Hineini, “Here I am.” I begin this journey at the end of another journey, but really, it’s all a journey in progress. I’ve let go of the illusion there’s ever a single destination in life. This one, though, is monumental. Some will characterize it as a shift in perspective, worldview, and then some. I would say no to each of those. It’s not a shift. It’s an affirmation of a perspective and worldview. It’s an affirmation of an identity. While I felt joy at the end of the process, I mostly felt quiet contentment. That is a first for me. That is how I know it’s right.
One week ago, I finished conversion into Judaism. The word conversion is loaded. Congregation members, where I serve as a Unitarian Universalist minister, immediately think it means I’m leaving Unitarian Universalism. I get it. If I were to “convert” and start attending Southland Christian, people would be well within their rights to be worried! If I started wearing a Sikh dastar and carrying a kirtan by my side, you should have questions. If I said I was attending Friday night prayers at the mosque often, yes, questions come up!
This is different because of how it was done. It was done in collaboration with Rabbis and Jewish organizations that understand who Unitarian Universalists are. They understand my role as a clergy person. They also understand that I want to remain a UU minister, while living a Jewish life…with a good dose of Zen thrown in there. They welcome non and post-Zionist views. I have a community of queer and radical Jews, kinda-Jews, and I-dont-knows that intersect with Zen and UUism beautifully. Knowing this, yes, there are still questions.
For me, this is more an affirmation and adoption than anything. It confirms a piece of my spiritual journey that’s been with me for a long time. It also is the culmination of a lot of searching and wrestling. I’ve sought out avenues where it’s not just wisdom that takes hold, but a wisdom with depth. I’ve studied in the barren hills of Turkey with Sufis; I can still sing the songs of the Mennonites; I can hear the kirtan of New Age Hindu communities; and so much more. This time, with Judaism, like Unitarian Universalism and Zen, it’s gone deep. The wondrous thing is that Unitarian Universalism provided (and still provides) the laboratory for this. That’s the promise of this unique spiritual path of ours.
This site will be, at first, my account of the journey. Then it’ll be an exploration of how I wade into living a Jewish life as a Unitarian Universalist. Some people won’t like it. I’ll never be Jewish enough for the Orthodox. Sadly, for many secular Jews, I also won’t be Jewish enough. My answer is this. And, yeah, folks may still think I’m going to leave the congregation I serve. (Okay, y’all, I’m not. Let’s trust each other on this.) Others, still, won’t know what to do with this. All of that is okay.
At 40 years old, a nice symbolic number to undertake this journey, I am increasingly unfazed by the opinions of others, as far as they relate to what makes my life whole and content. I hope that for anyone. Choose what’s life-giving and life-affirming and claim it.
So, I claim it. I’m a Unitarian Universalist Jew that enjoys a good dose of Zen. I love religion and spirituality more than anything else. I will still dig deep into the stories and practices that are there for us to learn from. I will nurture Unitarian Universalists in their quest for truth and meaning. I will share of my own journey — more openly and vulnerably, because this world needs that from us.
Until next time when I start to document more of this journey, here’s a little FAQ that might be helpful:
What does this mean for you and our congregation?
For me, it means that I have chosen to be more deeply involved in Jewish community. For UUCL, it means I will continue to serve as your minister. It has been a joyful 10 years so far and I hope for many more. Though a significant shift has happened for me personally, I will still be the Rev. Brian you know. In the UU world, it means I will connect more often with our UUs for Jewish Awareness group, which is comprised of a lot of UU Jewish clergy. I will still support my local Zen community, interfaith initiatives, and be fully a UU minister that serves a diversity of spiritual and ethical paths. Most important of all, I will still celebrate your own spiritual paths and the discoveries you make in community at UUCL.
Are you going to go to rabbinical school?
Rev. Dr. is more than enough.
How do you identify yourself now spiritually?
I am a Unitarian Universalist that happens to be a Jew. I maintain my involvement in mindfulness communities, too. Beyond that, I am still inspired by the depth of spirituality and philosophy available to us as UUs. We should all feel and celebrate the freedom to be a diverse spiritual and ethical community. With Pluralism as one of our core values, the diversity of practice we find in our congregation is more important than ever.
Are you still committed to Unitarian Universalism?
Absolutely. So much so, I have a chapter waiting to be published in a book of UU Queer Theology. Our tradition, theology, and values are not incompatible with multifaith practice. In fact, it’s even more in line with who we are with the recent update to our values. UU ministers are expected to remain open to new wisdom and insights. For me, it’s the greatest joy of being UU.
What about Christmas?
See you on Christmas Eve, as usual, to light candles, sing songs, and find hope in the dark of winter. As Sophia Lyon Fahs said, “Each night a child is born is a holy night.”
What about Easter?
I know I’m not alone in saying this is a very complex holiday for Unitarian Universalists. Sometimes we’re the “safe church” for people to attend on that day since it won’t be super traditional. And yet, some people want more tradition. Others want far less…or don’t even want the word “Easter” mentioned. What’s important is meeting the needs of the community around that day and ensuring it remains compatible with Unitarian Universalism.
Will our services be dominated by Jewish themes?
Not anymore than they already are. As a UU congregation, we draw from the wisdom of sacred and secular communities and traditions. We will continue to do so. Some years, certain holidays and observances line up with Sunday services far more than others.
If there is an overlooked tradition or observance you would like to see lifted up in our services – not just as a side comment, but as a deeper dive – you are always welcome to suggest it. That’s how we discover new Winter Solstice stories, had a wonderful Nowruz service, honored Diwali, the High Holy Days, and so many others.
What’s your stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
My stance remains the same. What happened on October 7th was a tragedy. What has happened since then to Gazans is horrendous. I do not support governments that use religion as a means of dominance, coercion, or as an excuse for committing genocide. I have nothing good to say about Benjamin Netanyahu or the Likud party. And yet, I welcome your own engagement with this complex issue, knowing we may disagree.
What we should all remain committed to is seeing how we can support those who are impacted right here in Lexington, KY by this tragedy. Support the Interfaith Alliance, the Christian-Muslim dialogue, Masjid Bilal, the local temples, and beyond. Our support can be as simple (but still impactful) as bearing witness to the deep pain many people are experiencing. Also, call your elected leaders. I know it’s hard to believe that will have an impact these days, but we should still try.