Jordan_Albert by Freestyle Academy

The Athiest Jew

WRITTEN, DESIGNED, AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JORDAN ALBERT 1

Dedication

I dedicate this book to people of any faith who accept anoyone else for exactly who they are, My family, Rabbi, and everyone I interviewed or talked to for this project. 3

Acknowledgements This book would not have been possible without the compliance of everyone I interviwed, and more specifically Rabbi Marder, Paige Kaplan, Lori Goldmen, and Karen Rau. Rabbi Marder, thank you for my Bar Mitzvah, and be so accepting of my differing beliefs. Paige Kaplan, thank you for interview me, and complying. Karen, thank you for being a great family friend, and having us over each year again and again. Lori, thank you for also helping me with this book, and being a good family friend as well. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to thank my parents for putting up with me for the years and still having some faith in my abilities. Thank you so much to Freestyle for providing the opportunity for me to do things I never thought Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be able to do, and unlocking the real me. Thank you to all of my friends for supporting me through everything. 6

Table of Contents Foreword ........................................................................................................ Introduction................................................................................................... Atheist Jews and Atheists and Jews............................................................. Basic Roots..................................................................................................... Oil and Vinegar.............................................................................................. Quotes............................................................................................................. Bibliography...................................................................................................

Foreword

I became interested in this topic about two years ago when

for the first time I questioned my religious beliefs. I had gone through a serious depression, and so I prayed each night, but really to no avail. Through my whole life I have been a devout atheist, and until that year, I had never prayed voluntarily, and by that I mean I never felt the necessity too. In these two years, I felt as if nothing was within my control, and that a higher power was my only pace to turn. However, with no changes occuring, my faith quickly withered. I truly believe I will always be an atheist, because I like things to be certain, and I cannot stand the uncertain. Religion provides faith, but nothing is truly set and stone, for it cannot be explained with evidence, as compared to scientific results. Additionally, I personally think that the only person that can make change or good things happen in ones life is himself. I do however like and accept Jewish community values, such as making the world a better place, and accepting all types of peoples. Through the project, however, I was hoping to find more differing viewpoints, yet nearly everyone at Beth Am stated that they were accepting of others, including gays, atheists, people of other faiths, and really anyone else who respects their views, as in response they will receive the same treatment. I suppose that really says something about Beth Amâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community. Another thing I was expecting, was that the community would hold religion as a more secondary idea, which held little value. This was the wrong assumption. Two people I interviewed changed my view on this, being Paige Kaplan, a person I interviewed who is a convert at Beth Am, and Karen Rau, another person I interviewed who is also a member at Beth Am. Both value religion for it promotes values, and that religion is something they want both of their families to enjoy.

Now the main aim of this book is to the Beth Am community, as more of a kudos on the good work, and also to see how I fit in, among other atheists, into such an accepting religious community, and to what the extent such an open door policy goes. Adding to this, the results show some confusion as to why atheists would partake in a religious organization, yet all of the people interviewed stated that atheists could definitely join the community, so long as there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a fight over whose beliefs are correct. As for research there is more work to be done. The reason is, there is no solid stand. At Beth Am, everyone is accepted for whatever they believe, but many temples do not share such a view. There are really two major stories, one being mine, and the other being Paige, the convert.

I myself feel very welcome into Beth Am’s community, and this is emphasised by the fact that my own rabbi knows that I’m an atheist, yet is still willing to meet with me. In addition, she still is willing to talk about faith with me, and still wants to have me as part of the temple. As for Paige, she has been a member in Beth Am for over twenty years, and feels very accepted in the community. She leads the cooking classes and says that even her family, even though her family isn’t technically Jewish, as she’s originally Catholic, the temple still is letting her children get Bar and Bat mitzvahed. These are just two of many stories which Beth Am holds. Overall, I am proud to say that I’m a member in congregation Beth Am.

Introduction s it possible to be atheist and Jewish? Stereotypically no, because atheists have no religious ties. Realistically however, it is completely plausible, and is becoming more common each day. Over fifty percent of American Jews are atheists, yet still consider themselves to be Jewish. As for a more worldly outlook, nearly fifteen percent of Jews are atheists (Winston). Take a step back. How is that even possible? If you don’t believe in God, how can you still be Jewish? This is a slightly more complex answer. At its base, Judaism says nothing about supporting God, nothing about forcing worship. Judaism functions off trying to “question God from top to bottom” (Winston). In fact, Judaism and atheism are actually on par and work better with each other.

