Reflections on David A. Teutsch's Oeuvre

Abstract

It is an honor to be here today to celebrate my colleague and friend David Teutsch. I have been asked to begin this opening session by talking “briefly” about David's work, in particular his contributions to the field of Jewish ethics. On its face, that is an impossible assignment, for there is truly no way to do justice to the merits and impact of David's work briefly. And yet, I know that if David were to have his way we would skip right over this tribute and go straight to learning from our speakers. So, in an effort to find a Maimonidean middle path that accommodates both David's modesty and the wishes of the organizers of this conference, I will offer just a few comments about the work that has informed and inspired so many of us before I begin my remarks on Jewish leadership.David's contributions to the field of Jewish ethics are truly extraordinary. The three-volume Guide to Jewish Practice, of which David is the main author and overall editor, is a monumental achievement, unprecedented in its scope outside the Orthodox world. I know of no other attempt by any contemporary Jewish ethicist to present a comprehensive guide to religious and ethical practice. This alone would justify David's position as one of the most important Jewish religious thinkers of our time. But David's achievement is not only in the breadth of the subjects he has addressed but in the way he has done so. His work draws extensively on classical Jewish views but is written very self-consciously for Jews living in a pluralistic, post-halakhic world. Recognizing that our values are shaped by Western culture and democratic institutions, as well as classical Jewish sources and practices, the Guide to Jewish Practice invites its readers to deepen their understanding of traditional perspectives and to creatively build upon that tradition. That creativity and pluralism is evident throughout these volumes, where David's text is supplemented by the comments of dozens of other rabbis and scholars at the bottom of each page.David's work is also distinguished by his consistent attention to methods of Jewish decision-making, what we in the field would call “meta-ethics.” He has worked within a framework known as values-based decision-making, and one of his main contributions to the field has been his exploration of precisely how facts, values, beliefs, and historical context all have their place in reaching a well-constructed Jewish moral position. David has challenged everyone in the field to put their cards on the table, as it were, explaining just how they have arrived at the moral positions they have. In this way, David's work always offers us more than just a thoughtful and creative approach to a Jewish moral issue; it challenges us to think more deeply and justify our moral positions more carefully than we might otherwise.In addition to his contributions to Jewish ethics and practice, of course, David has been a leader in creating Reconstructionist liturgy, especially as editor of the Kol Haneshamah prayer books. Here again David has led the way in revitalizing classical Jewish prayers in an idiom that resonates with contemporary Jews—egalitarian, spiritual, and poetic. He has also, of course, devoted enormous energy to the work of synagogue revitalization and leadership development, work that has benefited Jewish communities across the country. His book Making a Difference: A Guide to Jewish Leadership and Not-for-Profit Management contains a wealth of practical wisdom that reflects the expertise he acquired through his doctoral work at Wharton as well as a lifetime of experience as a rabbi and as president of RRC. It should be required reading for all Jewish communal leaders and those who aspire to such positions.I could go on, but I think the message is clear: David's work—in ethics, in liturgy, in communal organization and leadership—has been groundbreaking and inspirational, not only within Reconstructionist circles but throughout the non-Orthodox world. His contributions in each of these domains has reflected his unique combination of deep learning and equally deep human experience and practical wisdom. Speaking for myself, but I know also for thousands of others, I have learned a great deal from every conversation with David and each encounter with his work. It is, indeed, a privilege to be here today to honor him—as teacher and colleague and friend—and to do so by engaging with some of the issues that have mattered most to him throughout his distinguished career. Yishar kokhakha, David—may you continue to go from strength to strength.