While Judaism is undoubtedly a spiritual and a cultural pursuit, we often forget it is — perhaps more so than any other faith — a religion of the intellect. Seekers such as Lily Montagu and Claude Montefiore, founders of UK Liberal Judaism, animate my work because they dedicated every resource of heart and mind to answering the question, “What does my God require of me?” They became convinced God requires uncompromising adherence to Judaism’s ethical values, the cultivation of a personal Jewish religion, and the reconciliation of tradition to contemporary morality, because to ignore the evolution of morality is to ignore God’s unfolding revelation. It is one of the few progressive Judaisms born not of the struggle for Emancipation, but of the humble desire to do right by one’s self, people, world, and God.

To be perfectly honest, the idea of hybrid (virtual and in-person) learning, mentorship, and conversion was not one with which I was immediately comfortable. But I believe the message of Liberal Judaism is so precious, and often so inaccessible, that I am happy to take a chance. I would be most honored, should you choose to take that chance with me. Not only will we learn together, but we will work together to craft a personal devotional discipline of study, prayer, and observance to ground your Jewish identity, and your new community will welcome you with a Shabbat morning Service of Admission at the Liberal Jewish Fellowship.