Questioning things is what keeps religion vibrant and uplifting, for without the ability to question things, people can never truly find faith or solace in religion. This is because they must accept a truth given to them which cannot be mended or changed, and lets be honest: as human beings, we like to question things and weight their legitimacy. Luckily however, we live in a more accepting world than say 1000 years ago. Atheism no doubt is looked down upon in some religions still, yet this is not true for all religions. Going back to Judaism, atheism is quite common, and not looked down upon in some organizations.

However, lets focus more on reform temples, or less religious temples. These temples generally hold people of assorted beliefs. I happen to attend one and have for the majority of my life. The entire time I had been there I was never really involved, and not even today. However, most people there have always been relatively kind to me even though Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m an atheist. From this information alone, can we assume that Beth Am is an open religious organization? As a member of the minority, I can happily state that Beth Am is an open religious society, and will elaborate by going more in depth on its communities views on three often touchy subjects for religions people being scientific beliefs, opposing religions, namely christianity, and lastly, Atheism.

Chapter I: Atheists and Jews, and Atheist Jews

Two ideas which most people think can never correlate well together are Atheism and religion. It is worth not-

ing again that we are a reform temple. Thus we are a less religious society, are more focused on building community, and are generally more accepting of people by nature. That is not to say that Beth Am has no religious aspects, because that would be untrue. Religious worship is one of its many community building activities along with Tikkun Olam, known as “repairing the world”. Tikkun Olam describes the entire Jewish mission for me, which is to make the world a better place. The reason I say for me is because no one statement can describe the Jewish mission for everyone.

So what is Tikkun Olam? It could consist from any size task, such as washing your dog, or cooking and feed-

ing the homeless. Now how does this tally with Atheism? Since Atheists don’t believe in God, Tikkun Olam lets us still be a part of the Jewish community, feel good about our actions, and have pride in our religion without ever praying. Now Tikkun Olam is not specific to Beth Am, but nearly all Jewish organizations. Beth Am however reaches it hands to nearly all and everyone ranging from families who just need a meal and a place to stay for a week, to marrying Gay and Lesbian couples, regardless of religion and sexuality respectively. While I truthfully do not partake in these events often, Beth Am allows for a nearly endless amount of events many of which don’t even relate to Judaism. I distinctly remember helping set up tents inside our dining hall, and eating a meal with some people who needed a place to stay. It was then when I truly recognized my pride for being Jewish. However, I feel as if I can be Jewish, and an Atheist at the same time. 15

Throughout my whole life I’ve been an Atheist, and I’m pretty sure that won’t change anytime soon, yet that doesn’t mean that I don’t feel pride in being Jewish. People at Beth Am have rarely looked down on me for my views, as I am not one of a kind. Whenever we prayed at Sunday school, I almost never took part. One teacher in the course of six years ever told me I had to pray. On top of that, my own Rabbi knows I’m an atheist, and states that if she can be accepting of my views, I should be of hers. I worked with this Rabbi for over a year, where she helped me write an essay for my Bar Mitzvah, on Noah’s Ark. Knowing my beliefs, she respected that, and the essay wasn’t based around the miracles of the event, but to explore what it truly meant. This is because at the heart of the matter, Atheism is based around questioning.

This brings up an interesting segway, as

Jewish faith is largely based around the ability and will to “question God from top to bottom” (Winston). Thus Atheism and Judaism actually work quite flawlessly with each other. This questioning is not necessarily in an aggressive way as some might see it, but in a truly quisitive way. This is because many of us are unsure of our faiths, so we say that we are Atheists. Now this may not be true for every Atheist, yet the matter really comes down to that if you are an Atheist and you don’t enjoy going to the temple, or church, then you don’t have to go. Thus people who are Atheists and actually go to the temples will generally be quite respectful of others beliefs. 17

As for my own point of view, I have absolutely no issue in people believing whatever they want to believe. The

issue for myself is when people start to debate whose beliefs are correct. It is impossible to debate why something another person believes is wrong, “Similar to politics, it’s not necessarily that someone’s right or wrong. It’s just what they believe, and personally everyone’s entitled to believe what they want” (Rau). In my mind, I see Atheism as the right path for myself, yet that may not be the same for another person. I think this is how Beth Am teaches us to be. I’ve never felt forced to believe something at Beth Am, my faith comes from only myself. As an organization and community, I feel that Beth Am is very accepting of others, and respects anyone’s interpretation of faith and loyalty to their beliefs.

