by Rabbi Noah Gradofsky
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are that of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Union for Traditional Judaism, unless otherwise indicated.
Rabbi Noah Gradofsky’s article “Distinguishing Jewish Values From Political Imperatives” is available at https://www.jta.org/2019/10/03/ny/distinguishing-jewish-values-from-political-imperatives. The article also appeared in print in the October 4 print edition of the New York Jewish Week (pages 27-28).
In his article, Rabbi Gradofsky discusses the challenges of political advocacy based on Jewish values when the Jewish community is so divided politically.
Once upon a time, there were political issues on which there was “the” Jewish view — for instance support for Soviet Jewry or the State of Israel. Today, for better or worse, there seem to be none. …
This fractured political environment begs the question of whether Jews should organize and advocate for political goals by arguing that a certain position is consistent with Jewish values — or, if citing our sacred texts and values merely exploits our traditions for partisan political gain.
It is vitally important to continue to express how our Jewish values inform our political behavior. …
At the same time, we must consider whether the fractured political environment should change the ways we express the religious background of our political beliefs and activities. …
Read more at https://www.jta.org/2019/10/03/ny/distinguishing-jewish-values-from-political-imperatives.
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Ordained by the UTJ’s Institute of Traditional Judaism in 2004, Rabbi Noah Gradofsky has remained a steadfast member, serving for years as a member of the UTJ Executive Board, the board of Morashah - UTJ's rabbinic fellowship - and as chairman of the UTJ conference committee.
Rabbi Gradofsky served as a full-time rabbi at Temple Israel in Long Beach, NY, for 6 years and has since served a number of synagogues on a contract basis. He is also a full-time practicing attorney.
Rabbi Gradofsky is also a moderator of the UTJ Facebook group, and he is a prolific writer on Jewish law and sociological topics affecting the religious Jewish community. Among his essays and writings are:
To learn more about Rabbi Gradofsky and access any essays not yet included in Viewpoints, go to: www.e-ark.net
Rabbi Gradofsky is married to Dr. Melissa Klapper and lives in the Philadelphia area.