Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, June 10, 1995                   TAG: 9506120009
SECTION: RELIGION                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DAVID BRIGGS ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: NEW YORK                                 LENGTH: Medium

A NEW GENERATION TAKES HELM OF REFORM JUDAISM

It was a generation that came of age at the birth of Israel, and supported the Jewish nation through wars and political turmoil.

Now, at a time when American Jews are integrated into all areas of the nation's life and Israel is relatively secure, two baby boomers are leading Reform Judaism into a new era when religion must find a compelling voice independent of Israel and ethnic ties.

``The issue for us is to really establish ourselves as Jews,'' said Rabbi Paul Menitoff, new head of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. ``For us, the world is open. If anything, we're being killed with kindness.''

Menitoff, 53, this year became executive vice president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis; Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, 47, was recently named president-elect of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.

They see themselves as a new generation of leaders sensitive to their fellow American-born baby boomers' search for the personal dimension of faith.

In a recent conversation with both men at Yoffie's office, they spoke of the need to reinvigorate synagogue worship and help the 1.3 million Reform Jews in North America relate to a God that makes a difference in their lives.

``They want worship that is heartfelt, that is not perfunctory,'' Yoffie said. ``The rabbinate and the laity recognize that it's a new agenda now.''

Yoffie, director of the Commission on Social Action for Reform Judaism, had been criticized by some before his election as a candidate who would put relatively greater emphasis on politics than theology.

But in interviews and public statements, Yoffie has made clear he sees presenting a compelling religious vision to its members as Reform Judaism's greatest challenge.

``The purpose of our union remains what it has always been: to reignite the flame of Sinai in the hearts of our people, and to create synagogues which are warm and welcoming communities with Torah at their center,'' he said.

Menitoff said baby boomers are confronting their own mortality, and are searching for spirituality that offers a way of dealing with the coldness of the world.

``We have to make Judaism so compelling for our children, our adults, that Judaism is going to be an integral part of their lives,'' Menitoff said.

Yoffie and Menitoff said there are serious issues facing the Jewish community. The intermarriage rate has increased by a factor of 10 in the last 30 years, and apathy and assimilation also threaten the religious vitality of the community.

But Yoffie said Reform Judaism is not giving in to denial or despair.

``We respond with renewal,'' he said.

Part of the effort to attract new members, he said, involves offering courses of interest in the community, and embracing non-Jewish spouses and urging them to convert to Judaism.

Ultimately, however, creating vibrant, welcoming synagogues will be the key to the movement's success, said Yoffie, who will succeed longtime UAHC leader Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler next June.

``The ethnic dimension will no longer be able to sustain the Jewish community,'' Yoffie said. ``We have to supply them with a religiously compelling vision. ... That's the central task.''