So as a non-religious member at Beth Am, do I feel confident saying that it is an open place of worship? Ab-

solutely. Again, I’ve always felt like my opinions have been respected, and that no one has tried to force their views on me. Paige Kaplan, the convert at Beth Am, says it best that “Beth am as being very accepting of families, of non jews. You know, everybody, as opposed to tolerant. Make sense?” (Kaplan). So as more of a final thought, if I’m atheist, what do I believe in? The answer to that is I don’t think that having faith at Beth Am is actually that relevant. I believe in nothing, yet I don’t feel this deters me so much from being a member at Beth Am. What I do believe in is myself, and the way I can contribute to the Jewish community and the world. The best way to do so is to be a good person, in that if I have the chance to do a good deed, I try to do it, and for me, the greatest Tikkun Olam of all is the ability to put a smile on someones face.

Chapter II: Basic Roots

Can people from other beliefs join Beth Am? From Beth Am’s viewpoint, any religion or belief can join as

long as they are accepting of Beth Am’s mission which is to, “strive to be a holy community, whose study and practice Judaism inspires us and challenges us to seek justice, to love kindness, and to walk calmly with our God”. Generally people remain within the religions they were born into, but there are a select few who change their beliefs.

Paige is a prime example. She has been a presbyterian member for a long time, and in addition is in charge

of cooking classes there and isn’t even Jewish yet. She has been a member at beth am for a long time, yet wants to make her status as a Jew official. She has practiced and learned things about Judaism for about twenty years. However, will Paige be treated equally to other members of the congregation? As for Paige, she is certain that she will be treated equally because she sees Beth Am as “very accepting” (Kaplan). In addition, she still hasn’t officially converted yet, and considering her statement saying that Beth Am is a very accepting place, I believe it is fair to say that she is treated equally in the community, and feels as if she contributes to it as well.

Converts are treated equally at Beth Am. According to the Talmud, a Jewish second next to the Torah,

converts “are equal in all respects and there’s also a saying in tradition that converts are especially beloved to God because those who are born Jewish have no choice about it. But to voluntarily choose to become part of the Jewish people is a special act of loyalty and love and so they might even stand on a higher level for that reason.” Thus, we can confidently say that converts are welcome and treated equally. However, are people who don’t convert still treated equally as well? While Paige is treated equally, and even helps out at the temple, lets look at someone elses 20

situation.

Lori Goldman has a similar situation to Paige’s, yet Lori has been a member at Beth Am for over twenty

years, and has still not converted. She too has had good experiences with Beth Am regardless of her beliefs. In many ways she can relate to my situation, in the idea that we both having differing viewpoints from the majority of the community. Also, when I asked her if all members should be equal at Beth Am, she immediately answered yes, and also says that, “I don’t think any beliefs would stop anyone from being part of our community.” Again, this says much about Beth Am’s community, and how accepting it is.

Would it be fair to say that Beth Am is accepting of all peoples, regardless of beliefs? I honestly would say that

I do think this. In addition, I don’t think that this applies to every reform temple, and not even most. That’s not to say that Judaism isn’t accepting of others. What I do mean is that Beth Am is much more accepting than most other people and organization. I also think that Beth Am staff, if they push us to learn anything at all would have to be acceptance, not tolerance. A prime example would be a rabbi at our temple. She does many of the Bar and Bat Mitzvah, and theologically is not Jewish. That is to say that neither of her parents are Jewish, yet she was still able to convert and become part of our community. Now I’d say it’s fair that some people may be wondering this. What is Rabbi Sara had not converted to Judaism? Could she still be a rabbi? I’d say no. It’s not to say that Beth Am’s community isn’t accepting of people, because it absolutely is, yet to preach about Judaism while a Christian doesn’t make sense. Thus it’s not that this could never happen, it’s just unlikely. Yet this is not the case, and Rabbi Sara is given one of the most prestigious jobs of reading from the Torah, and leading prayers in services. 21

I wouldn’t even say that Rabbi Sara is an exception to a policy, or one of a kind at our temple.

While others similar to her may not be Rabbis, they are equal members of the congregation by all means to even Jewish members. Lori is the prime example here. Just two weeks ago her daughter had been Bat Mitzvahed. In it, Lori was invited to stand on the Bema and read from the Torah, something which is absolutely forbidden in nearly every Jewish organization, as she is not Jewish. Lori agrees with this, as she even says, “had I been at another type of temple, I couldn’t have done that.” Such actions such as these are what make Beth Am such a unique place to be at.

I don’t think it’s that Beth Am tries to stand out, yet from having such an accepting leader, being Rabbi

Marder, who promotes such awareness to her fellow rabbis, pupils, and members, the community itself is truly reflective of her views. This is a direct quotation from Rabbi Marder quoting the bible “Judaism inspires us and challenges us to seek justice, to love kindness, and to walk calmly with our God.” This is Judaism’s mission, and it is interchangeable to anyone.

