Ethical lessons from ‘Fiddler on the Roof’

Nearly 800 individuals gathered at Whippany's Birchwood Manor on September 25 for a unique exploration of ethical lessons inspired by the cherished musical "Fiddler on the Roof."

Chaired by Kenneth A. Rosen, a partner at Lowenstein Sandler PC, the 13th Annual Jewish Law Symposium, moderated by Rabbi Shalom Lubin of Chabad of Morris County, delved into critical issues such as religious tolerance, immigration, defending challenging clients, and the responsibility to offer pro-bono legal services to the less fortunate.

This symposium, tailored for attorneys across the state, aimed to address contemporary ethical and moral dilemmas faced by legal professionals, blending perspectives from civil and talmudic law.

Rosen commenced the evening with a warm welcome to the participants, followed by Rabbi Lubin's pre-Rosh Hashanah shofar blast, setting the stage for an evening filled with tradition and insight. Each year, Rabbi Lubin, along with an advisory board of attorneys from renowned New Jersey firms, crafts a theme and program for the symposium. Legal experts then provide an opportunity for colleagues across the legal profession to network, enjoy a kosher dinner, and earn continuing legal education credits in ethics.

The event's featured presenter was New Jersey Supreme Court Associate Justice Barry T. Albin, introduced by retired Chief Justice James Zazzali. Justice Albin intricately tied the evening's theme to "Fiddler on the Roof," exploring the concepts of tradition, change, and the role of public support in altering entrenched traditions. Drawing parallels between the fictional town of Anatevka in 1905 and the real-world legal landscape, Justice Albin emphasized the slow evolution of societal norms and the importance of public enlightenment in constitutional promises.

Rabbi Lubin then introduced a panel of legal experts, guiding discussions on ethical challenges related to tradition. Scenes from the 1971 movie version of "Fiddler on the Roof" were used to illustrate key points. Topics included work-life balance, breaking traditions within law firms, and the ethical considerations in defending individuals deemed repugnant.

The symposium provided a platform for legal professionals to connect, enjoy a kosher dinner, and accrue continuing legal education credits in ethics. Now in its 13th year, this tradition-filled event continues to contribute valuable insights to the legal community's understanding of ethical issues through the combined lenses of civil and talmudic law.

The varied and engaging audience, including observant Jewish attorneys and non-Jewish participants, demonstrated the symposium's success in attracting a diverse cross-section of the legal community. The program showcased the applicability of ethical principles derived from "Fiddler on the Roof" to both the practice of law and the day-to-day challenges encountered by professionals.

Dr. Israel Wahrman, an administrative law judge for special education cases in New York, highlighted the program's entertaining yet educational nature, offering valuable Continuing Legal Education credits in ethics for lawyers.

Dr. Miryam Z. Wahrman of Teaneck, a professor of biology at William Paterson University and the Jewish Standard’s science correspondent since 1997, provided insightful coverage of this thought-provoking and engaging event.