Lane Montgomery

No decision in life is ever only black and white. People who think so, are
not fully exercising their intellectual ability. They are relying on
written law without an understanding as to the intent of the written law. I
feel that we, as Jews, are charged to be both keepers of the written law,
and advancers of its understanding. That is why I chose Judaism, and Reform
Judaism, above all other philosophies or religions.

I think that Modern Reform (as opposed to Classic Reform) has taken back up
the mantle of the oral law. While necessary, it was a great compromise to
write down the oral law, placing it at a level just below the Torah. I
believe the oral law is meant to adapt to changing times, and as such
should not be codified in the same way Torah law is. Oral law should allow
evolving interpretations of what it means to be Jewish depending on the
contemporary environment. Keeping the oral law constructed from the
established philophies of Judaism will ensure it continues to reflect the
intention of the Torah and the culture it has lended definition to:
Judaism.

But there needs to be a counter-balancing effect that will keep Jews from
being completely assimilated into their surrounding communities.

In order for us to maintain our identity while being increasingly
integrated, Judaism needs to provide a benefit to its members. I'm not
talking about money, I'm talking about community.

The emphasis of community and tradition over other religious aspects of
Judaism will help transition us to a modern concept of G-d, rather than one
formed long ago with less scientific knowledge and understanding. By no
means should we abandon our foundational beliefs in order to achieve a
modern understanding of G-d, but we should build upon them using the
time-tested philosophies they have created.

Having children is such a great mitzvah in part because it implies the
continuation of the Jewish culture. The challenge we are facing is that
this is no longer the case in too many homes. By encouraging Jewish
education we can help provide a sense of community values to future
generations and take some of the burden of education from over-worked
parents.

I think it will be interesting to see how I think about all this once I
have grandchildren.