The Politics of Progressive Judaism, and what it could learn from the Quakers
JVL Introduction
Joseph Finlay is far too self-deprecating in suggesting that only seven people are likely to want to read his discussion of the merger between Liberal and Reform Judaism!
Written for his substack Torat Albion (“Thoughts about Jewishness, Anti/Philosemitism and Israel/Palestine from a UK perspective”), it sets out the dilemmas facing progressive Jews struggling to “avoid a knee-jerk identification…with Zionism.”
Against the background of the Gaza genocide, he asks, “Surely this is the moment to adopt an explicit anti-war, pro-hostage exchange and even non-Zionist position?”
This is a discussion worthy of a much wider audience than Joseph anticipated at the time of writing.
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This article was originally published by Torat Albion on Fri 2 Aug 2024. Read the original here.
The Anatomy of a Merger
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As a Friend, I’m delighted Joseph feels there are Quaker approaches that could help other faith groups wrestle with their own issues.
The “bottom-up” approach works for us, as does the process of reconsidering what the Quaker way is in each generation.
An important part of what holds everything “together”, though, is Quakers’ regular practice in listening attentively – mostly in silence – during meeting for worship and business meetings. We try to find out what we think God (however we imagine God) requires us to do, as individuals and as a group. We’re used to accepting that insights and ideas offered during these meetings may be helpful for someone else, if not for us.
We reach positions of unity and agreement surprisingly often – but it isn’t primarily through discussion, it’s by constant practice in listening to God and each other.
WOULD it be possible to change the management culture (from “top-down” to “bottom-up”) AND work through spiritually and emotionally challenging issues without at least some preliminary practice in listening respectfully and with acceptance to the thinking of one’s fellow worshippers? I think it might not be.
If anyone wants to see whether Quaker approaches would help their own faith group organise its “business” then I’d suggest they visit a local Friends’ Meeting (for worship) and reflect on what they experience. All visitors are welcome.
Anyone wanting to come along to a Quaker Business Meeting would need to ask permission (it would probably be granted).