Main Entry:
       1) con · ser · va · tive
Pronunciation:
       \kən-'sər-və-tiv\
Function:
       adjective
Date:
       14th century

3 a: tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions; traditional b: marked by moderation or caution (a conservative estimate) c: marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary Definition)

“Conservative” – that multi-syllabic label that, rather than assisting us in understanding our identity, has baffled and even depreciated our relationship to its ideas and messages. Skeptics have declared that Conservative Judaism has no singular path or direction and that it has lost both vision and integrity. Indeed, we are at a point in our history when we have many questions regarding the future path of the movement and in defining our movement. “What is Conservative Judaism really?” “Isn’t Conservative Judaism just becoming more like Reform?” “Are we a halakhic movement?”

Personally, I think the above definitions provided by Merriam-Webster eloquently and beautifully summarize the essence of Conservative Judaism and its goals, regardless of the sub-issues related to its future and given that such definitions only provide a simplified understanding of our movement. First of all, Conservative Judaism in Israel is called Masorti Judaism, from the root masoret, which means “tradition.” One of the values that has always, is always, and will always be associated with Conservative Judaism pertains to the quintessence of Jewish tradition. The Conservative Movement embraces the binding nature of both mitzvot bein Adam la-makom (mitzvot between man and God) and mitzvot bein Adam la-chaveiro (mitzvot between man and man), and, for example, anyone who has attended a USY convention and/or been on a USY summer program can attest to the emphasis we place on celebrating Shabbat. Additionally, we are ready to openly adjust on norms that have evolved over the centuries that require adaptation for Judaism to succeed in the modern era – with caution and reverence for that which preceded us. The pride of Conservative Judaism is living in the invaluable secular world while shaping our lives to look, smell, sound, feel, and especially taste Jewish.

Those who have the opportunity to experience Judaism through USY are truly fortunate individuals. Learning, davening, singing ruach, and celebrating our rich heritage with USY has the potential to leave an invaluable and lasting imprint on individuals, and USY is a major forum early in life for teenagers to experience the beauties of Conservative Judaism. For the better or the worse, USY has the ability to shape how teenagers will choose to observe Judaism as life progresses, and as I have explained, the experience is intended to be positive. As I serve USY over the next 11 months, it is my hope that we will continue to ensure that, indeed, people experience Judaism in a heartening environment. In the end, everyone should be able to say, “I feel I belong as a Conservative Jew,” because our programs showed the positive light of Judaism.

Bidudut Chamah (in warm friendship),

Judah Ari Kerbel
2009 USY International Religion/Education Vice President
reled@usy.org

Full Name: Judah Ari Kerbel

Birthday: June 23, 1991

Chapter/Region: Congregation Etz Chaim "Sababa"/Hanegev

Favorite Quote: " Quitters never win and winners never quit." – Vince Lombardi

Favorite Ruach Song: Baruch Hagever

Favorite Crayola Color: Robin Blue

Favorite TV Show: The Daily Show

Favorite Word in the Dictionary: loquacious

Summer Program Attended: Israel Pilgrimage/Poland Seminar, Group 6 2008

Goal for the Year: Keep the fire going strong … the fire being Conservative Judaism.

Resource for Chapter Religion/Education VPs

• Religion/Education Officer Packet
• Service Outline Reference Sheet
• Playin' with the Parasha
• Creative T'fillah Resources (new section)

Jewish Holiday Resources

• Don't Be a Slave to the Seder **Feature Program**

Project reJEWvenate

• Project reJEWvenate letter
• Project reJEWvenate flier