Sacred Spaces for Seeking Common Ground
by Rabbi Joseph Potasnik
Executive Vice President, New York Board of Rabbis, and ICNY Board Member
One of the greatest challenges of any pluralistic organization is the synthesis of unity of spirit and diversity of thought. The New York Board of Rabbis is the largest interdenominational rabbinic body in the world comprised of rabbis of different denominations who see each other as members of one extended family. Jewish tradition teaches us that when we walk into a room where there is a diverse audience, we should recite a blessing which praises the Almighty for creating a world of different faces and minds which collectively enhance our society.
I recall some years ago, we received a request from the military asking for Torahs to be sent to Jewish soldiers stationed in Kuwait and Iraq. We were able to obtain four holy scrolls on loan, two for each country. When they arrived I asked my colleagues, “Which one was Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or Reconstructionist?” Looking at them externally, they were slightly different because of the various designs on their respective covers. However, the text of all of them was exactly the same. Perhaps this was a sacred visual reminder that we all have different designations, but there comes a moment where denomination is secondary, and our determination to communicate with one another is paramount.
We are a consensus organization that seeks common ground on a multitude of issues of our day. Today for example, when hatred is dangerously pervasive, we recognize our common commitment to combat this disease together. Interestingly, Louis Pasteur could develop a vaccine for rabies, Jonas Salk for polio, but the cure for anti-Semitism as well as other forms of hatred must be sought by all of us together. The recent courageous example of Muslims in Oslo forming a human shield around the synagogue to protect Sabbath worshippers is a symbolic sign of that collective spirit. Thus, if we want to stand united with others, we must be ready to be together within our own community.
Obviously, there are issues in which we shall not find common agreement, and still we can walk away with renewed relationships. Shimon Peres, the former President of Israel would often remind people, “A friend is a friend and a disagreement is a disagreement. We should be able to maintain our respect for difference without destroying our shared community.”
Jewish law prescribes the wearing of tefillin each weekday during morning prayer. These leather straps are small containers with sacred writings are placed around the arm and forehead. The one for the head has holy parchment in different compartments, while the one on the arm has the writings in only one. This again reminds us that we can have different views on a host of subjects, but we need to find those opportunities where we can act together.
I think of a beautiful story of a young child preparing an invitation list for her birthday. The father looking at the different names, pointed to one and asked, “Isn’t that person the African American in your class?” The child looked up and said, “I don’t know Dad, but next time, I will look.”
I see the New York Board of Rabbis like the Interfaith Center as that sacred space where we can be different and the same simultaneously. Many faces, many faiths are made up of those who see each other as members of the family.
