Parties, Sects and SYMPLE Judiasm

One of the earliest things American Jews learn is "what type of Jew are you?" Hasid (Choose a Rebbe or Two), Charedi, Sfardi, Ashkenaz, Mizrachi, Yeshivaish, Modern Orthodox, Traditionalist, Conservative (Left or Right), Reform (Classical or Contemporary, Northern or Southern), Reconstructionist (Kaplanian or Contemporary), Humanist, Zionist (right or left, religious or secular), Secular, Ethnic, Chavurahnik, Arbeiter Ring Yiddishist,Renewalista, Jewish Science, None of the Above, Buberian existentialist, Heschelian Social Activist, Kabbalist, Some of the Above, New Age, Egalitarian Vegan Traditionalists with a Hint of Mint...with new versions and visions occuring daily! Laughing

Jews have always been people of parties - community is a very big priority in Torah! "Do not separate yourself from the Community" we learn in Mishna Avot. And as is the case with folks everywhere, we tend to hang out with folks who share our views and values. This is good as long as we don't engage in commun-olatry - making an idol of our particular kehilla (community) and thinking they, and they alone, have the keys to a good and beautiful life. Torah has seventy faces Chazal (our Sages of Blessed Memory) tells us - and every Jewish community is a guardian of one face.

So what do Mr. Kivel and his chaverim consider their approach to Torah?

It's SYMPLE....