Why "JPF Notes & Comment" Exists

Ever wonder why news reports about religion never seem to reflect your point of view?

Then take a look at Media Matters for America’s report, released in May, called Left Behind: The Skewed Representation of Religion in Major News Media. (You can download a copy <here>.)

Left Behind’s basic findings are these:

• While 90% of Americans identify themselves as being religious, only 22% belong to religious groups identified as leading America’s right-wing “culture war” against abortion and gay rights.

• Yet, when Media Matters studied religious leaders quoted, mentioned or interviewed in major newspaper and television reports between November 3, 2004 and December 31, 2006, conservative religious personalities were cited 2.8 times as often as were progressive religious personalities.

• Television networks, cable news channels and Public Broadcasting quoted conservative religious figures 3.8 times as often as progressive religious figures.

• Major newspapers — those in the Nexis database’s “major newspapers” grouping — highlighted conservative religious spokespeople 2.7 times as often as progressive religious spokespeople.

Media Matters’ report concludes:

Despite the fact that most religious Americans are moderate or progressive, in the news media it is overwhelmingly conservative leaders who are presented as the voice of religion. This represents a particularly meaningful distortion since progressive religious leaders tend to focus on different issues and offer an entirely different perspective than their conservative counterparts.

Moreover, the reported noted:

... the distorted picture allows a vocal minority to exercise an outsized influence on the issues and politicians that shape the direction of the country. The second disservice is in the opportunity cost of neglecting to offer a more accurate picture of religiosity and its effects on political views: More than eight in 10 Americans, consistently across every religious tradition, agree that too many leaders use religion to talk about abortion and gay rights, but don't talk about more important things like loving your neighbor and caring for the poor.

— Adam Simms

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Passover 5767: JPF Dares to Dream

The miracles that are recounted in the book of Exodus cannot be understated. I’m not talking about the plagues and the walls of water. Rather, as the book opens, the very idea of an Israelite people mobilized to leave Egyptian bondage seems like a laughable long shot.

After all, everybody is actively working against Heaven’s plan. Pharaoh struts easily across the world stage, believing himself divine. Moses the prophet is blocked in speech and in spirit, refusing his mantle of leadership. And the Israelites suffer that most dread of maladies, the “slave mentality.” They have given up hope of ever being anything than what they believe themselves to be — born slaves.

In a few chapters, though, everything is turned upside-down. As Passover approaches, it is vital for us to remember that the Exodus is a defining moment in history not just for Jews, but for the universe. It demonstrates that any and all present realities can be overturned and overcome. It stands as an eternal reminder that the way things are is not the way they must remain.

To the lowly Hebrew slaves, Egyptian power — with its technological prowess and military might — must have looked insurmountable. But slowly, the doubt and reluctance that had previously characterized the house of Israel dissipate. The established order crumbles.
So too with us. Dismayed by misery created by our government in two countries, with an assault threatened on a third, it may seem hopeless to us to work for peace. As with the doubtful and cynical Israelites, those of who look for liberation from violence are often demonized by our own people, condemned for daring to dream of liberation.

Still, today, the JPF dares to dream.

I have been asked to help the leaders of this storied organization move into the future as co-chair. I am humbled to stand on the shoulders of giants. But the time is short.

We must come together, bound by our belief in redemption. Your continued support of JPF is vital. Despite our spirit, our financial needs remain great. Among them:

• JPF is in need of an updated computer system. This is a substantial investment for our humble organization.

• We need a Moses or two. JPF cannot exist long-term without organizers. These should be paid, professional staff persons.

• We are taught that those who enter the Promised Land are the young, those who are born as free people in the wilderness. JPF must engage college students, who possess the passion and energy to do this holy work. Campus initiatives, too, need funding.

If you wish that your contributions be earmarked for one or more of these tasks, please direct us to do so. Alternately, I ask you: What else do we need to get out of the bondage of perpetual war and violence? I look to our members, old and new, to be part of this vital discussion. Please contact me to discuss your ideas, passions, hopes and wishes for the JPF.

May we make this miraculous vision a reality. And may we, together, cross the sea on dry land, marching arm-in-arm.

— Rabbi Michael Rothbaum