Crazy Idea, or Is It?

[wrenb]

Last week I was at the Union for Reform Judaism Biennial convention. I had a wonderful time attending workshops, concerts, a play, and praying a whole lot (and, a.n.ers, meeting Karen for dinner and photos). In addition to the ideas I've got for improving my committee work, I've come home with a crazy idea percolating in my brain

Comments

Thanks

[wrenb]

I just want to thank you all for your enthusiastic support. It means a lot to hear that my friends think this is something I can do. Tomorrow night at dinner I'm going to bounce it off of my best friends from Temple and see what they think.

[red_ruby]

IANAJ either, but I think this sounds like a worthwhile and satisfying road to pursue -- whether it leads to a larger lay-person's role or one within the actual clergy (is that the right term?), I can't imagine such investigation, thought and preparation would ever be wasted.

(As for the university degree, my DH has a degree in philosophy, and has oft said that if he were "a believer", he'd be clergy. There's something very powerful about a well trained, compassionate mind combined with a spiritual being. And that's something I respect despite not being very 'religious' myself....)

[webhill]

Does your congregation have any lay leadership? Perhaps a position like that would be interesting for you. Also our congregation has a Mitzvah Corps - does yours? It must. I bet that working with them could be wonderful for you. I mean, it's not glamorous, but helping people clean their house to prepare for shiva, or after shiva, bringing food to those in mourning or to the sick or the postoperative, helping to put together care packages for those who have lost everything in a fire, etc etc - we do all that kind of stuff and it is very rewarding, and a lot of the people being helped also do want to talk so there is that opportunity....

[wrenb]

I need to talk to people at Temple about leadership opportunities that do not involve being on committees. We do have some lay leaders for services, but the ones I can think of all are song leaders, and I don't play guitar. Maybe I could help lead shiva minyans... Hmmm... Good idea Hillary! I don't really want to be funeral girl, but I'm sure that's something I could get over

[abernat]

But now she can transport herself. :)

Seriously, though, I think getting more involved is a great idea. Right now the Temple has two avenues. Well, three.

1) Committees, Board, officers.
2) Songleaders. We get in for free because there's not that many and we're kinda popular.
3) Torah readers. Yeah... but that's all you do.

But just because there _are_ those three doesn't mean that that is all there _can_ be. I think lay leadership is a great idea. Really wonderful. There are even some ways to do it. I know that there are services the Rabbi doesn't lead. Normally they're covered by the Cantor or Educator
(or our songleader, actually), but you could definitely help there. Or helping out with Saturday morning services.

My guess is that, like most organizations, we're entrenched into a certain way of thought. And it's about time for it to change.

[cellio]

Ah, a kindred spirit!

Don't sell your abilities and talents short.

Try to think about the "whole job". What parts of being a rabbi appeal? What parts make you nervous? Do you necessarily want to be a congregational rabbi, or would you be happier in a Hillel or in chaplaincy or the like? (Not suggesting, just asking.) How does your rabbi spend his day? His week? His year?

Yes, you'll need to get some Hebrew proficiency before you can apply. You can work on that while deciding whether you want to go down this path. You're unlikely to consider learning Hebrew to be wasted effort should you decide not to pursue the rabbinate, yes?

Leadership positions for lay people seems like a tough nut to crack in some congregations. (I have that same problem.) Good luck with that, and if you learn any tricks for expanding your opportunities, please share. :-)

[beth_leonard]

Am I dreaming far beyond my abilities and talents?

I don't know much about the Jewish hierarchy, but in my experience, if God is calling you to take this type of position, there's little that can prevent you from doing it. (Think Moses and Jonah)

Good luck if it's what you think God's calling you to do!

--Beth