The Institute for Living Judaism in Brooklyn
ILJB is a non-denominational center for learning that aims to promote tolerance, moderation, and pluralism in furthering the study and practice of our tradition
We offer quality programs to strengthen and expand Brooklyn's Jewish community
Temple Israel of White Plains
WHO AND WHY IS THE ILJB?
ILJB, founded in 2004, is a confederation of Brooklyn's Jewish organizations aimed at promoting a strong and vital Progressive Jewish community. We are frequently asked what we mean by "Progressive Judaism", and if it is synonymous with Reform Judaism. By Progressive Judaism we mean tolerant, pluralistic and moderate approaches to our faith and others.
The Institute is completely non-denominational in orientation, and its participants are Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, as well as none of the above.
We are committed to serious, thoughtful Jewish experiences, encompassing these progressive principles. We've offered courses and conferences on how Judaism relates to current, modern-day topics, and how pluralistic Judaism can approach controversial issues.
Such conferences included: Jewish Views of Sexual Diversity, Ethical Dilemmas for the Modern Jew, "Can We Talk about Israel?", Caring for Aged Parents and Making Relationships Work, and "The Believers Next Door: Mainstream Jews and the Muslim, Evangelical and Haredi Communities". Some of the nation's most prominent Rabbis addresssed us on these pressing matters, like David Ellenson, Chancellor of Hebrew Union College, and Rabbi Gordon Tucker. In both 2008 and 2009, we held "GOODSTOCK: A festival of Tikkun Olam", highlighting meaningful ways for us to give back to our community.
ILJB offers programming that was not previously possible in Brooklyn, by pooling the resources of multiple institutions and organizations. No individual synagogue has the resources to support such high-level programs. We also intend to expand Brooklyn's Jewish Community by attracting Jews who might not regularly attend synagogue, but are interested in issues discussed at our workshops, such as: Dealing with Life-cycle Transitions (marriage, birth, empty-nest, divorce, dating, death), and How to Relate to our Adult Children. Our goal is to strengthen and vitalize Brooklyn's Jewish Community.