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Guide for a Synagogue Religious Committee

From an earlier publication written by Joseph Weinstein and Louis J.Tobin. Originally edited by Abraham J. Bayer with assistance fro Rabbi Jules Harlow, Rabbi Samuel Schafler and Cantor Paul Kavon. Revised by Rabbi Moshe Edelman, September1997/Elul 5757.

Introduction

A congregation's impact on its membership can often be measured by the degree of the individual's participation in the religious affairs of the synagogue. The Religious Committee effort is not limited to services. Its influence must be felt in every facet of a synagogue's program. The Committee also deals with the delicate area of human relations and it can help to meet most religious needs of people. It will require skill, knowledge, patience, and understanding.

When religious rituals and mitzvot become meaningful to a congregant, both in and out of the synagogue and when the family and individuals are integrated into the mainstream of congregational ritual and social programs, then the Committee and the synagogue's leadership have achieved a worthy purpose.

This Guide is intended to be a vehicle for the orientation of congregational leaders to the possible scope of the Religious Committee's operation. May it prove to be of assistance in bringing about the awareness of the vital role that the Religious Committee plays in a Conservative synagogue.

The Religious Committee in a Conservative Synagogue

A Religious Committee is a relatively new phenomenon in Jewish life. Once there wasn't a need for a specialized group for guidance in ritual per/se—in as much as the Committee consisted of the entire congregation's membership.

The Jewish tradition speaks of the synagogue as the place of worship where one could commune with God, as the place of social contact where we met friends and as a place of study. There was no special need for efforts at achieving decorum in the synagogue, and the readings of the Torah did not present special situations. It was not necessary to have a uniform prayer book because there was one basic prayer book used in every synagogue, although customs did vary in different sections of Europe.

A dichotomy developed in terms of Rabbi and "layman," a term that had never been used before to describe Jewish leadership. The davener in a shul had much more of a peer relationship with the Rabbi on routine matters in services and Jewish observances, and so needed no formalized Religious Committee. This dichotomy of knowledge was a factor that caused problems vis-a-vis ritual matters. The Religious Committee came into being as an active part of the synagogue's structure to bridge the gap between the Rabbi and the less knowing and less observing congregants.

Directions in Halakha: Jewish Law

With the emergence and maturation of Conservative Judaism, changes have taken place in practice and observance as well as attitudes to Jewish Law. This was characterized succinctly by the late Rabbi Simon Greenberg when he was Vice Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary.

"Protest again the excesses of the Reform Jewish School was the immediate cause which brought into being the Conservative Movement. But the founders of Historical Judaism were not interested merely in preserving Judaism as they had received it from their immediate fathers. They knew that no living organism can develop normally if it breaks sharply, complete and suddenly with its own past. Hence, they sought to guide Jewish life in a manner that would effect the necessary changes without destroying or impairing the essential continuity of Judaism in all of its phases. They looked upon a knowledge of history as indispensable for the achievement of this continuity within change or change within continuity."

This principle has been applied to the method of working with contemporary issues in Jewish Law. The Rabbinical Assembly, the association of Conservative Rabbis, has a standing committee on Jewish Law and Standards which clarifies positions and vital areas of concern in Jewish Law. This committee, along with leading scholars of the Jewish Theological Seminary, has made significant contributions to Judaism.

Representatives of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism play a role in the discussions and deliberations of the Law Committee bringing an educated layman's perspective to the decision making process. The basic attitude characterizing Conservative Judaism may be formulated as follows:

  1. Change in thought and action is inevitable. It is not an indication of progress or decay. It all depends upon the character of the change.
  2. Truth scientifically established beyond a reasonable doubt cannot be denied by an appeal to authoritarian dicta. Such truths must be assimilated into the formulation of Judaism.
  3. An effort is made to preserve all Jewish religious practices which have been sanctified by Biblical injunction, rabbinic teaching and generations of usage. The creation of new forms and practices embodying ancient teachings is encouraged. Since there is no hierarchy or authoritarian organization within Conservative Judaism, variety of practice prevails within the ranks of the Conservative Movement.

In succeeding pages, the following areas that a Religious Committee deals with will be discussed:

The Functions of a Religious Committee

In general, each congregation must determine a modus operandi and be especially clear as to what the lines of authority are. This is especially crucial for the Religious Committee as it forms a working partnership with clergy, other committees, and the membership.

The Committee may want to draw up a basic code of operation to be included in the congregation's By-Laws. This will serve as a guideline to the congregation and an orientation to incoming leadership as well. This written document should be reviewed regularly.

In order for the Committee's work to proceed smoothly, it should consider dividing its responsibilities through a sub-committee structure. The following are some sub-committees developed in many congregations:

Each meeting must have a prepared agenda sent to members in advance. Minutes of meetings should be kept and distributed to the Executive Board. Regular reports by the Chairperson should be made to the Board of Trustees.

When a recommendation for change in the services or religious policy of the congregation is made, it is advisable to apprise the Board of the Committee's vote.

The Religious Committee should regularly evaluate its work, especially after the High Holy Days and each holiday observance and also at the end of June prior to the summer hiatus.

The bulletin should carry a standing column on religious activities, programs, holiday observance and expected to be followed regulations at life cycle events and celebrations.

Serving on the Committee

Serving on any synagogue committee is an important function but the Religious Committee carries with it a specialized responsibility. It demands a person with a good Jewish background. This means the following: a thorough familiarity with the prayers and the Siddur; ability to read Hebrew well; grounding in customs and traditions in the synagogue and Jewish life at home; dedication to the synagogue's mission as a religious community; a sense of commitment and love for Jewish values.

The Chairperson should be understanding and have the ability to communicate well. The human relations aspect is vital since the congregation's feelings must be understood and the Committee's decisions and recommendations properly translated to the Board.

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