Traditional Jewish Values in a Modern World

Judaism is an ancient faith, practiced by most of us in a very modern world. Rabbi David Wolpe, named Newsweek magazine’s “Most Influential Rabbi in America for 2012” and “one of the most 50 influential Jews in the world” by the Jerusalem Post, is a conservative rabbi leading a congregation in the frequently less-than-conservative city of Los Angeles. He writes and speaks frequently on subjects that span the spectrum from biblical accounts of the exodus from Egypt to modern political and environmental issues such as how buying hybrid cars helps Israel’s security. At the core are always the fundamental values of Judaism and the timeless essence of what it is to be a Jew.

Asked by the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education, the question “Why be Jewish?” Rabbi Wolpe responded: Because Judaism can teach us how to deepen our lives, to improve the world, to join with others who have the same lofty aims. Judaism can teach us spiritual and moral mindfulness, a way of living in this world that promotes joy inside of us and also encourages ethical action. But finally, the answer to why be Jewish must reside in the mystery of each seeking soul, trying to find its place with others and with God.”

Rabbi Wolpe’s work has been profiled in the New York Times, he is a columnist for Time.com, and he regularly writes for publications including The LA Times, the Washington Post, The Huffington Post, and the New York Jewish Week. He has been on television numerous times, including the Today Show, Face the Nation, ABC this Morning, and CBS This Morning. His Facebook page has nearly 60,000 “likes,” and he has nearly 11,000 followers on Twitter. It’s safe to say Rabbi Wolpe lives in the modern world. He says he works to apply traditional values and beliefs into contemporary society without losing sight of his core principles. “My first and still best model is my father who is the rabbi of Har Zion temple for many years. And I saw how he used the tradition to speak to the congregation week after week. And I realized you can absolutely use traditional messages in part because everything changes from the time of The Bible. You know language, technology, where we live, and the sort of envelopes of circumstances surrounding our lives. But the one thing that has not changed is human nature. People laugh and cry and fall in love and pray and hope and dream just the way Abraham and Sarah did. So if you steal the essential messages from tradition, they still apply just the way they always did. And it doesn’t matter if you put a message on Twitter or in a study house, the message you're saying should touch people in much the same way.”

Rabbi Wolpe will speak about Inspiring Jewish Life at the Annual Campaign Opening Event: FEDtalks, September 18th.