On a different level, this service was an important milepost in an effort to make our connection with URJ more vibrant and valuable. The URJ, a national organization international in scope, is divided into geographic regions. We are part of the Northeast Council, made up of the New England states plus a part of upstate New York. However, even within a region, there is a diversity of interests and needs, especially seen in large and small congregations. The needs of small congregations has been a subject of much discussion within URJ. In fact, at a recent regional meeting attended by several BAJC Board members, the focus of the entire meeting was on how to improve the relationship between the small congregations and both the regional and the national organization. From where we sit, there is a belief that the URJ needs to be more aware of the richness and variety of small congregations, as well as becoming more responsive to their particular needs. For Rabbi Wolfman to join us for a service, to meet our congregants, to pray in our synagogue is an important step for BAJC and for the URJ.
Interestingly, this connection comes at a time when we have become partnered with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in Springfield, Mass. As described in our last newsletter, we approached HGF to see if we could benefit from their educational, cultural, and religious programs and philanthropy. After a series of meetings, HGF agreed to extend their programs, normally available only in western Massachusetts, to our area. I am hopeful that both organizations will be richer for the experience.
To be part of a national organization such as URJ means that we subscribe to general principles of the Reform movement. These principles include an assertion of Judaism's innovative character and a willingness to adapt and to make thoughtful changes to the needs of the day, support for absolute gender equality, commitment to social justice within the Jewish community and in the greater society, belief in inclusivity rather than exclusivity, and in shared insight and learning in which holiness and religious wisdom are not the monopoly of religious leaders.
Of course, BAJC being BAJC, we create events, services, education and prayer with a lot of local flavor. Those on our Board spend many (delightful?) hours putting together the jigsaw puzzle of differing spiritual needs, all of which we try to respect and accommodate within these guiding principles. It is exciting and challenging. Our Annual Meeting will be on June 4th this year. If you would like to be considered for a Board position, please let us know. It requires a commitment of time and energy, but the rewards are priceless.
B'Shalom,
Paul
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