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Rabbi Yisrael Rice Rabbi Yisrael Rice is the Director of Chabad of Marin and the Center for Jewish Enrichment. He is a popular teacher of Jewish thought and experience and the editor of the Jewish Lantern. His understanding of Talmud and Kabbalah with his sense of humor makes him an approachable and inspiring teacher. Rabbi Rice lives in Marin County, California with his wife, Gittel, and their nine children. |
Myth:
You have to be Orthodox to participate in our programs.
Fact:
We are inclusive and non-judgmental, and our programs are open to all
Jews. In fact, the majority of people who participate in programs at Chabad
are not "Orthodox". The teachings of Chabad are imbued with the renowned Chassidic
spirit and joy.
Myth:
Your goal is to make me Orthodox.
Fact:
We are not out to make you Orthodox. We are an educational organization
dedicated to helping every Jew, regardless of background, affiliation, or
personal level of observance, to increase their level of Jewish knowledge,
enthusiasm, and commitment. Chabad invites you to explore the complex areas
of Jewish religion, tradition, and practice in an open-minded and non-judgmental
atmosphere. All of our classes, programs, and services are designed to
heighten the awareness and lend valuable insight into one's heritage, traditions,
religious practice, laws and rituals. Each individual is invited to participate,
study, and learn. Each individual makes his or her own respective religious
lifestyle decisions at his or her own pace.
Myth:
Chabad does not consider Reform, Conservative, or non-practicing Jews as "real"
Jews.
Fact:
Chabad avoids labeling other Jews, since it tends to divide and create barriers
between us. Jewish Law has traditionally considered anyone born of a Jewish
mother or converted in accordance with Halacha to be a Jew, regardless of
his or her degree of observance. The Lubavitcher Rebbe delivered a stinging
rebuke to Orthodox elements in the USA and Israel for publicly belittling
non-Orthodox Jews.
Myth:
Chabad does not accept converts.
Fact:
Chabad follows traditional Jewish Law which states that any non-Jew who feels
sincerely convinced of the beauty and relevance of Torah, who is prepared
to follow the traditions of Israel, and therefore, wishes to join the community
of Israel, is welcomed as a convert. The conversion process requires immersion
in a kosher mikveh, circumcision for men, and acceptance of the disciplines
and practices of Judaism - all under authorized rabbinic supervision.
Myth
Chabad is financed by its headquarters in New York.
Fact:
It is Chabad policy that each center is supported by the community it serves.
All funding for local Chabad programs is solicited locally. No money is sent
to international Chabad headquarters in New York - all funds donated remain
right here in our community. Neither are we funded or financially supported
by our central headquarters.