Articles

Community relations is an art form. And when it comes to the public affairs agenda of the Jewish community, communications management requires a mastery of intrigue and information. Nowhere was that mastery more evident than the Los Angeles Community Relations Committee (CRC) from 1934–2007, where I served as director from 1985-1995.

With the news of a COVID-19 vaccine being rolled out as soon as this week, many are rightfully dreaming of the day when we can finally exit our quarantines.

The “coming out” process no doubt will be slow, somewhat disjointed and likely to include a number of unexpected challenges. Longer term, lifestyle behaviors and choices may have changed permanently during the pandemic, just as they have transformed during prior moments in American history.

In my last piece, I explained why the Jewish community is in the midst of a “Pandemic Revolution.” Twenty-first-century economic and social changes have suggested that our community will be courting a new generation of Jews with different modes of engagement, operating with fewer resources, and managing amid a destabilized political and social environment.

Managing a Broken Society: As we experience this Thanksgiving moment, we realize the health challenges and economic struggles of so many in our country, even within our own community. Just as individuals and families face hardships, so do many of our most valued institutions. Our government, in consort with the nonprofit and business sectors, must develop a joint commitment to healing our nation.

As we experience an unprecedented global pandemic, more Jews than at any other time in history are being exposed to Jewish platforms of culture, religious practice and education. According to several reports, COVID-19’s forced digital emphasis has generated a rebirth in Jewish spirituality, learning and religious engagement.

In a joint statement issued on November 6, the leadership of Wilshire Boulevard Temple (WBT) and University Synagogue announced the latest merger within the American Jewish communal world.
Rabbi Joseph Newmark founded Congregation B’nai B’rith (WBT) in 1862. As Los Angeles’ first synagogue, WBT would emerge under the leadership of Rabbi Edgar Magnin (1915-1984) as one of the city’s most influential Jewish institutions. Over WBT’s 158 year history, its transformative clergy and high profile lay leadership have positioned the synagogue to be a pioneering engine of change.

What does a Joe Biden victory mean for Jewish America? This past Shabbat brought with it the news that the major media outlets had confirmed the election of Joseph R. Biden Jr. as this nation’s 46th President.

As we await the complete results of the 2020 election, Americans of all stripes have just participated in one of the most challenging, contentious and divisive political moments that this republic has experienced. 83% of us believed this to be the most defining election in our lifetime and that this outcome “matters”!

This every four year ritual is again upon us! In some measure, for American Jews these election cycles have emerged as a centerpiece of their American and Jewish identities. The rawness of American politics, especially in connection with this particular campaign, has only added to the intensity of this election season. With less than four weeks to go, this contest is consuming the attention of Jews across this nation!

During these closing days prior to America’s presidential election, we continue to see the further unwinding of this nation’s electorate. What we have known for some time is the deep cultural divisions that define the voting base within this country.