‘An insult’

To the non-subscriber but weekly reader whose feelings range from anger to sadness about what’s in The Jewish Standard, a simple solution would be not to read the paper. The arrogance displayed by that April 9 letter-writer who presumes that only his form of Judaism is correct is an insult to the vast majority of practicing Jews who perceive their religion in a different light.

I believe that the Torah is the written law and that halacha is the oral tradition as interpreted and re-interpreted by the many scholars and rabbis throughout our history. Even today, there are those who are putting a new spin on halacha observance.

One can disagree with and be dismayed by the ultra-Orthodox positions in Israel on marriage, conversion, and gender discrimination and yet maintain, with pride, one’s identity as a Jew.

Get The Jewish Standard Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up