(August 30) — I’VE HEARD ENOUGH STORIES to conclude that Muslims in America are (in general) maligned as outsiders; they are often treated as weird if not downright dangerous. In particular, Islamic moderates get little respect or appreciation, even though they repeatedly decry religious extremism and strive to fashion lives of goodness and service to others.
Thus it’s been painful to observe the ongoing controversy around Park51, a proposed community center in lower Manhattan. Colleagues in the know tell me that Park51 seeks to emulate communal expressions of other religious traditions like the YMCA and the JCC, in that it will be open to the larger neighborhood regardless of religious affiliation. Park51 will enable local Muslims to celebrate their traditions and heritage. As such, this project is commendable.
Of course the situation near Ground Zero has its complexities (especially as we approach September 11 and the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan). Yet, in my judgment, I must stand against the widespread mean-spiritedness directed against Muslims.
Thus I echo with my teacher Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer, who recently wrote, “We Jews have too much at stake to risk siding with those who would prefer some and despise others. Our history tells us such people are not our allies.”
Still Relevant
(Aug. 3) — Here I’m posting the very first sermon that I gave at the TJC, nearly five years ago on Rosh ha-Shanah evening: “Judgmentalness, Ambivalence, and Authenticity.” Back then, everyone said I really hit the nail on the head. And from what I can see, that’s still true. (Which is not surprising. Jews everywhere have long been struggling with these issues.) So maybe you’ll find it helpful.
(July 28) — I’ve been moved by a new book: The Pastoral Clinic: Addiction and Dispossession along the Rio Grande. This paperback by anthropologist Angela Garcia was published last month by the Univ. of Calif. Press. It focuses on the Española Valley, though it includes an interview with a Taoseño. Today I posted a review on Amazon.com. If you read the book, let me know what you think. Does my assessment seem to be on target?
(Nov. 14) — The TJC board of directors and I have agreed to a 2-year extension of our relationship. Accordingly, I will return to the Taos Jewish Center around September 7, 2010, for our communal observance of Rosh ha-Shanah. I look forward to seeing you again then!
• My Web site
• My public Facebook page |
