Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 9/20/2010

Question
The form said I've asked too many questions. I thank you for your time.

You asked where I live. I'm north east of Chico, California, a couple of hours north of Sacramento. There is the Reconstructionist synagogue in Chico that I mentioned (Rabbi Julie) but the next closest that I know of is in Sacramento. Chabad at Chico state has something but its just for students at CSU I understand.

Thanks again
Yochanan

Answer
Dear Yochanan,

Several things in summing up this thread.

1. I understand that the form has told you "enough" but don't worry. You've helped me think through the kind of questions you are raising as symptomatic of others.

2. I hope that I can share your questions with my teen students - without a name or address of course - in preparing them for college where there are missionary efforts to convert them to Christianity, often hiding as "messianic Judaism" which is of course a misnomer and deception.

3. You may want to speak with Chabad, but know in advance that most often these "shluchim" or "agents" in translation are sent out and don't have a secular college education, especially in such subjects as literature, comparative religions, theology, and modern sciences except for computers and electronic communications.

Chabad like other Hassidim (a sub-set of Ultra-Orthodox Jewry in contrast as well to modern Orthodox, e.g. graduates from Yeshiva University and the like)are very open to questions but have a set pattern in responding. For example, you can read "Hizzuk Emunah" (Strengthening Of The Faith) which consists of classic Biblical quotations cited by missionaries to promote Christianity written by Isaac Troki, but it was written at the end of the 16th century! It is amazingly out of date and touch with the modern situation. Furthermore, they see the Torah as literal history as read as they also most read the entire Bible and the Talmud with Midrash.

Let me also suggest that you read "The Rebbe" by Heilman and Friedman, two internationally respected and observantly Jewish sociologists. It is an amazing insight describing how modern Chabad came to be who they are and how they approach their agenda of outreach.

I suspect for you that you need a mentor who is closer to you than I and also educated in a variety of disciplines in addition to Judaism. I'll do a little looking for you as there are also colleagues of mine who are not in a pulpit and would be delighted to be helpful.

Best wishes and thank you again for the helpful conversation.

Rabbi Dov