Proudly Secular and Jewish
We were delighted to see the oped by Jacques Berlinerblau (“Untangling an Oxymoron: The Secular Jew,” September 14).
For more than 110 years, The Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring has been committed to a vision of a vibrant progressive, secular, social-action-oriented Jewish community steeped in the cultural heritage of the Jewish people. In this context, the author’s suggested definitions of the term “secular” were perplexing. There has been a clear tradition in American Jewish life regarding secular Judaism. Indeed, the Forward newspaper has been at the forefront of this phenomenon along with our organization for more than 100 years.
Whether Jews call themselves “secular” or “cultural,” there is a proud and defined tradition, steeped in education, history, the arts and activism for social justice, and other points of contact that offers a rich and defined notion of what it means to be a Jew. The Workmen’s Circle is redefining itself for a new generation of Jews who are driven to engage through myriad aspects of our identity. Secular Jews are not defined as “anti-religion” today. Rather, the Workmen’s Circle, its partners and its members are creating identity for Jewish life in the 21st century.
Madelon Braun, President
Ann Toback, Executive Director
Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring
New York, N.Y.
Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
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