Rabbi Michael Davis

Chicago Rabbi/Cantor

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What is Open Judaism?

What is Open Judaism?

Judaism is many things to many Jews. There are as many “Judasims” as there are Jews. There are Renewal and Orthodox Jews, Conservative and Reform, Reconstructionist and Humanist; Working class Jews and upper middle class Jews; White Jews and African American Jews; Hispanic Jews and Arab Jews.

For decades the organizing idea of the Jewish community was unquestioning support for the State of Israel. Every synagogue of whatever denomination, social class or geographical area was marked by its “We Stand with Israel” banner. Even atheist rabbis who did not recite the Shema,  declared their allegiance to the modern day secular Israel.

Increasingly, the banner of Israel does not command the same allegiance. A younger generation is pushing against that. Tens of thousands of Jews no longer feel comfortable in the Jewish community. Many tell me cannot pray in a synagogue that “Stands with Israel”. They will not bow down to the flag of the State of Israel that adorns the bimahs of almost all synagogues.

How can Jews who express their Jewishness by supporting Israel pray be with Jews who have moved away from that relationship. My role as rabbi is to create spaces for all Jews to perform Jewish rituals together, to pray together and hopefully to have meaningful community together. To that end, I founded the national organization the Open Hillel Rabbinical Council. We are 70 strong and growing. Our mission is to open Judaism to all Jews. No Jew should feel excluded from the Jewish community on account of their commitment to peace and justice in Israel/Palestine. No Jew should feel excluded from the community because of their conflicted feelings about Israel. No Jew should feel they are not good enough Jews because they love Israel one way or another.

We need to find ways to listen to each other. To that end, I have initiated and led dialog sessions both for rabbis and laypeople. We approach these conversations with an attitude of respect, humility and curiosity. Respect for the journey we are all on; Humility for the learning that I might glean from anybody, including those I disagree with; curiosity for the human story behind the opinions: how did you come to be connected to this narrative? what is your story?

We approach these conversations in a non-judgmental, non-anxious frame of mind. We hope and expect others to enter into these conversations with the same spirit.

When we do this, magic can — and does — happen. We can be connected despite — and through — our differences.

 

Call 847-529-3572

Testimonials

Cantor Davis has always been so much more that just a wonderful Cantor with a beautiful singing voice, but, in addition, his having been raised in Israel in a deeply religious family has added to his rich background in Judaica and his own gift of teaching skills combine to make it a privilege to take classes and study with him.

Joyce Lyon

Cantor Michael Davis encouraged me, an ‘elderly congregant’ to embark on the joyful journey of a bat mitzvah. He did it with patience and humor and I was reminded of the warmth and the strong connection of my very Jewish background ­my father would have been proud!

Bluma Kaplan

Cantor Michael Davis officiated my wedding at the Field Museum, and did a beautiful job. The ceremony was the perfect length, and was super personal and meaningful. We live in California and so can’t speak to the quality of the synagogue itself, but I can say that Cantor Michael is really inspiring, a great Jewish educator… not to mention that he’s a great cantor with a spectacular voice.

Allison Mickel

Rabbi Davis conveys a warmth through his words and his music that draws people in and helps them remember the joy of Judaism, their own family history and their culture.

Marcy Kamen

Rabbi Cantor Michael Davis’s warm welcoming love of music, Judaism, and peace encouraged my son to be involved in our Congregation and to participate as a musician in concerts, Shabbat services, and with holiday and special events. My son learned about Tikkun Olam and what it means to be a part of our Jewish Community.

Debi Shandling

My youngest grandson had his Bar­ Mitzvah in October at Lakeside Congregation in Highland Park. His performance was flawless due to the preparation, encouragement, kindness, and support of Cantor Davis. The service was filled with the melodious voice of Cantor Davis as he chanted the Hebrew prayers and Torah portions. When I looked at the Cantor’s face as he sang, the emotions he felt were magically transferred to me, and it filled my heart with joy and abundant love for our Jewish traditions.

Eileen & Myron Berkson

Jacob and I can’t begin to express how happy we are to have had you involved at our wedding! Honestly, it was the best day of our lives! We had so much fun and you were such a pleasure to be with ­you have a very calming presence. You spoke so eloquently and everyone was impressed with how great the ceremony was.

Angelica Marconi

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