Tzimzum as the Anchor Metaphor in Community Building

February 26th, 2010

This is a copy of an article recently published in Sh’ma Magazine, Journal of Jewish Responsibility that I wrote on our philosophy of community building here at JCP. (Jan 2010, 40/665, pgs 15-16)

“The illusory language of the kabbalistic masters presents a welcome invitation to how we can think about the leadership of community building. In [...]

Tribeca Hebrew Transition Update

December 14th, 2009

Dear Parents from the former Tribeca Hebrew After School Program,
A quick note to you now that the school year is well underway to say
hello and to share a few thoughts on the transition.
First, a big thanks to Lisa Kaye, Liat Silberman, Cheryl Whaley and
Karie Parker Davidson who have been helping ensure the year got off [...]

We welcome our Islamic neighbors

December 10th, 2009

The New York times brought to our attention a growing Islamic community in our neighborhood. I know of the work of Iman Rauf and he has always presented a liberal view of Islam and humanity much in line with how I think about religion – open, tolerant, and human centric.
They’ve purchased a building on Park [...]

Who is a Jew? What do you think?

November 19th, 2009

You may have been following the story in London about a student who wants to attend a Jewish school in London. The New York Times ran an article about it last week that I think is important to read. It speaks to the question of Jewish as race, religion, culture, ethnicity. Read the story.
And then, [...]

Darren’s Blog: Netanyahu at the UN yesterday

September 25th, 2009

“I stand here today as the Prime Minister of Israel, the Jewish state, and I speak to you on behalf of my country and my people. – PM Netanyahu.

Darren’s Blog: Rosh Hashanah Sermon 5770

September 21st, 2009

JCP Rosh Hashana Sermon 5770
“New Perspectives”
Sept 19, 2009, Tribeca Rooftop
There is a Jewish story that dates back to Eastern Europe about 150 years ago.
A man in his 30’s boards a train for the very first time,
tells the conductor he is going to Lodz,
a town in Poland, a many hour journey.
The conductor directs the man to [...]

Darren’s Blog: Interfaith and JCP

September 11th, 2009

More and more people have been asking me recently what is the JCP position on Interfaith Families [ . . .]

Edward Kennedy, The Jews, and Community

August 27th, 2009

In 1977, Edward Kennedy was in the Soviet Union negotiating for the release of Jewish refusniks. He wanted to bring them to Boston. In particular, “The Little Refusnik” baby girl named Jessica Katz and her family [ . . . ]

Remembering Stanley Kaplan

August 25th, 2009

As many of you read in the New York times today, Stanley H Kaplan passed away over the weekend. Most of us know him as the creator of the Kaplan Testing Empire and other educational systems. Fewer of you know that he was also a major contributor to the advancement of Jewish pluralism and a [...]

JCP Strategic Plan – Now Online

May 30th, 2009

A hearty thanks to the hundreds of people that helped shape the direction of our strategic plan, from the JCP Board, to members to consultants, to researchers. We are especially grateful to our Capstone team from NYU and the five volunteer community members who met with me, Sharon, and Stephanie every other week for 8 [...]