Arnold M. Eisen is the seventh chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), the academic and spiritual center of Conservative Judaism.
Before coming to JTS in 2006, he was the Koshland Professor of Jewish Culture and Religion at Stanford University.
In an interview with Changing Jewish Communities, a monthly publication of Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, he mentions Chabad as a positive example to rejuvenate his movement.
“As far as outreach is concerned, I tell rabbinical students at JTS that if they cannot exhibit the same love for the Jewish people and Judaism as Chabad rabbis, then they have chosen the wrong profession,” Aisen said.
“The Conservative movement is strong on academics; we have many PhDs who can speak with all the required footnotes. We are, however, not good at conveying passion in our services,” he added.
Aisen’s remarks echo those of Eric Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, who told a convention in Minneapolis Reform Jews had a lot to learn from Chabad’s example.
“It is hard for me to say this but I will say it nonetheless: We must follow the example of Chabad,” Yoffie said.
“I disagree with Chabad about practically everything and I am appalled by the messianic fervor that has flared up in their midst. But I envy the selflessness of their young men and women who fan out across the world to serve Jewish communities in distress.”
the more they talk about it the more yidden get the idea that it’s all for hashem!
Kol Israel Areivim Ze La ze
being complimented by a conservative leader is not newsworthy. the conservative movement represents a lack of yiddishkeit, you should be ashamed to give this cretin any mention , let alone be proud that he mentioned chabad. Shame!
nice!
you mean that if we can change the messianic problem then there will be one thing less for the Conservative and Reform movement to talk about?
“it is hard for me to say this but I will say it nonetheless:”
It’s always nice to see something like that, but – and here’s the big BUT: Has anyone noticed a trend of posts on these news sites where the story is: Chabad recognized/praised/mentioned by some important (mainstream?) person or celebrity? I’m not sure what to make of it. You sometimes get the feeling that there is this desperate desire to feel accepted and legitimized by others. There is no greater confirmation of your truth than when someone else mimics or gives credence to it. It’s downright flattering. But do Lubavitchers (of which I am one) feel so alienated from the mainstream,… Read more »
The wonderful thing about Chabad is that it gets is sense of identity and purpose from the Rebbe and the teachings of Chabad Chassidus. Chabad is not driven by the winds of society’s latest opinion about what is, or is not right. And so Chabad does what the Rebbe wants and teaches it’s children to have the same values and purposeful life, all in the service of Dirah Btachtonim and bringing Moshiach now. It’s always nice to be recognized and appreciated, but let no one doubt that our goals, direction and self worth come from within, and that is a… Read more »