DETROIT
JEWISII NEWS
COVER, STORY
Page 6
Just Jewish
A
t least half the Jews in America don't belong to a
synagogue, according to national studies. So mem-
bership isn't a prerequisite to living Jewishly.
Non-synagogue members may con-
nect to Judaism spiritually, culturally or
emotionally, or through other kinds of
affiliations like Workmen's Circle or
Jewish Parents Institute.
The synagogue was never meant to
replace the home as the spiritual nerve
center for those of us who are congre-
gants. But it is supposed to stir our
neshamah (soul), no matter how Torah-
observant we are.
ROBERT A.
Yet it doesn't always.
Which is why synagogues nationwide
SKLAR
are involved in a promising effort called
Editor
Synagogue 2000 to make the synagogue
more relevant in our everyday lives.
Says Dr. Ronald Wolfson of the University of Judaism in
Los Angeles and one of the Synagogue 2000 architects:
"Except for the relatively few regulars — those congre-
gants who have maintained long-term connections with each
other and feel at home in the synagogue — 'synagogues of
programs' have not created the enduring spiritual communi-
ty among their members that people increasingly desire in a
time when their lives seem packed full of
temporary and transient relationships."
For some Jews, synagogue is pivotal in
helping savor our history, customs and
rituals. But too many others are barely
moved.
Through a lens meant to inform and
educate, we explore what it means to be
unaffiliated with a synagogue in today's
cover story by Sharon Luckerman. It
begins on page 6.
Sharon
"I hoped to go beyond the stereotypes Luckerman
and learn what the unaffiliated thought
about Judaism. I wanted to capture their
voices — whether hurt, thoughtful, curious or passionate —
not to criticize or to praise them. I mainly wanted to listen,"
Luckerman said.
She found a variety of synagogue- and non-synagogue-
based programs aimed at interfaith couples, newly converted
Jews, secular Jews and Jews who seek alternative spiritual
paths.
"Yet it was interesting historically to be reminded where
the Orthodox community is coming from," Luckerman
said.
From my perspective, synagogues that really want to suc-
ceed must inspire a congregational culture where everyone
— clergy, lay leaders and members — meld their energy and
wisdom in a collective search for innovative, invigorating
ways to come together Jewishly.
Shabbat Shalom!
E3
A 2000 winner of Michigan Press Association
and American Jewish Press Association awards
JN
ww-w.detroitiewishnews.com
January 19. 2001
Tevet 24, 5761
Vol. CXVIII, No. 23
This 26 ShoWing
Week
Solidarity
Michigan Unity Mission participants
lend needed support in troubled times.
David Levenson and his daughter Diane Lindholm of Grand
Blanc pause in Jerusalem with our bags of pistachio nuts that
they bought at the Mahane Ye ua'a Market.
37 Bid Farewell
Auction house yanks controversial items
after protest from Jewish community.
Editorials
39 Giving Of Yourself
Organ donation: The needs
and the rewards are great.
nity
omm
u
43 A Taste Of Jewish Learning
SAJE returns with new courses,
from Jewish ethics to online studies.
its
tertainment
76 Original Folk
At this year's Ann Arbor Folk Festival,
Weavermania re-creates the music.
Living
Well
91 God's Squad
An Orthodox Jewish star
finds his place in basketball.
DEPARTMENTS,
5
Aletbet'cha
103
AppleTree
Ask Wendy ..... 129
61
B'nai Mitzvah
61
Births
Business ..... 72
57
Calendar
Carla Schwartz .. 100
43
Community
120
Crossword
125
... Answer
Cyber Spot ..... 122
Danny Raskin .... 86
39
Editorials
64
Engagements
For Openers ..... 5
37
Insight
106
Marketplace
60
Maze! Toy!
130
Obituaries
74
Out 1 About
69
Spirituality
...... 91
Sports
Staff Notebook .... 16
99
The Scene
71
Torah Portion
68
Weddings
Candlelighting
Friday, Jan. 19, 5:12 p.m.
Shabbat ends
Saturday, Jan. 20, 6:18 p.m.
Cover:
Photography, Glenn Triest
Page design, Debbie Schultz
©COPYRIGHT 2001
DETROIT JEWISH NEWS
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1/19
2001
3