Please reach us at info@ourfutureshul.org if you cannot find an answer to your question. Check back often for updates. Please note that this is an evolving process and these may not end up being the final answers.
We have a rare opportunity to enhance the Conservative Jewish Community in our area by joining two excellent synagogues and creating an even better institution that will be fortified to carry on for future generations. During our time of collaboration, we have learned that our two synagogues have many similarities that will complement a joined congregation.
This will be determined as the Steering Committee researches all options.
We plan to ask both Rabbis to continue to serve the congregation.
They might as we reevaluate.
Yes, whichever building is selected will get a makeover.
With your input we hope to bring some new and innovative ideas to services while still preserving our treasured traditions.
The Steering Committee is currently preparing a plan of consolidation. That plan needs to then be approved by the Boards of Directors of both synagogues. The plan will then be presented to each congregation for ultimate approval.
There is no current plan to share the Fact Books with either congregation, but the information gathered in that process will be central to the plan of consolidation. So, the important data from both Fact Books will be made public in that manner, but we don’t think it’s proper to share confidential information that was gathered — things like people’s compensation, etc.
The Boards of both synagogues approved a resolution to work together to develop a plan of consolidation. Those discussions are in process, so nothing is a “done deal,” although the unanimous approval by both Boards reflects the consensus as to how important this process is to our collective future. Once a plan is developed, the consolidation would only happen if the members of both synagogues vote in favor. Both Synagogues would need approval by 2/3 of its membership. A “consolidation” as contemplated by both Boards will likely be functionally similar to a merger, but we will be guided by counsel as to the proper corporate transaction that should be employed before submitting a plan for approval to the congregation. But, the idea is to have two synagogues create a new synagogue, not have one folded into another.
Beth El and B'nai Torah are similar in size. If all families remain in the new entity, we will have around 500 membership units, but contingencies of a potentially smaller community are part of the planning. We currently plan to ask both Rabbis to continue to serve the congregation.
Beth El has had the musical portion of its services led by a full time Cantor, a part time Cantor, a Musical Director and congregants. B'nai Torah has never had a Cantor, except for High Holidays. Their services are led by the Rabbi and lay leaders. The goal is to create as vibrant a synagogue as possible. This could include a Cantor or even a music director who shares multiple roles, including with youth. This is exactly the type of topic we want to address now and your ideas and input and those of other members are very important to the people creating our plan of consolidation.
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