Shabbat Parashat Re'eh Menachem Av 26, 5770 August 6th 2010
Shalom,
This particular time of year, between the 9th of Av and Rosh Chodesh Elul, is known as "bein hazmanin," or "between the times." It refers to a period without any holidays or special events on the Jewish calendar. During these few weeks, the yeshivah world, and many others, take their annual vacations. This reminds me that "bein hazmanim" is also known as the wedding season. It is hard to believe that next week Tehilah and I will be celebrating our first anniversary, as the year has flown by so quickly. Last year our wedding was THE wedding of the year, of course, but that has now been overshadowed by this year's big wedding, the one of Chelsea Clinton and Mark Mezvinsky.
The media covered the wedding in great detail; the dress, the cake, the security arrangements, the secrecy. The response of the Haredi media in Israel was surprising in some respects and predictable in others. The Haredi newspaper Yated Ne'eman chose to dedicate the lead story of the weekend edition to the "American wedding of the year." This was an unusual decision, since all of the rest of the Haredi media chose to completely ignore the event. Such a topic is considered taboo among the Haredi community, and an exception was made in order to spotlight the assimilated reform American Jewish community, or at least the Haredi version of it. The article stated that "we (the newspaper) were not supposed to make any references to this private, family event, alas, there is one detail that cannot be ignored: the groom is Jewish. Obviously, Clinton was not bothered by this minor detail, for him there is no significant difference between marrying a Christian or a Jew. The problem is that his mechutanim (the groom's parents) also do not care. On contrary, they seem quite happy that their son is becoming the former president's son in law.... The bigger problem is that most of the Jews in America do not care either. On the contrary, many of them feel part of the American nation, as though the religious distinction no longer exists". The article further claimed: "the groom and his family belong to the Reform movement, and characterized it as the denomination that has as its main vision, the goal of annihilating the Jewish people while uprooting its character and heritage and erasing its unique identity". According to Yated Ne'eman and their unknown sources, the Mezvinsky family encouraged the match, despite being aware that the marriage would "cut off Mark from his people". "This action, especially because of the mass publicity, contributes to the Reform interests. It is a continuation of the horrible Holocaust where millions died. This is a spiritual holocaust created by these who call themselves Jews." The article concluded with a quote written by the former leader of the Haredi world, Rav Shach, of blessed memory. "It is unfortunate that we did not merit that these people (Reform Jews) would be removed from the Jewish people. They were not brought up according to Torah Laws and heritage but rather on the values of democracy, with no Torah at all. And even when they see the bankruptcy of their ideals, and even when they are at the gates of hell, they do not repent."
This harsh condemnation is incredibly disturbing. Of course, anyone interested in the future of the Jewish People is concerned about intermarriage and assimilation. However, when I read this quote I remembered why the Holy Temple was destroyed. Only a few weeks ago we commemorated the 9th of Av . Chazal, our sages of blessed memory, told us that it was baseless hatred that caused the destruction. I suppose we have not learned much in over 2000 years!
The risk of assimilation is a pervasive problem for world Jewry. That is an enormous topic, and it is impossible to do more than touch on the tip of the iceberg within the confines of this column.
It is much easier to succumb to the cliché that "love triumphs over all" and get carried away with the idea that romantic love can conquer every problem and bridge the divide between the differences of culture, history and religion. It is not fun or cool to speak of racial or religious issues such as this, and it is certainly not politically correct to tell the former President and the current Secretary of State of the United States that their daughter has become the symbol of assimilation in North America.
Unfortunately, in far too many cases, the only reason to marry a Jew is that "I can't do it to my Grandmother." If that is the only reason, it is no reason at all! For many years the Reform movement in the United States claimed that intermarriage would bring in "new blood" and consequently increase the number of Jews. However, the larger concern is not even with the particulars of any form of conversion, but rather the decision that conversion, even a Reform one, is no longer required. According to statistics, 67% of the children born into intermarriage do not feel comfortable or connected to either religion. The population of American Jewry was 5.5 million in the 1940's, and 50 years later, the numbers in the 1990 census showed no increase. Now, the number has dropped to 5.2 million, and it is estimated that by 2020 the number will be dramatically reduced.
It is sad to find out that at the end of the day, it is not a bomb nor war nor terrorism that is killing the Jewish people, but perhaps it is an excess of pluralism and openness, combined with a lack of education and commitment. Is it a bright spot that Mark Mezvinsky chose to prominently wear a talit and a kipah at his marriage to a practicing Methodist? Should we take pride in HIS pride in his Jewishness, at reciting the seven blessings, being married under a chuppah with the ketubah in a place of honor? What was the meaning of the breaking of the glass at this wedding? It is hard to tell.
My problem is not with the Reform movement for which I have much respect. My problem is with the unaffiliated, those who do not care enough. I have always said that one can choose his or her denomination and set of practices; however, the problem is that too many of our brothers and sisters choose not to choose at all.
I will be arriving in Stamford this week and I am looking forward to seeing you all very soon. Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem,
Cantor Arik Wollheim **Arik apologizes for the delay of this week's greeting! |
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