Who We Are: Statement of Principles

Preamble

Beth Israel is a community that works together to explore those ways of living that will enhance Jewish survival as well as lend meaning to our individual and group lives. Although religious beliefs and practices of our congregation cover a broad spectrum, we endorse the concept of Reconstructionism as a process.

Inherent in this concept is the recognition that people take precedence over doctrine, and communities over institutions; as well as the recognition of the equality of opinions of congregants and professionals. As part of the process of Reconstructionism, decision-making includes the entire synagogue community as well as the opinion of legal religious experts.

The congregation insists that the essential guidelines of our faith be judged by standards of feasibility, morality and justice that members of Beth Israel feel to be relevant to their lives. Based on these concepts, religious observance at our synagogue is performed in a meaningful traditional manner which is consistent with evolving Jewish values and culture. 

Principles

Beth Israel accepts members at all levels of commitment to and observance of Judaism. We view Judaism as conveying a sense of peoplehood. As Jews, we share a common history and are committed to a common destiny. Therefore, our unity as Jews is derived from our history and peoplehood as well as from our religious beliefs. 

Beth Israel strives to be a community where Jews at all levels of observance are encouraged to freely express their Judaism and freely express themselves. This freedom of expression encompasses differences of opinion. 

We strive to maintain a consistency between our values, our beliefs and the ways in which we conduct our daily lives, both in and out of the synagogue. This means that we place human needs over material needs, and we should expect no more of others than we are willing to do ourselves. We should also be prepared to take actions which, while socially responsible, may be difficult or unpopular. Ultimately, the true test of our commitment is revealed through our actions, more than our words or prayers. 

Active participation is a necessary and integral part of the workings of our synagogue. All members are encouraged to participate, and the extent of the participation is limited only by one's imagination, initiative and energy. 

Beth Israel works to foster a sense of community through active commitment among its congregants. We recognize the necessity of ongoing commitment to one another and attempt to evoke mutual caring and responsibility among members of all ages. We appreciate and utilize the individual talents, skills and experience of our members. 

At Beth Israel we recognize that learning produces growth--intellectual, emotional and spiritual. We experience the rich variety of traditional and contemporary Jewish belief and practice through our exposure to a wide range of religious, social and educational programs. These opportunities to learn are available to members at all age levels and are often shared among different age groups. Additionally, Beth Israel maintains a unique relationship with the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. We provide rabbinic interns with the opportunity to share their varied and often fresh ideas with our congregation, and conversely, our ideas with them. 

Beth Israel strongly affirms the principle of sexual equality in all areas of synagogue life. Women and men are equally encouraged to participate in the responsibilities and voluntary activities of the synagogue to whatever level they feel comfortable. This principle extends to such religious and life cycle events as Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies, marriage and divorce proceedings, calling to the Torah, counting of the minyan and selection of rabbinic leadership. 

In recognition that the Jewish family is central to our survival, Beth Israel provides many opportunities for family enrichment and growth. Shabbat and holiday services, children's seders and educational classes are designed to facilitate family interaction and involvement. It is our hope that family participation in all facets of synagogue life sets examples necessary for the perpetuation of our Jewish heritage. 

We feel connected to Jews everywhere by our religious beliefs, our traditions and our history. We support the State of Israel and recognize its importance to Jewish renewal and survival. We encourage our members to form ties to the land and its people through study and personal visits, as well as offering financial and emotional support. We believe that all Jews must have the freedom of religious expression which we consider a basic right, and we support efforts to gain this right. 

The future shape and direction of our synagogue community depends primarily on what we do and the decisions that we make. At Beth Israel we operate on a democratic model with decisions made by the community as a whole. The congregants and rabbi work in responsible concert, with final authority for decisions resting with the congregation. By actively engaging in the design of our own worship patterns, synagogue practices and policies, we are creating a Jewish community that is relevant, fulfilling and ever evolving.