Righteous Indignation, Ch. 1 (p 3-14)

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 1 (p 3-14)
Can Social Justice Save the American Jewish Soul? -- Rabbi Sidney Schwarz, PhD

(1) I appreciated the two-part answer to the purpose of Judaism on pages 4 and 5.

1. "Extend the boundaries of righteousness and justice in the world" (p 4; Genesis 18:19).
2. To be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (p 4; Exodux 19:6). The concept of "holy" includes being separate or apart.

"Judaism is a religion based on a paradox: Jews are expected to maintain a holy apartness as God's chosen people and, at the same time, are expected to be totally engaged with the world around them" (p 4).

Regardless of your faith orientation, do you feel this tension? Which do you find easier to maintain--holiness or engagement? Which do you value more at this point? Why? What do these words mean to you--righteousness, justice, holiness? What are potential problems of ignoring either personal transformation (holiness) or social transformation (justice/engagement)? Or do you disagree with the premise of this question?

(2) "Sinai consciousness is at the root of the Jewish understanding that to live true to the covenant that God established with the Jewish people at Sinai is to live a life of social responsibility" (p 5).

To our Jewish readers: Is it an improper gesture to co-opt this terminology for those not a part of the Jewish community? That is, can we say non-Jews are living with Sinai consciousness when they value and work for peace and justice?

It's my understanding that Rob Bell's new book addresses some of these issues--Exodus and Sinai consciousness. I believe it's based on 2 sermon series that I really appreciated--The New Exodus and Jesus Wants to Save Christians.

(3) "It is critical to recognize how central social justice is to Jewish consciousness. The concern for the stranger, the pursuit of justice and peace, the empathy for the poor, and the commitment to truth and fairness is buried deep in the soul of every Jew" (p 9).

That is a strong statement. Are these elements deep in my soul? In what ways are they manifested in my life? Is there anything I can do to help these values grow and thrive in my soul?

(4) I just want to highlight the lives of Michael Schwerner and Andy Goodman (p 10) who were killed along with James Chaney while working for racial reconciliation and civil rights in the South.

(5) The story of the $2 million synagogue project and the $1.5 million homeless shelter reminds me of Shane Claiborne discussing his similar frustration. What priorities does my local faith community demonstrate in its budget?

(6) As described on page 13, is your faith community more of a camp (defensive) or a congregation (nurtured by love)?