The religious life of B’nai Jacob is in transition. Towards what?
I was informed that we did not have a minyan for Shabbat services on October 16. This fact startled me when I heard it - but I don’t know why, as I did not show up for Shabbat services either. I am used to hearing about daily minyanim that do not have a full compliment of 10, but it feels like having only 6 adults show up for Shabbat morning is something different.
I don’t know why I was surprised when I heard this. It has been apparent that B’nai Jacob is in transition. And we are not alone. Much of Conservative Judaism is struggling with the same issues. As we begin to plan our celebration of our 100 year anniversary it is interesting, and important, to engage ourselves in thinking about our future as well as our past.
It is clear that Shabbat morning services, as well as much of the rest of the ritual practice of the Conservative movement, does not speak to the majority of our membership in a compelling way. This is probably a true statement for most of 21st century American Jews. Not all American Jews, of course, for there are many that are very comfortable with the traditional Conservative ritual service. And those that like that service should be respected and allowed to experience the ritual that they want.
But what about the rest of the Congregation? Is there a ritual practice that would resonate with them? Do they even want a ritual practice? Are there ways for more Jews to enter the spiritual realm, to have a religious life, that are not available in the current service structure?
These are some of the questions that confront us collectively as we contemplate the next 100 years of B’nai Jacob. One of the places where we engage in dialogue on this subject is in the Religious Life Committee. We don’t claim to have any easy answers - but we are passionate about the process of discussion leading to action. We invite anyone who is interested to join us in this dialogue, either at one of our meetings, or online at our blog.
Our next meeting is November 29 at 7pm.
I don’t know why I was surprised when I heard this. It has been apparent that B’nai Jacob is in transition. And we are not alone. Much of Conservative Judaism is struggling with the same issues. As we begin to plan our celebration of our 100 year anniversary it is interesting, and important, to engage ourselves in thinking about our future as well as our past.
It is clear that Shabbat morning services, as well as much of the rest of the ritual practice of the Conservative movement, does not speak to the majority of our membership in a compelling way. This is probably a true statement for most of 21st century American Jews. Not all American Jews, of course, for there are many that are very comfortable with the traditional Conservative ritual service. And those that like that service should be respected and allowed to experience the ritual that they want.
But what about the rest of the Congregation? Is there a ritual practice that would resonate with them? Do they even want a ritual practice? Are there ways for more Jews to enter the spiritual realm, to have a religious life, that are not available in the current service structure?
These are some of the questions that confront us collectively as we contemplate the next 100 years of B’nai Jacob. One of the places where we engage in dialogue on this subject is in the Religious Life Committee. We don’t claim to have any easy answers - but we are passionate about the process of discussion leading to action. We invite anyone who is interested to join us in this dialogue, either at one of our meetings, or online at our blog.
Our next meeting is November 29 at 7pm.
