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Rabbi inspires interfaith dialogue

Rabbi Eric Yoffie stresses the impact religion has on political issues at the fall Fasnacht lecture Oct. 22 in Morgan Auditorium. He shared his perspective on topics like war, abortion and sexuality, but reminded audience members to have their own opinions. Yoffie said the United States needs to be able to handle its internal affairs before trying to solve overseas conflicts./ photo by Emily Lau
Rabbi Eric Yoffie stresses the impact religion has on political issues at the fall Fasnacht lecture Oct. 22 in Morgan Auditorium. He shared his perspective on topics like war, abortion and sexuality, but reminded audience members to have their own opinions. Yoffie said the United States needs to be able to handle its internal affairs before trying to solve overseas conflicts. / photo by Emily Lau

Brooke Grasso
Metro Editor

Rabbi Eric Yoffie highlighted the importance of interfaith discussion and the role of religion in today’s society, to students, faculty and staff during a Fasnacht Lecture Oct. 22 in Morgan Auditorium.

The lecture was titled “Immigration, Israel/Palestine, Sexual Identity: Finding Solutions Through Interfaith Dialogue.”

“It is religion that can provide the answers no one else can provide,” Yoffie said. “Religion can rally to protect the weak, the children and the immigrant.”

Yoffie is president emeritus of the Union for Reform Judaism, has spoken on Fox News and CNN and has written for publications such as Huffington Post and Haaretz.

Professor of Philosophy and Religion Dan Campana, chairman of the Fasnacht Distinguished Lecture Series, invited Yoffie to campus to give the lecture.

“The University is taking the importance of religious dialogue seriously, and Rabbi Eric Yoffie was perfect because he embodies that,” Campana said.

Fasnacht lectures have been happening for 31 years, sometimes twice a year.

Yoffie began his lecture by emphasizing that religious discussion is necessary to deal with common issues and situations that we see every day.

Yoffie continued by quoting politicians such as Donald Trump, arguing that while they claim they are religious, their views against immigrants, gay marriage and other issues do not support their claim.

“Everyone is to be treated fairly,” Yoffie said. “Everyone is to be a part of a holy community set apart by God.”

Those who are religious are more open to immigrants, Yoffie said. “There is something mean spirited about what is going on now,” Yoffie said. “It is flat out wrong.”

Yoffie argued that if we want to take immigration seriously, religion is a great place to start by gathering around a table and generating a dialogue for those with no voice.

The next point was the conflict in Israel and Palestine, and how theology can provide a new foundation for thinking about conflicts.

Yoffie said that instead of using old political points, religious dialogue should be implemented for a discussion that involves less anger and more thoughtful conversation to solve issues.

“Religion provides support and intimate communities,” Yoffie said. “Those are innate needs. Religion gives significance to life.”

Sexual identity was Yoffie’s final talking point. Yoffie said there needs to be more acceptance and less hatred in regards to the topics of gay marriage, contraception and abortion.

He said that while he believes in God, he believes abortion is OK in some circumstances and wants women to have the final choice.

Respecting others’ beliefs is important to Yoffie.

“That’s why I won’t call conservatives homophobic bigots,” Yoffie said.

Yoffie called the audience to action to engage in religious discussion.

Mariela Martinez, junior political science major, is the vice president of the Secular Student Alliance, a club for atheists, agnostics or anyone curious about other religions.

Martinez said Yoffie’s lecture made her want to get more secular students on campus involved with interfaith discussion.

“It made me want to get more involved,” Martinez said. “There is no question of whether or not secular students should be in interfaith.”

After the lecture, Yoffie expressed his gratitude to Campana for having him at La Verne for the lecture and thanked everyone for being part of his discussion.

“I only have good things to say about La Verne’s hospitality and sense of mission,” Yoffie said.

Brooke Grasso can be reached at brooke.grasso@laverne.edu.

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