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Dear Friends of UTJ,
For the past several years, the UTJ has been hard at work to reinvigorate itself as a volunteer driven organization. We are pleased to say that our efforts have led to some significant successes.
We revamped our website, adding the UTJ Viewpoints section which offers articles and videos on a wide range of subjects from a UTJ perspective. We have developed a significant following on social media, including our very active UTJ and Friends Facebook discussion group. We have had many successful online events (video available here).
Morashah, the rabbinic fellowship of the UTJ has begun to have regular meetings over Zoom, and has implemented membership standards and bylaws so that we can build our rabbinic network (we have welcomed four new Rabbis to Morashah membership of late).
The UTJ Panel on Halakhic Inquiry is actively responding to halakhic questions it receives, having recently released responsa on such subjects as: the jewish status of those whose lineage is indeterminate, using an electric menorah, using grape juice at a wedding ceremony, women reciting Birkat Erusin and Sheva Berakhot, and eating at non-hekshered vegetarian restaurants.
We continue to strengthen our social media presence and to post new articles and videos to the UTJ website
UTJ added an Executive Coordinator position to help our mostly volunteer organization continue to grow. Rabbi Andrew Schultz has brought much needed energy to our organization and is our point person to help us follow through on our major goals.
But there is more that we can do to bring our message of open-minded Halakhic Judaism to the broadest possible spectrum of the Jewish world.
Now, we now turn to you to ask for you to help UTJ in mobilizing to achieve our goals.
We are working now to populate several committees that, with your participation, will lead to the accomplishment of the core mission of our organization.
The committees you can join and help to lead are as follows:
Now is your opportunity to make a difference by filling out this volunteer form.
We look forward to having you share in the success of UTJ’s mission, giving voice to the halakhic center and providing encouragement and support to those who seek to live lives committed to Torah, K’lal Yisrael, and intellectual integrity.
With thanks and anticipation,
The Union for Traditional Judaism
Rabbi David Novak, President
Rabbi Gerald Sussman, Executive Vice President
Rabbi Andrew Schultz, Executive Coordinator