Rabbi Simon’s Articles

The FJMC and the Development of Masorti France

Introduction I write this for interested readers, leaders, and my potential successor because it demonstrates one of the FJMC leadership’s great strengths and at the same time tells the story of the development of Masorti France (Masorti in France has two “s” s). On a personal note, the work I have done as a volunteer …

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Engaging The Non-Jewish Spouse: Strategies for Clergy and Lay Leadership

This recent publication by Rabbi Charles Simon can be used by any synagogue seeking to adjust to demographic change as a blueprint for discussion and planning. It provides a step-by-step guide to inclusion taking into consideration the unique culture of each community. It suggests questions that should be discussed by a synagogue’s leadership and also serves …

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The Story of David & Goliath

The victory of David over Goliath is one of the most memorable scenes in the Bible. Its reflections, like ripples in a pond, have been mirrored in art and literature and in the language and comparisons of Kings and in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In a number of ways it closely resembles the mythic duels …

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Congregations & Intermarrieds: Implicit or Complicit

Click here to download a copy of “Congregations & Intermarrieds:  Implicit or Complicit”.

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Children from Intermarried Families: Religious Schools Confront the Problem

Click here to download a copy of “Children from Intermarried Families:  Religious Schools Confront the Problem”.

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The Next Wave of Jewish Feminism – Involving Jewish Men in Jewish Life

This article was published in the Huffington Post. Click here to view it on the Huffington Post website.

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The Diminishing Role of Jewish Men in Jewish Life: Addressing the Challenge

Click here to download a copy of “The Diminishing Role of Jewish Men in Jewish Life: Addressing the Challenge”.

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The Status of Jewish Men in the Conservative / Masorti Movement

By Rabbi Charles Simon, January 2011 Introduction Volunteerism and male volunteerism in particular is an issue of crucial importance to the future of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. It is one upon which our synagogues, camping system, educational, youth initiatives and major training institutions rely; and yet it is has not found its place on our Movement’s agenda. …

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When Praying Doesn’t Resonate – Construct a Spiritual Language

A shorter version of this article appeared in the CJ Magazine, Spring 2010 by Rabbi Charles Simon, Executive Director, Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs And the rabbi said, “If you are interested in Jewish spirituality you should read, Aryeh Kaplan or A.J. Heschel”. And the congregant responded: “Who?” If prayer is the music of the …

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