I went to shabbat services this past Friday because the news of the Bibas family is so heartbreaking and I wanted to hear something meaningful from the rabbi. The Bibas family was mentioned and the service promptly moved on to hear from a new female rabbi who is under 30 and childless. In the same week that the world learned about the murder of Jewish children, this woman thought it was a good idea to talk about how reproductive rights (aka abortion on demand) is a Jewish value. I thought the discussion, especially the timing was abhorrent.
I listened to this episode Saturday night and you can imagine my surprise to learn that reproductive rights is in fact, not a Jewish value – especially since I have heard that exact line a million times. I thought the episode was handled beautifully. And as this crappy, crappy week comes to an end, I’m left wondering yet again, what is wrong with the Reform movement?
Thank you so much for being brave and addressing this issue. I am a former liberal Jew, now leaning more conservative and my views on abortion "rights" are evolving in that direction as well. I just want to take issue with the Rabbi's obvious anti-right-wing stance on objecting to the legality of abortion without providing any services for the mother. My understanding is that many Catholic organizations provide exactly that. Way more so than Jewish organizations. It would be great to have a safety net for moms, but liberal circles don't provide that, the government doesn't provide that, and where I think you can find that is through churches. I actually found myself feeling defensive every time he mentions right-wing nuts! Who woulda thought?
What a fantastic discussion! I have similar beliefs about the morality of certain abortions (I'm a Protestant). We need more frank discussions within religious circles. I'm a fan of all three of you!
I went to shabbat services this past Friday because the news of the Bibas family is so heartbreaking and I wanted to hear something meaningful from the rabbi. The Bibas family was mentioned and the service promptly moved on to hear from a new female rabbi who is under 30 and childless. In the same week that the world learned about the murder of Jewish children, this woman thought it was a good idea to talk about how reproductive rights (aka abortion on demand) is a Jewish value. I thought the discussion, especially the timing was abhorrent.
I listened to this episode Saturday night and you can imagine my surprise to learn that reproductive rights is in fact, not a Jewish value – especially since I have heard that exact line a million times. I thought the episode was handled beautifully. And as this crappy, crappy week comes to an end, I’m left wondering yet again, what is wrong with the Reform movement?
I think your experience at the Shul falls under the category of “you had one job.”
Thank you so much for being brave and addressing this issue. I am a former liberal Jew, now leaning more conservative and my views on abortion "rights" are evolving in that direction as well. I just want to take issue with the Rabbi's obvious anti-right-wing stance on objecting to the legality of abortion without providing any services for the mother. My understanding is that many Catholic organizations provide exactly that. Way more so than Jewish organizations. It would be great to have a safety net for moms, but liberal circles don't provide that, the government doesn't provide that, and where I think you can find that is through churches. I actually found myself feeling defensive every time he mentions right-wing nuts! Who woulda thought?
Good point!! I’ll pass it on to him. The church does try and offer services for the mom. Too bad we don’t have a model like that in the Jewish world.
I really enjoyed this conversation. Thank you, Jay, for sharing. I’m so sorry for your pain & appreciate your generosity. 🙏❤️
What a fantastic discussion! I have similar beliefs about the morality of certain abortions (I'm a Protestant). We need more frank discussions within religious circles. I'm a fan of all three of you!
Thank you so much