Confronting prejudice from within
I was truly saddened to read the letter entitled “Appalling support,” in the March 11 edition of The Chronicle, which condemned Beth Shalom as “a stain” for sponsoring Boy Scout Troop 61, and for celebrating Scout Shabbat in my synagogue.
It is sad that the writer did not ascertain the full set of facts before denigrating our institution and our children’s celebration of their Judaism within Scouting.
As recently as two weeks ago I reaffirmed directly, formally and in person to the new Scout executive for our region that “We oppose the policy against homosexuals. We consider it bigoted and wrong. The day that policy is enforced in this area or against our Troop will be the day we tear up our charter and reject our role as a chartering organization. We will continue to work to overturn that policy in the days and years ahead.”
In response, we have been repeatedly told by Boy Scouts that the local packs and troops operate according to their own local policies on this issue. Our policy is open to all adults and youth, regardless of sexual orientation, which I believe to be a creation of God.
What was the event that provoked this criticism? On “Scout Shabbat” we celebrated our boys who have earned their Religious Emblems in Judaism. Their emblems had everything to do with their Judaism, as observed in service to others. When the writer criticized that celebration, he demeaned a ceremony of Jewish pride among our youth.
Think about our loyalty to America: Despite institutional prejudice in many areas of American governance, I remain a proud American fighting for justice from within the system. I supported our troops before during and after “Don’t ask, don’t tell” and publicly opposed any prejudice in the armed forces. I do not reject America for this policy, but seek to improve it through my positive and determined participation. I feel the same about Boy Scouts.
Ultimately I believe that the values of the Scout oath and law — to do one’s best, to do one’s duty to God and country, to help other people at all times and to keep oneself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight will win out over all prejudice within the system. I plan on continuing to try to make that happen from within.
In a pluralist society, the real test is whether you can get along with peaceful people with whom you disagree. That is the essence of pluralism and democracy. As a rabbi and as a father, I have found Boy Scouts to be an excellent environment for that basic lesson.
Rabbi Robert Tobin
Congregation Beth Shalom
Rabbi Tobin is senior rabbi at Congregation Beth Shalom and Institutional Head, Troop 61, Boy Scouts of America
