What Judaism Means to Me

by Paul McVinney

I didn’t consciously choose Judaism. I chose Elaine and got Judaism in the bargain. She was strong in her faith and conviction that her children be Jewish, and I respected her decision and her tradition. Raising Jewish children meant that Elaine taught what Judaism means to three people, not just our two boys.

I will be honest and say that I’m not a fan of Orthodox Judaism. That’s not necessarily a knock against Judaism; I don’t admire orthodox anything. I believe that orthodoxy in all religions values rules and conformity and the appearance of faith above living one’s faith in family and society. I believe all religions should encourage beliefs and practices that help connect today’s society and its needs and values to the core or essence of its belief system.

For that reason, I greatly admire Reform Judaism. It isn’t “Judaism light.” If one takes it seriously, it expects the individual to seek new meaning in timeless passages; to find modern relevance in this generation of faith; and to take responsibility for one’s beliefs and practices, rather than just following a tradition or a rule from an authority figure.

What I love about Reform Judaism is that what it expects of me is very simple. It isn’t hours of sincere prayer; it isn’t daily or even regular attendance at a synagogue; it isn’t memorizing passages; it isn’t paying dues to belong to an institution. It’s simply ethical behavior. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin recounts this from both Hillel and Rabbi Akiva in his book “A Code of Jewish Ethics.” He quotes Hillel as saying “That which is hateful to you, do not unto another. This is the whole Torah. The rest is commentary, [now] go study.”

Reform Judaism allows us to live whatever life we want, so long as we do so in a manner that shows genuine respect for others; doing what is right and just; unburdened by unnecessary rules from the past, adapting an ancient moral code to today, in a way that looks forward to tomorrow. We teach our children this principle, so they too can own this ancient gift, and bring it forward to their children, and ultimately toward a beautiful, timeless future.

Shabbat shalom.