Surprise JTS Choice Signals New Openness

The Jewish Week ^ | 14 April 2006 | Debra Nussbaum Cohen

[APRPEH]

Arnie Eisen, not a rabbi, seen warming Seminary culture; nod to gay ordination.

Arnold M. Eisen has 15 months before he starts his new job as chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, but even on the day the appointment was announced, he was making significant changes at the Conservative movement’s flagship institution.

News that he personally favors ordaining openly gay and lesbian rabbis, unlike Rabbi Ismar Schorsch, whom he is succeeding, traveled fast and prompted much discussion, since the topic has divided the movement for years.

But perhaps Eisen’s biggest initial impact came from his personal style, leading some to wonder if the culture of JTS and by extension, the Conservative movement, will soon change. JTS has long been seen by some students and faculty as a formal, even distant environment.

CUT

Added Sarah Chandler, a graduate student: “There was a nice JTS communal feel that I’ve never had before.”

Eisen is a prolific author and is often described as a brilliant scholar of contemporary American Judaism. His publications include “Taking Hold of Torah: Jewish Commitment and Community in America,” and “Rethinking Modern Judaism: Ritual, Commandment, Community.”

CUT

He and his wife, Adriane Leveen, a biblical scholar at Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles, have a daughter in college and a son in high school.

But while his scholarship and warmth are acknowledged, there are some in the Conservative community who question whether Eisen has the proper credentials to head the seminary, particularly at a time of theological strife within the movement about the role of halacha, or Jewish law, as well as financial troubles and congregational ennui. The movement has been losing numbers in recent years to the Reform and Orthodox.

[APRPEH]

If he manages to survive 1 year, the "conservatives" are one step closer to re-uniting with the "reforms". There doesnt seem to be a place for the "conservatives" anymore as a separate group.

“Let’s face it, I had three strikes against me” from the beginning, Eisen said in an interview with The Jewish Week. “I am not a rabbi, I have never been a major fundraiser and I have never run anything larger than a department.

I thought this was a purim spiel at first.

[Seeing More Clearly Now]

The Conservative Movement is clueless about Judaism. Fancy buildings and an ignorant, aging constituency. They've done trememdous harm to the Jewish people are have decided with this appointment to stay the course to oblivion.