A Coat of Many Colors: Conversations about Jewish Practice -10 Commandments for Living a Purposeful Life

I am a Reform Rabbi ordained at Hebrew Union College -Jewish Institute of Religion in

Cincinnati Ohio.  I subscribe to the general position that tradition has a vote but not a veto on

my choices of Jewish religious practice.  Reform Judaism in general emphasizes the moral

ethical commandments as being obligatory while the spiritual ritual Commandments are more

subjective to the individual worshiper with the autonomy to make meaningful informed choices

in their personal practice.  My current rabbinate as Senior Rabbi of Temple Sholom is shaped by

an emphasis on finding meaning through Jewish custom and practice, social justice work,

inclusion, outreach to the unaffiliated and developing a relational community.  

I will present a passage from the mishna called Elu Dvarim which details 10 commandments

that if followed during your life receive reward now and for eternity.  Each of these

commandments is relational and has the potential to be profoundly meaningful.  I will present

and we will discuss how the application of these particular Commandments to your life

regardless of your faith tradition or whether or not you even have one is one answer to the

eternal question what is the meaning of life