Rabbis are pluralistically ordained at JSLI and may or may not elect to participate in the JU (Jewish Universalist) movement.
Beyond Religious Tolerance: A Universalist Perspective
Jewish Universalism transcends mere religious tolerance. It advocates for the equal consideration and love of God for all humanity, asserting that every path to the divine is sacred. JU challenges the notion of a deity favoring one group over another and promotes unconditional acceptance of diverse peaceful doctrines.
The Philosophy of Jewish Universalism at JSLI
At the Jewish Spiritual Leaders’ Institute (JSLI), while we are trans-denominational and welcome students from all Jewish denominations, our guiding philosophy aligns with Rabbi Blane’s vision of Jewish Universalism (JU). This inclusive approach to Judaism resonates deeply with contemporary spiritual seekers and scholars alike.
Rabbi Blane’s Interpretation of Sacred Texts
According to Rabbi Blane, Jewish Universalism starts with understanding God through various sacred myths. This perspective doesn’t diminish the sacredness of the Torah but views it as a part of a broader tapestry of sacred narratives that help us understand our origins and purpose.
Core Doctrines of Jewish Universalism
1. Beyond Denominations, Without Erasing Them
Jewish life has always held disagreement, diversity, and argument. What held us together was responsibility to one another—not institutions. Jewish Universalism honors every Jewish movement—Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, Renewal—and the wisdom each carries. But denominational boundaries no longer decide who belongs.
2. Radical Welcome, No Tests Required
Every human being has inherent dignity. Full stop.
That means:
- Interfaith families belong.
- Non-Jewish partners are fully embraced.
- LGBTQ people are embraced without conditions.
- Doubters, seekers, and the wounded are welcome.
Belonging does not depend on belief, bloodline, or compliance.
Judaism is a home where Torah is embraced at its most honest: “Love the stranger, for you were strangers.”
3. Participation Comes First
Jewish Universalism trusts people of all faiths with Judaism. If you want to take part, you may:
- Pray
- Learn
- Sing
- Lead
- Mourn
- Celebrate
Judaism grows when people are invited in—not held at arm’s length.
4. Conversion Is a Calling, Not a Requirement
No one is pressured to convert. When conversion is chosen, it is treated as sacred and serious—guided by study, relationship, reflection, mikvah, and Bet Din.
5. Torah Is Sacred—and Interpreted
Torah is divinely inspired wisdom carried through human history. That means:
- Torah is holy
- Interpretation matters
- Moral reasoning is required
Torah is not frozen. It is a living conversation.
6. God Is Bigger Than Any One Religion
Judaism is a sacred path—but not the only one. God is not owned by Jews, Christians, Muslims, or anyone else. Honoring other spiritual paths does not weaken Judaism. It strengthens it by rejecting exclusivity.
7. Fierce Kindness
Kindness is not weakness.
Fierce kindness:
- Refuses cruelty
- Refuses power without conscience
- Refuses silence when truth is at risk
It confronts injustice. It resists authoritarianism. It insists on seeing the humanity of all—even when fear makes that hard.
8. Moral Clarity in Times of Power and War
Jewish Universalism refuses moral numbness. Jewish suffering matters.
So does the suffering of others. Power does not excuse cruelty. Jewish ethics demand honesty, restraint, and accountability—especially when we hold power.