Voices of WRJ: Emor

by Karen Maes Parshat Emor, while establishing many rules and regulations, has a major overarching theme, acceptance, or lack thereof. Leviticus 21 and 22 mainly talks to the priests. As written in The Torah, A Women’s Commentary, Parshat Emor: “The text places emphasis on avoiding desecration of the sanctuary by keeping the holy from coming into contact with impurity or with disqualifying imperfections.” I understand what the end goal was but I think the priests, by only accepting what they deemed as perfect, probably overlooked many good people. In fact, I am not the only one who sees this. In 2007 Amy Scheinerman, wrote in Voices of Torah, “We might understand banning profligate priests, but barring physically impaired kohanim from officiating offends our moral sensibilities.” She goes on to say, “Is human imperfection offensive to God? Is a kohein’s physical perfection in some way a reflection of God’s perfection?” One of the things I love about Reform Judaism is that I am not afraid to disagree with our sacred texts. In fact, discussion and questioning is welcomed and encouraged. Perfection means inequality and lack of inclusion. Inclusiveness and equality is very much in the forefront of the news. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ), stated in a blog post “The Jewish people is here today because those who came before us were audacious. By that I mean courageous, fearless, and bold.” It takes a courageous woman to go to an event with a new group of women for the first time. It is also easier and more familiar to sit with the women we have known for a long time but it takes courage to go sit with that same new woman whom you have never met. Lets share stories and create new ones. Are we practicing audacious hospitality in our sisterhoods as well as our congregations? Are we making our sisterhoods inclusive and welcoming for everyone? As sisterhood leaders are we looking to a new person to help plan a program or possibly chair a committee thus enabling them to grow? My sisterhood has a monthly girls night out at a local restaurant. The weeknight it is offered rotates allowing any woman who wants to come a chance if they have a recurring commitment on a certain night. My sisterhood’s nominating committee announced the slate for next year’s board and it is made up of many women who will be first time board members. What an exciting time for our sisterhood. I am very lucky that the sisterhoods (and congregations) I have belonged to have carried the torch of Audacious Hospitality in all aspects. Warmly welcoming new women no matter their race, nationality or religious beliefs. Diversity, equality and inclusiveness are perfection in my eyes. A “blemish” (as the priests in Parshat Emor call it) creates individuality not imperfection in my world. I did not angst over the entire parshat. I found Leviticus 23:1-44, The Regulations for the Sabbath and Festivals, extremely fascinating and pictured my women’s Torah study group and the lively discussion that would ensue. On a grander scale, nationally and globally, lack of equality and inclusiveness are greater issues. I am proud to be on the board of Women of Reform Judaism. WRJ has taken a stand on every one of these issues. Defending social justice issues such as women’s pay equity, religious freedoms (including strong support for Women of the Wall who are fighting for the right for women to pray at Kotel), immigration reform (both in the United States and abroad) and women’s healthcare reform. As our mission statement reads, “Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) strengthens the voice of women worldwide and empowers them to create caring communities, nurture congregations, cultivate personal and spiritual growth, and advocate for and promote progressive Jewish values.” Karen Maes is a member of Temple B’nai Shalom in Fairfax Station, VA. She serves as a member of WRJ Board of Directors and co-chairs a sub-committee for Individual Memberships as well as serving on the board of directors of WRJ Mid-Atlantic District as an Area Director. She is also a past congregational and sisterhood president at her previous synagogue.