May 29, 2008
For those in the know, in but moments unhealed wounds from the verbal war between some supporters of the Baltimore Hebrew University and the Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore could be opened yet again.
That’s because Dr. Robert O. “Bob” Freedman – one of the finest scholars ever to grace our community – stepped up to the microphone to deliver remarks after receiving an honorary doctorate from BHU.
In diplomatic but unmistakable language, he did not disappoint.
First some background. As a former BHU President, Dr. Freedman has long fought to promote high-level Jewish education and ensure that academics take it from the classroom into the community. Some of his key causes during his 33 years at BHU – when not preparing for Torah reading at Beth El Congregation or giving background briefings to CIA and State Department agents on Soviet/Russian affairs—has been serving as a leader in promoting Mideast peace and advocating for Soviet/Russian Jewry.
And in full disclosure, the brilliant man has been my academic mentor for 22 years.
So knowing that he would not be silent, how harshly would he criticize the Associated, which is cutting funding for BHU’s degree-granting programs in favor of more adult ed work and other identified community priorities?
His adroit tactic was to offer the graduates and the audience his four golden rules:
• “Don’t do it on the cheap.” If something’s worth doing – and serious Jewish education is certainly worthwhile – don’t cut back on funding.
• Don’t be afraid to speak out when you see something wrong.
• Make sure that you give yourself the gift of Shabbat to reenergize and internalize the Jewish message that you try to promote all week long.
• And, finally, continue to study, which is after all the essence of Judaism because in our tradition study leads to action.
As one community leader was heard saying to another, “I think he just criticized us.”
Yes he did. And after all these years, he is more than entitled to do so. Community leaders can differ greatly on their views for our healthy future. But they must listen seriously to all perspectives. BHU for certain has its flaws – just like the Associated and, yes the BALTIMORE JEWISH TIMES—and BHU has not yet done enough to convince the community of its merit, or until recently begin to change enough to meet the community’s evolving needs.
Now the looming question: Is BHU’s new path enough or too little to late?
To contemplate that, I’m going to go study, not be afraid of where that leads me, speak out as needed and make sure that I reflect on it all during on Shabbat.
Posted by on 05/29/08 at 09:54 AM | Comments (1)Comments
Dr. Freedman was an amazing professor. I’ll never forget the first day I walked into class and he said, “Let’s get moving; we’re already two weeks behind.” He for certain has his opinion, but he also is extremely respectful of other opinions and encourages you to back them up.
Enjoy retirement—and keep giving community lectures through BHU and elsewhere.
Posted by Former Student on 07/01/08 at 03:30 PM
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