Dear Hevreh,

Casual…

If I had to use one word to describe the reason behind why I host Learning with the Rabbi and Ask the Rabbi at Panera and the Mall (respectively), it would be “casual.” By “casual” I mean creating a space and an opportunity that lends itself to open dialogue without judgement or fear of needing to put on a show. No one can deny that sitting down for a cup of coffee in a booth feels different than sitting across a desk in the rabbi’s office. We are more likely to be honest and open with ourselves (and with the person sitting across from us) when we don’t feel like we need to act in a certain way. If we are honest with ourselves (myself included), setting foot in a rabbi’s office — or in a synagogue at all! — is more likely to make us feel that way than in a coffee shop or a food court.

A casual atmosphere often leads to a more open and honest conversation, but that doesn’t mean the conversation is any less serious than one we might have in shul. To the contrary, it might be more serious because the questions that come out of openness are often more important to us than the questions that come out of needing to act in a certain way.

Today, at 12 pm in the Menlo Park Mall Food Court, we will engage in one of these serious and honest conversations that came out of an open dialogue during a previous Ask the Rabbi session — What are Jewish views on abortion? I would not call the topic a casual one, after all many people have very strong views on both sides of the issue. But it’s because the question came out of the openness and honesty created by a casual atmosphere that makes it even more critical, even more important to address.

And we will do so…today.

Kol Tuv,

Rabbi Ari Saks

Category : Adult Education Rabbi Rabbi's Journal
Tag : Abortion ask the rabbi Casual Jewish Mall Questions Serious views