Chaper III: Oil and Vinegar

Two things which don’t generally collaborate well together are science and religion. The two beliefs have

such differing views from evolution to creationism, the big bang to genesis, or even scientific facts to miracles. The two have and never will collaborate, but this doesn’t mean that they cannot live in peace together. In more worldly perspectives, views on science and religion almost never match up, and both are often at each others throats. As the world continually changes however, people no longer are required to accept what religion says, and for the first time in human history are able to question and amount the validity of certain topics without worry. As a reform temple, we are a less religious organization, which does factor in significantly. However, how accepting is Beth Am of opposing viewpoints?

Well for starters, let’s look at their website. At the very top under Beth Am it says “where you belong”. I

don’t think that is meant in a forceful manner, or has any negative connotation attached, but it just states that it is a place that you belong. It’s a place where regardless of faith, you can belong, and feel no pressure to change your beliefs or ways. This is reinstated by how many different people attend Beth Am, and how accepting the temple is of them. So back to the main question of how accepting Beth Am is of other viewpoints, I’d say quite. “Congregational communications clearly articulate the Jewish values of kavod (respect for each individual), hachnasat orchim (hospitality) and rachamim (compassionate concern).” A direct quote under Beth Am’s community page. To be completely honest, I’ve never debated the legitimacy of the Big Bang Theory to Creationism with anyone there, nor plan too. It’s almost unsaid that arguements about such things won’t get you anywhere, and in addition, our mission at Beth Am is to seek out kindness in the world. Arguing who’s right and wrong isn’t the way to do so. So based on how accepting Beth Am is of other people, I’d say it’s almost given that they’d be accepting of even opposing views.

As for science and Judaism specifically, both correlate quite nicely. Similar to Atheism, Science teaches us to

question thing. If we believe in something, science encourages one to prove or disprove its legitimacy. Questioning is also encouraged in Judaism, and it is deeply rooted in our traditions and values. Jews will generally explain why something happened in a certain way with logic, and not a literal reading of the Torah. As I’ve been raised and taught, education is the highest value, and with it comes logic. Logic and human perception are so important to the Jewish people, that it even trumps the word of God (Geoffrey).

So can science and religion ever collaborate with each other? Personally, no. Both again hold such differing

views from each other that collaboration between the two is more accurately stated as incompatibility. However, science and religion do not have to remain at “war”. Most of it is made up from a minority of religious followers who give a bad reputation to their entire religion. A stellar example is the Westboro church. For those of you who don’t know who they are, they are a religious group from Kansas who generally show up at military funerals with horrible signs, such as “God Hates Fags”. It’s people like that who tarnish religion’s true purposes and reputation. Religion stands to bring hope among people, not to do the opposite. In addition, with the rising popularity of science, religion’s hold on societies’ beliefs has weakened, not to say that it is powerless by any means. If people could step up and seek justice by speaking out against people such as the Westboro church, this phony war on science versus religion may finally come to a close.

Overall, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d say Beth Am is a very accepting place in terms of people with differing beliefs, Atheists, and even

scientific views. However, I want to address a question some of you might wonder. Why is an atheist writing a paper about religion? I really want to highlight a point, which is that religion is not all about God and prayer. Most of religion for many people is just community, which is also very important. Community helps organizations feel more wholesome. Arguably, community is the most important part of religious organizations. It is what also differentiates each temple, church, or synagogue from the next. In addition, Atheism is actually important to religions as well, as it forces people to answer questions they might not want to answer. Questioning however, proves whether or not faith is strong, or it is just blind faith. for example If one canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even explain why they think creationism is a more legitimate source of human creation versus evolution, then that is just blind faith. This goes both ways in terms of science and religion. However, the main reason I wrote this paper is to be to understand other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view on Atheism. Many people see it as wrong, which is not something I can change. However, it is a legitimate faith. If you look past common definitions and stereotypes, you will see an open viewpoint in which people collaborate regardless of their views.

Works Cited Goldmen, Lori. Personal Interview. 26 Mar. 2013. Kaplan, Paige. Personal Interview. 12 Mar. 2013. Lee, Jeremey. Personal Interview. 24 Mar. 2013 Rau, Karen. Personal Interview. 27 Mar. 2013. Marder, Jannet. Personal Interview. 15 Feb. 2013. “Congregation Beth Am |.” Congregation Beth Am |. Beth Am, n.d. Web. 03 Apr. 2013. Dudley, Jonathan. “Christian Faith Requires Accepting Evolution.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 18 June 2011. Web. 03 Apr. 2013. Mitelman, Rabbi Geoffrey A. “Why Judaism Embraces Science.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 20 June 2011. Web. 03 Apr. 2013. Winston, Kimberly. Atheist Jews: Judaism Without God. Huff Post, 23 November, 2011. Website. 23 March 2013.

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