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 Dear Rabbi,
I recently received a magazine in the mail from the Conservative. I was surprised to find that they mention the ok to drive on Shabbos as a well accepted doctrine. When did this occur? I have a friend who left JTS for private practice who told me that they would not knowingly ordain a Rabbi who planned to do so. Sign me confused but not judgemental. Thanks!
Answer Dear Ovadiah,
All of my student peers were Shomer Shabbat, including not driving on Shabbat.
I don't recall that as a condition of attending, but it was a natural expression of who we were.
There is a responsum that does permit any Conservative Jew, lay or clergy, to drive to and from the synagogue for the purpose of attending worship services. Some Rabbis do observe this responsum.
If you wish to see the responsum of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, all have been published through 2000 and are in many synagogue libraries.
