ABOUT OHALAH
This page contains information about OHALAH, our mission, constitution, policies and guidelines.
OUR NAME
OHALAH is an acronym for the Hebrew Agudat Harabbanim l'Hithadshut Hayahadut, or in English, Association of Rabbis for Jewish Renewal.
OUR SCOPE OF MEMBERSHIP
OHALAH is an international transdenominational association of rabbis. At this time, the Jewish renewal movement does not have a sufficient number of cantors to warrant a separate cantorial association. We therefore warmly welcome qualified cantors into OHALAH.
We also offer student membership to qualified rabbinic and cantorial students.OUR MISSION
OHALAH brings together rabbis and cantors from a wide spectrum of the Jewish people to participate in the transformation and renewal of Judaism and the Jewish people. Inspired by the holy and groundbreaking work of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, OHALAH provides a network of collegial support as well as opportunities for sharing and growing in all areas of Jewish learning, life and practice.
We seek to reawaken a vibrant Judaism that encounters the mystery we call G!d and that takes as its pillars prayer and meditation, sacred study and creativity.We are committed to tikkun olam, which encompasses healing the earth; struggling to create a society that places at it center the ethos of love and caring; and bringing about the full participation and empowerment of every human being, especially those previously excluded.
Our roots are in the teachings of our ancestors and in the continuing self-disclosure of the Divine. Through study of Torah and prayer, we seek G!d's help and guidance in our work and in our lives.
As clergy, we are aware that our actions affect others in our communities. We, therefore, expect our members to maintain the high ethical standards established by OHALAH in their personal and professional lives.We respect and honor a diversity of Jewish expression in our membership and activities. We believe that we, together with all other forward-looking Jewish leaders, are participating in the evolution of the role and function of the rabbi as a spiritual and religious leader.
If you are a qualified rabbi or cantor or a qualified student of these professions, we invite you join us!
Click here to download the OHALAH brochure.
OHALAH POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
OHALAH Email List Guidelines, Revised March 2009 - Click to view.
OHALAH Website Guidelines, Revised March 2009 - in word in pdf
OHALAH Constitution, Adopted 2005 - in word in pdf
OHALAH Membership Policy, Adopted 2003 - in word in pdf
New OHALAH Ethics Code, Adopted April 2009 - click to view code
OHALAH Membership Services Policy, Adopted 2007 - in word in pdf
ALEPH Statement of Principles - in pdf
OUR AFFILIATE ASSOCIATION
The Rabbinic Pastors Association is a branch of OHALAH open to ALEPH rabbinic pastors and AJR chaplains. We invite you to visit the Rabbinic Pastors Association at http://www.ohalah.org/Ohalah-new/rabbinicpastor.html
OUR PARENT ORGANIZATION
OHALAH is a professional branch of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal. OHALAH adheres to the ALEPH Statement of Principles.
OUR ARTISTS AND TECHNICIANS
Website Managers - Rabbi Pam Frydman Baugh and rabbinic student Rachel Barenblat (http://velveteenrabbi.com)
Website design - rabbinic student (and Rabbinic Pastor) Melissa Weni.
Tent logo and masthead designed - Beth Lee (wife of Rabbi Ed Stafman) http://www.callibeth.com/index.htm
Web Maven 2004 -2009 - Rabbi Harry Zeitlin http://www.artisthespiritual.com/
Web Weaver 2002 to 2004 - Rabbi Goldie Milgram http://www.reclaimingjudaism.org/