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From: gto@hou2a.UUCP (G.ORROK)
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: New Age Judaism
Message-ID: <645@hou2a.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 23-Sep-85 23:50:28 EDT
Article-I.D.: hou2a.645
Posted: Mon Sep 23 23:50:28 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 27-Sep-85 07:41:13 EDT
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 18

I just came across your request for information on New Age Judaism and will describe my own experience.
 New Age Judaism grew out of the need of young Jews who were turning to Eastern practices such as Hinduism and Buddhism to find the sense of spirituality they could not find in Judaism.
While traditional Hassidic practices certainly include spirituality, the focus has been on separation and judgment (gevurah) rather than togetherness (we are one) and loving-kindness (chesed).
The movement as I see it recognizes the importance of the identity of the Jewish People but also recognizes that 'we are one' - separate and together simultaneously. 
The position on Torah is consistent with your quote (July 19) from Rabbi Berkowitz's book 'Lo Bashamayim Hee':
"The Torah is eternal because it has a word for each generation.  Every day the Torah should seem as new to you as if it had been given on that day, says the Midrash."  

The founders of the movement continue the Hassidic lineage of Reb. Nahman.  My teacher Reb Zalman Schachter Shalomi,  is spiritual director of B'nai Or Religious  Fellowship. 6723 Emlen St. Philadelphia Pa 19119.
He also serves on the faculty of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia which is the training ground for new age rabbis. The literature which can be ordered from Bnai Or include:
New Menorah - Bnai Or Journal of Jewish Renewal  
Schachter, The First Step
Schachter, Fragments of a Future Scroll
Waskow, Seasons of Our Joy - A new-age guide to the Jewish holidays
Other Literature include: Four Worlds Journal PO Box 540 East Meadow, NY 15554

I am interested in other posting re New Age Judaism.  Tim Orrok (hou2a!gto) is posting this for me. 

Fran Silbiger