Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 8/15/2006

Question
Rabbi Dov,
I guess I was not aware of the extent of the animosity between Conservatism and Orthodoxy that I have perceived from your replies. Don't get me wrong, I can certainly see why there might be, given Orthodoxy's stance on the who's Jewish issue and the 'my way or the highway' stance they often present. My Rabbi (Conservative) will often quote the Talmud and Sages in his 'drash, but you always wind up with the feeling that's it's your choice whether you go along with what he's presented.
My question: How does Conservative Judaism view Halakhah? Is it from Sinai?
I have learned from Orthodox, Karaite and Conservative Jew alike, so please help me to understand the concept and the schism, if it exists.
Thank you in advance!

Answer
Dear Ovadiah,

Please don't impute general animosity, although - for example - there are a number of Orthodox Rabbis and even adherents who won't even enter a Conservative synagogue (or Reform or Reconstructionist) - but certainly not how Conservative Rabbis behave - entering a Jewish house of worship without concern for "label."

The different movements do differ in interpretations of Jewish history, Written and Oral Torah, Bible studies, I am most comfortable describing how we perceive a topic rather than attempting to compare and contrast.

Part of the challenge in answering these questions is that often a Rabbi calls himself/herself "Conservative" when in fact they didn't study at or graduate from a Conservative seminary and have not joined or been accepted into the Conservative Rabbinical Association. But in fact the Rabbi is not a Conservative Rabbi - just providing answers "as if" or according to the Rabbi's sense of what Conservative Judaism is about.

Secondly, the Rabbi may not really be a graduate Rabbi but one who has a diploma mill degree, almost all from New York State, and educationallyvworthless except to congregations who want an inexpensive "Rabboid."

Thirdly, there are issues over which - as you describe - some Conservative Rabbis know there is more than one opinion that is authentically part of the tradition. Unfortunately, some congregants want an absolute answer, white or black, right or wrong, either or. And the Rabbi knows that the Jewish tradition - not just Conservative Judaism - is more than two opposite, absolute positions.

IMHO some form of early experience - call it revelation or divine inspiration - began to shape the Jewish way of life. It described what we hold to be God's will and commandments, and it described the kind of society we were expected to create for ourselves and for all humanity.

In time, new circumstances and dilemmas created new questions for which old laws and customs were inadequate. The interpretative process alleged that they were derived from the earlier texts; the more modern teachers would admit that they were interpreting as a creative process.

I believe that Halakha is the structure within which we live and function as Jews - or we are expected to do so. We try to do so and Jewish law holds out the ideal for us in the calendar cycle and the life cycle, in dietary laws, etc.Halakha has its origins in divine inspiration or revelation - I'm unable to define the difference - that was a real event. The insights and qualities of Jewish thoughts, values, principles and laws reflect such a spiritual and holy code that they can only reflect divinity.

Did it come from the voice of God to Moses, to be written down and spoken to him in direct speech. The Torah may record it as such. That remains an Orthodox point of view as an article of faith and absolute fact. For me, it is a possibility - but not the only option.

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov