AboutRabbi Barry Dov Lerner Expertise Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history,
philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
Question Pope Benedict XVI writes in his book "Jesus of Nazareth", that at the age of thirty Jesus had "attained the age that conferred a right to public activity". This is in reference to Luke 3:23 where Jesus begins his ministry. Is, or was, there a tradition or rite attached to the age of thirty for Jewish men upon which this statement might be based? Thank you.
Answer Dear Charles,
Thanks for writing.
While I can't presume to know what the Pope had in mind - that is for you and the Church to define for you - there is a Rabbinic teaching, "Sayings of the Sages, chapter 5: teaching 26, in which we are told that the age of 30 is the age for "strength." Various interpretations include the strength to be an adult, to venture forth on a journey or course of action.
Otherwise, nothing else comes to mind. I shall continue to think about it nonetheless. If you have an answer from your priest, let me know, please.
