Remembering Rabbi Zeldin: Freedom of the Pulpit
Introduction by Rabbi Ron Stern
While perusing some of Rabbi Zeldin’s writings, I came upon this excerpt from one of his essays recalling the reason that he chose to name our new community for his teacher Rabbi Stephen S. Wise and emphasizing his commitment to what Wise and he both called a “free” pulpit. It’s an important reminder in our contentious times of our community’s commitment to embracing a wide diversity of political perspectives under our large, open tent.
Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin’s words:
Freedom of the pulpit means that the Rabbi is free to utter his opinion on social matters, even when others think he is wrong. Freedom for the Rabbi includes freedom to choose the areas where the Rabbi has special aptitude to work in, just as long as he or she does not neglect the regular preaching, teaching and pastoral responsibilities of the position…
The pulpit in American must be free, so that churches and synagogues can criticize government and object to practices without fear of reprisal. Similarly, members of the congregation are free to disagree and dispute the viewpoint of the pulpit, just as long as job security is not threatened. This is one of the basic tenets of American religious life and Stephen S. Wise Temple has promoted that tenet from its inception 25 years ago until today.
Excerpted from Once Upon a Mountain Top: The Story of Stephen S. Wise Temple (1989) by Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin.
