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B'nai Emet -> Messages -> From the President -> 2002Ritual and Religious CommitteeApril, 2002From time to time, it is my intention to provide some information on the workings of the various synagogue committees. In this edition, I would like to feature the Ritual and Religious Committee. Perhaps you have wondered how religious and ritual practices are determined at B’nai Emet or any other synagogue. While it is general accepted that the rabbi has the final say in these matters, many decisions are arrived at with input and consultation from this committee. Our committee at B’nai Emet is very active and has been for many years. Meetings over the years have featured very spirited discussions on a wide range of topics, as well as less controversial decisions such as deciding how many lulavim and etrogim should be ordered for Sukkot. Currently the committee is in the process of reviewing two new United Synagogue publications. One is a newer version of the Siddur Sim Shalom and the new chumash Etz Chaim. These books are being reviewed to determine if our congregation can be better served by switching to one or both of these newer books. As with most improvements, there is a financial cost to be considered. It is hoped we will soon be able to move forward and have a number of one or both of these books available for our congregants. Another subject under discussion is the inclusion of inter-married families. With inter-married families and extended inter-married families increasing, our committee, along with Rabbi Abramson, is meeting to make sure B’nai Emet is as inclusive as possible and to make the non-Jewish component of these families feel welcome in our synagogue. It is important that we maintain the integrity and ideals of the Conservative movement and still find a way for these family members to feel comfortable in our surroundings. If you have any questions or concerns on these matters or anything else that you believe to be connected to the Ritual and Religious Committee, please contact Esther Paletz, chairperson, Rabbi Abramson, or me.
Alan Ingber |
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