On that day, the Yeshiva students will honor your legacy with vigorous debate, study and discussion, and will acknowledge your support of our movement…." 

Is this the best way for the USCJ to try to "market" the Conversation of the Century"?  And if the letter was a sincere attempt to announce this "day of study", why would the USCJ's marketing committee send it out?  Unless the point of the letter has nothing to do with study and everything to do with how the USCJ chooses to spend its money?  Many of my friends who received at least one copy and in some cases as many as three, were disheartened and frustrated by what they felt was just another sign that the "changes" so many of us are looking for and the reasons for attending this great "conversation" seems to be more about rewrapping the old, rather than exploring new ways of engaging a truly serious discussion about why we should look to the USCJ for those solutions.

While the core of the letter was describing the issues that will be addressed at the convention, the final paragraph was written to try to touch lay people where they really need to be reached.  Here is a brief excerpt:

 "…., I would like to personally invite you to attend the Centennial Celebration so we may recognize you in person at dinner on Sunday evening, October 13, 2013. Your efforts and commitment to USCJ have helped us reach this time in our organization's history.

While the expenses of running the USCJ organization has grown, their staff continues to shrink, and their bigger problems remains unchanged.   If the chair of marketing and development thinks that the best way to bring past and present  "leaders" of the USCJ to the "Conversation of the Century " is by suggesting that Yeshiva students will honor their service with vigorous debate and that their names  "may be recognized" at the dinner during the event, I can't help but wonder how many thousands of dollars was spent on this letter writing fiasco?  Members of the USCJ care less about having naming opportunities and more about where is the USCJ leading us and what will their structure look like in the next few years?

Reading the recent posts makes me worry that while the "officers" of the USCJ are still very loyal about broadcasting how wonderful the new USCJ is but the infantrymen and women in the trenches see the future of the USCJ with a far more pessimistic perspective.   I disbanded Bonim four years ago because I didn't want to be part of the problem of undermining the USCJ, but hoped to see the new leadership work towards a successful transformation.  On reflection, as the USCJ keeps shrinking its staff and programs and promising a brighter tomorrow, I think it might be time to start thinking about which organizations can help bolster the future of Conservative Judaism instead of trying to embark on reframing an old conversation by calling it something new.

Arthur Glauberman, past president of Shaarei Tikvah, The Scarsdale Conservative Congregation and former member of the METNY and national board of the USCJ.