Contrary to popular belief Judaism is not a religion. Judaism is a system that is defined by language, culture, values and borders. One of the defining elements within the “culture” aspect of Judaism is its religious values and belief system.
Once a near monolithic belief system, the 19th and 20th century balkanized Judaism through the development and proliferation of denominational Judaism manifested by movements such as Orthodox, Reform & Conservative. These movements developing from the mid-nineteenth century till the mid twentieth century were reflective of a struggling Judaism, a Judaism seeking expression - limping along. It was a Judaism absent of a thriving and independent Israel as part of the equation, with the holocaust shadowing it as a dark cloud, and influencing our weltanschauung.

Post denominational Judaism, blurring the lines between the movements, merging them into one vibrant and dynamic religious belief system is the future of Judaism. It is a system with Israel prominently part of the equation and a refinement of the three basic covenants that we have with our creator.

The covenantal relationship between God and the Hebrews at Sinai and manifested through the Torah has become static, relying on the old memories of history without creating new ones. It is the belief that the last word was said at Sinai without necessity of continuing the dialogical relationship and adding new dimensions, expanding where possible and contracting wherever necessary.

The covenant made between God and Abraham is a timeless covenant linking all Jews and underscoring the unique relationship that we share with each other regardless of the differences in some of our ritualized practice. In a post denominational setting we must reaffirm our commitment to each other and give true and honest meaning to the words “kol yisrael arevim zeh lazeh”, we, as Jews are responsible to one another. But this isn’t enough.

There was another covenant struck between God and Noah after the great deluge. Interestingly, it was the first covenant recorded in our sacred text. This covenant recognizes that we have a relationship with the rest of the world and as such we have to recognize our responsibility and meet our obligations. It is what we refer to as “tikkun olam,” co-creators with God in improving upon our planet whether it be within the realm of interpersonal relationships or keeping the eco system in a healthy balance.

Each of the three movements focus on only one of the covenants; each seeking its own comfort level: The Orthodox emphasize the everlasting covenant at Sinai, the Conservative movement point to the Sinaitic relationship with some focus on the Abrahamitic covenant, and the Reform primarily look to the third covenant. In a Post Denominational era the focus will be on all three covenants, thus making Judaism organically whole, spiritually fulfilling and vibrant.