In response to Gary Rosenblatt’s column (“Can We Still Speak To Each Other? Do We Really Want To?” March 22), we six rabbis of congregations on Manhattan’s East Side wanted to share the news that we have forged a coalition to promote Jewish learning and Jewish unity.
For six weeks, between Passover and Shavuot, we will each have the opportunity to teach a chapter of Pirke Avot (Ethics of our Ancestors) at a different synagogue, in order to communicate to our congregation and the larger Jewish community that we each recognize that we all have something to learn from one another, regardless of denomination, gender or years in the rabbinate.
We hope that this new initiative, called the Torah Learning Coalition, will come to include even more synagogues for programs and study in the future where we, as a Jewish community can celebrate the richness of our tradition using the myriad of voices that practice it lovingly.
Anyone is welcome to come to any or all of the sessions. Please check with us or the hosting synagogues — Or Olam, Or Zarua, Park Avenue, Sutton Place — for details on the Thursday afternoon or evening programs.
There will also be a final siyyum where all of us are present on Thursday, May 30 in the evening. The details will be announced as we get closer to the date.
