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"Who among us is so busy that he cannot spend 10 minutes a day in the study of a Jewish text? Just 10 minutes? Such a commitment would enable us to meet our Jewish obligation to make Jewish study a fixed occurrence. If we make time to answer our cell phones a dozen times a day and to check our email five times an hour, surely we can find 10 minutes to contemplate sacred words that nourish the soul." Click here for more information on ten minutes of Torah a day.

 

There's more than one way to be Jewish" is the slogan of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism. The Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) is Israel's liberal Jewish religious movement, and a constituent member of the World Union of Progressive Judaism. Click here for more information on the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism.

Hebrew

The Hebrew language has existed for some 3500 years as the language of the Jewish people. Although not always spoken, it consistently has been the language of Torah and prayer throughout the ages. In modern times, it has been revitalized as the spoken language of the people of Israel.

The beginnings of the Reform movement saw a rejection of Hebrew. Because of that, many Reform Jews, including members of our Temple Emanu-El congregation, were raised without a fundamental knowledge of Hebrew. The initial Reform movement philosophy increasingly has been replaced by the recognition of Hebrew as an important link between Jews and Judaism. This philosophy statement was developed to provide a consistent framework for our congregation's approach to Hebrew and to be used as a guideline in making decisions regarding Hebrew in our congregation.

Hebrew and Tradition

We as a group of committed Jews from a wide variety of Jewish backgrounds agree that Hebrew is important to the Temple Emanu-El community. Hebrew connects us to our 3500-year history, tradition and culture. When we pray in Hebrew - when we recite the blessings before reading Torah or the Shema - we recite those prayers in the same language used by all Jews throughout the ages and across the world. When we recite Hebrew, we are reminded of the richt tradition and culture that has evolved and developed throughout our history. When we understand the Hebrew we recite, we feel even more connected to the tradition.

Hebrew and Prayer

We believe that praying is meaningful in any language. Because we often choose the language of our tradition, Hebrew, for our prayers and because we value participation in our sacred services, we recognize that Hebrew broadens our ability to participate in and understand prayer. Understanding Hebrew prayers can enhance our spiritual experience.

Hebrew and Torah

We believe that studying Torah is critical, no matter what language we study in. The values and beliefs expressed in Torah and in our sacred texts may best be revealed by the original language in which they were written. Therefore, we recognize that understanding Hebrew, the language of Torah, enriches our study.

Hebrew and Jewish Unity

Hebrew binds us today to all other Jews, wherever they come from, whenever they lived. We know that we can enter a synagogue service anywhere in the world and recognize prayers because they are being recited in Hebrew. Our youth can gather together with young people throughout the world and raise their voices together in Hebrew song. We share a common vocabulary; we can wish "Shabbat Shalom" or "Mazal Tov" to a Jew from another country and be understood.

Hebrew and Israel

Spending time in Israel provides a powerful and profound spiritual connection to our history, simply because we are Jews in the land of the Jews. Hebrew is one way to connect us to Israel. Hebrew strengthens our connection by increasing our ability to interact with people of Israel and to encounter its culture

Hebrew and Our Children

Committed as we are to Judaism, we are obligated to teach ourselves and our children Hebrew. Judaism still is evolving; possessing Hebrew skills optimizes our ability to participate in that evolution and to guarantee Judaism's future "m'dor l'dor".

As Jews, we express our Judaism in many ways. We participate in sacred services through meaningful prayer and contemplation. We observe Jewish rituals in our homes through acts such as lighting candles on Shabbat and festivals, placing mezzuzot on our doorposts, and retelling the story of the Exodus from Egypt. We study Jewish history and principles, and learn Torah and Jewish values, both as youth and as adults. We support and visit Israel.

All of these activities become more meaningful when Hebrew is part of them. Our Jewish experiences will be strengthened and our Jewish future made more secure when we study and learn Hebrew and use it to tap into the rich tradition that is ours through our common language.