Too Sexy for JTS?
Rabbi Joanna Samuels recently wrote a blog post for The Forward that highlighted something unexpected about one of JTS's upcoming events: they are planning an "evening of fashion and passion" that will be hosted by Israeli Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Esti Ginzburg. The event is being advertised as an opportunity for people to "get a sense of the incredible variety of Jewish engagement opportunities in New York -- and to party with hundreds of other professional, active, vibrant, young Jews." Definitely not par for course as far as JTS events are concerned, and Rabbi Samuels asks: Why is a swimsuit model headlining it? If anything, an institution that trains clergy should stay away from swimsuit models.
Esti will not be wearing a swimsuit during the event, which will be part fashion show, part learning session. First, models will walk the runway wearing the clothes of three Israeli fashion designers, and then people will be invited to learn more about the various Jewish organizations in attendance - what they do in the community and how people can get involved.
Commenters on Rabbi Samuels' post have had mixed reactions to this event. Some see nothing wrong with it, pointing out that Esti is a Jewish woman who just happens to model swimsuits for a living. "You are completely defining her by her job," remarked one commenter, "If she wants to get involved in Jewish life and use her celebrity power to attract other Jews to Jewish events then I think that is great." Others remarked that this event illustrates just how desperate Jewish education is to bring people into the fold.
As a JTS alum myself I was surprised by this combination of fashion and learning, but honestly, it doesn't bother me. Educators are always looking for ways to tap into interests people already have, all in the hopes of helping them connect with other Jews and with their heritage as a whole. If an Israeli fashion show sponsored by Jewish organizations brings people together and helps them learn about the great work being done in the community - why not?
What are your thoughts?
Image via Getty Images / Photo by Joe Kohen
Young Jews are being enticed away and converting to other religions in droves. Modesty is the issue, but let’s face it, very few people are going to choose wigs and super modest clothing over fashion and a sense of belonging to the youth of the day. I say it is more important to bring our youth back into our community – maturity will take care of the rest. Keep Jews with us!
Amelia wrote, “Modesty is the issue.” It may be the issue in Orthodox life, and perhaps some Conservative, but what are the numbers? Are there more Reform Jews than the others? I would say it is so in the USA. Matters here, again more Reform in my experience, of assimilation, loss of faith, and conversion seem to have more to do with a lack of foundation taught at home and at school, not from an expectation of wigs and modest clothing.
While we want to do “everything” possible to keep young Jews Jewish, being Jewish without practicing the tenets of the faith is missing the point. Tzniut is a beautiful concept for men and women. It is a message of self respect, respect for others, and honors G-d.
We wonder why we cannot attract the young. It’spretty simple Love God and love your neighbor. Why are we still afraid of the body?
I am not even Jewish and it seems to me that having a swimsuit model, even if tastefully attired, in this situation is not the best idea.