Where do we go from here?

By Alyssa Appelman
University of Missouri - Columbia
KOC Editor

"A compromise between Reform and Orthodox Judaism." "A blend of traditional and modern practices." "A vague middle ground." "A foundation of practices from which people pick-and-choose."

I’ve heard the Conservative Movement described in many ways and I’m sure you have as well. We are part of a movement that constantly struggles to maintain a unified identify, while at the same time trying to appeal to as large a constituency as possible.

To do so, it seems that we often forgo organized structure in order to embrace organized debate.

Like most other journalism students, I tend to be of the belief that society is better off when there is a free and open exchange of information. The more ideas that can be out there and shared and critiqued and analyzed, the better. When it comes to political and social concerns, what could be better than free speech?

But is the same true when it comes to organized religion? Can a movement uphold its principles when its members are busy arguing their merit?

Don’t get me wrong- I am in no way advocating blind faith. I believe one hundred percent in analyzing and questioning religious views and practices before making them a part of your daily life. I support members of the Movement who question and analyze the Movement itself.

But is there a limit? Is the Conservative Movement suffering from excessive discussing and compromising? How can we have a clear view of the future when we are not even sure what is going on in the present? How do we know where we are going when we do not know where we are coming from?

I think it becomes a fundamental question of the role of organized religion. Should religious movements in themselves become more structured, leaving individual members to raise the questions? Are we better off with a movement that holds firm to its original ideals? Or is a movement that openly debates in fact the ideal form of organized religion?

In this issue, we are presenting comments from various Conservative Jews who are attempting to explain, come to terms with, and address such challenges. Avi Eisen responds to an article about the USCJ Biennial Conference held in December 2005 and Elise Loterman explores the identity crises of the Movement.

KOACH Director Rich Moline encourages us to make the most of the season and KOC Assistant Editor Josh Tobias kicks off our book review feature by commenting on Karen Armstrong’s, A History of God.

And what’s a KOACH on Campus issue without your feedback? Don’t forget to answer the poll and to send us your thoughts on the future of the Conservative Movement.

Shanah Tovah, a Happy New Year, to everyone!

[Posted 9/18/06]