@emilyk @JewishConversations @mazeldon
1. For many, learning "facts" about our sacred texts IS a way of building connection with them and thus a spiritual experience.
2. The Etz Hayim and the Plaut commentary are full of essays and commentary that draw connection between Torah and modern life. Admittedly, the Playt is a little dryer and I think the Etz Hayim does that piece better. The Social Justice Commentary is another great example of Torah learning leading to religious action.
@mstreiffer@mas.to @emilyk @mazeldon
What upsets some Jews on Mastodon is that they don't want us non-Orthodox Jews to learn Chassidus or even be friends with Orthodox Jews. We however feel that friendship and reading is not threatening. Open your hearts to the many non-Orthodox Jews discovering neo-Hasidut. This is mainstream across #ReformJudaism, #JewishRenewal, and #ConservativeJudaism.
https://merrimackvalleyhavurah.wordpress.com/2021/01/06/neo-hasidism/
@ekim97532
Ekim writes "wow. Which Jews are saying non-Orthodox Jews shouldn’t learn Hasidut?"
We received hateful speech saying that we are misogynist fundamentalists trying to convert people to ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Judaism. Not only clearly false but also wacky. In reality, neo-Hasidic Judaism is growing in #ReformJudaism and #ConservativeJudaism.
Also (and we shouldn't even have to say this) no one should ever hate Hasidic Jews. If someone doesn't want to be one, then just don't be one.
Rabbi Micah Streiffer
Jewish conversations
Mike