WATCH

\

A birthing center with all the comforts of home ...

Th PRINCIPLE from page 34

/—

spiritual sojourn. The movement,
built on a foundation of "ongoing rev-
elation," permits current interpreta-
tions and applications of ancient cus-
toms and practices — without com-
promising the Covenant of Abraham
and Sarah.
Frankly, I applaud Rabbi Levy's ini-
tiative — and for having the courage
of his convictions to talk openly and
profoundly about elevating the roles of
Shabbat, ritual and mitzvot within the
Reform Movement.
Clearly, Reform Jews can incorpo-
rate these roles into their lives to
whatever degree they want, or not at
all, without fear of reprisal or dis-
dain. Spiritually, they answer only to
God.
But to periodically take stock of
the movement — and recall the
political, cultural and ideological
forces in 19th-century Europe that
shaped the movement — is to fulfill
one of Reform Judaism's fundamental
tenets.
Much of the criticism of the Ten
Principles relates to the notion of
mandates — visionary to some,
repugnant to others. I oppose man-
dates of any sort. But I like the idea
of broadly based principles helping
mark the edges of Reform Judaism.
Reform Jews, I believe, would wel-
come updated, non-mandated guide-
lines as they go about their religious
life.
I especially like Levy's seventh prin-
ciple. It urges all of Judaism's streams
to "work together in mutual respect,
aware of our many serious differences,
trying to understand the motivations
that led to our divergence. While our
solutions may radically differ, we all
face common problems. If we can
only listen to each other, we can learn
much."
The Reform Movement's continu-
ity from generation to generation,
and how it interacts with other
streams, is dependent upon Reform
Jews knowing who they are, what
binds them and where they are head-
ed — spiritually.
In the end, it's important to
remember that Levy's call to change is
a work in progress meant to provoke
thoughtful discussion and productive
tension within an ever-changing
movement — nothing more. 11

.

THE DETROIT MEDICAL CENTER IS PLEASED

TO ANNOUNCE THE GRAND OPENING OF THE

MERLE AND SHIRLEY HARRIS BIRTHING CENTER

AT HURON VALLEY-SINAI HOSPITAL (HVSH)

an innovative concept designed around the needs of expectant mothers

and their families. The Harris Birthing Center features maternity care

with private labor, birth, recovery and postpartum rooms – as well

as many other amenities and services, including anesthesiologists to

administer epidurals 24 hours a day. HVSH also offers experts in

perinatology, neonatology, infertility, high-risk pregnancy and genetics –

and innovative procedures developed through The Detroit Medical

Center's partnership with Wayne State University.

Wayne State University

Huron Valley
Sinai Hospital

To SEE HOW COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENT HAVING

A BABY CAN BE, CALL THE HARRIS BIRTHING CENTER

AT

248/360-3470 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

MILES AHEAD.
MINUTES AWAY.

THE,

1
1 To leave a message for Robert
Sklar, please call (248) 354-6060,
ext. 258, or e-mail
rsklar@thejewishnews.corn

.

and all the expertise of an exceptional health care network.

FAMILY GIFT.

•

A 52 week subscription to
The Detroit Jewish News.

DEMO= =WISE NEWS

(248) 354-6620

1/8
1999

Detroit Jewish News

37