Friday, October 24, 2008
The owner of this Blog...
is out of touch with the folks putting on InterSem... please contact Rick Prindle at your earliest convenience...
Thursday, November 30, 2006
International Rabbinical Council to debate Dropping Bans against Gay Rabbis and Same-Sex Commitment Ceremonies
Change is afoot -- or at least discussion thereof -- at one of InterSem's core institutions:
"Panel faces tough debate on gay Jews -- Rabbinical council will review bans on hmosexual rabbis and same-sex rite".
Rabbi Elliot Dorff concedes that his opinions about ordaining gays and restricting some sexual activity are likely to upset both traditionalists and liberals in Judaism's Conservative movement.
In a much-anticipated event, an international rabbinical council is scheduled next week to debate and vote on possibly dropping the unevenly enforced bans against gay rabbis and same-sex commitment ceremonies.
Dorff, rector of the University of Judaism in Bel-Air and a well-known bioethicist, is one of the lead authors of a position paper that would end the bans. But, keeping some tradition of rabbinical interpretation of the Bible, his proposal would prohibit anal sex between men. Other forms of consensual, monogamous sex would be permitted.
Jewish leaders predict this could be a watershed moment for Conservative Judaism, which occupies the theological middle ground between Orthodoxy's strong traditionalism and Reform's liberalism.
(read more)
"Panel faces tough debate on gay Jews -- Rabbinical council will review bans on hmosexual rabbis and same-sex rite".
Rabbi Elliot Dorff concedes that his opinions about ordaining gays and restricting some sexual activity are likely to upset both traditionalists and liberals in Judaism's Conservative movement.
In a much-anticipated event, an international rabbinical council is scheduled next week to debate and vote on possibly dropping the unevenly enforced bans against gay rabbis and same-sex commitment ceremonies.
Dorff, rector of the University of Judaism in Bel-Air and a well-known bioethicist, is one of the lead authors of a position paper that would end the bans. But, keeping some tradition of rabbinical interpretation of the Bible, his proposal would prohibit anal sex between men. Other forms of consensual, monogamous sex would be permitted.
Jewish leaders predict this could be a watershed moment for Conservative Judaism, which occupies the theological middle ground between Orthodoxy's strong traditionalism and Reform's liberalism.
(read more)
Friday, September 22, 2006
L'Shana Tova!
A happy New Year from the InterSem Team!
Curious to know a bit more about Rosh Hashanah? Read up on it at Judaism 101.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Israel & Palestine: Untangling Perceptions, Building Relationship
Check out the Jewish/Muslim/Christian InterFaith conference hosted by Claremont's School of Theology, October 29-30, 2006.
From the Event Description:
From the Event Description:
This two-day interfaith conference focuses on the overarching human questions that challenge the practice of peace for all who live in this sacred land. Register today for some or all events, including: speakers, workshops, a festive dinner and musical celebration for unity.
- It offers the opportunity to challenge our perceptions, open our eyes and ears, and learn how to put issues on the table and dialogue without leaving the table, without closing down discussion, without endangering relationships.
- It offers specific examples for building common ground for joint efforts in justice and peace (e.g., Jewish-Muslim Peace Walks, Compassionate Listening Program). It provides the invitation to join or create new avenues for building relationships for peace in your own community.
- It offers a Festival for Unity - a cultural event to celebrate the richness of diverse traditions through food, music and fellowship.
- It offers a chance to affirm Salaam/Shalom for all parties and seek the steps necessary to protect the welfare of each other
Monday, September 18, 2006
Welcome & Save the Date
Welcome to the 2007 So. Cal. InterSem blog -- the site for updates on, dialogue about, and general interaction by participants, organizers and interested parties of this annual gathering for seminarians from Jewish (Conservative & Reform), Catholic and Protestant (Mainline & Evangelical) faith traditions.
The next retreat will take place February 11-12, 2007 -- save the date and check back regularly for updates or savory tidbits.
The next retreat will take place February 11-12, 2007 -- save the date and check back regularly for updates or savory tidbits.
