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Stacy Gittleman | Contributing Editor R abbi Elie Kaunfer, co-founder it comes to a prayerful experience, of the Kehilat Mechon Hadar “millennial Jews have a clear sense on minyan in New York City exactly what they want.” and author of Empowered Judaism, “Somewhere in their lives, be it at will explain how the independent camp, or on a college campus, or on minyan movement popular among a trip to Israel, those who participate millennial Jews is presenting both in independent minyanim have expe- challenges and opportunities for rienced the ideal in what makes a 21st-century Judaism at “Revitalizing successful prayer experience,” Kaunfer Prayer and Community,” a scholar-in- said. “Synagogues need to work with residence weekend April 8-10 at B’nai them in turn to see if they can achieve Israel Synagogue in West a shared goal in creating servic- Bloomfield. es where daveners can experi- The weekend begins with ence the power and the rhythm 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat of prayer.” services and dinner followed Kaunfer cautioned against by a discussion, “Can I Pray big-tent Judaism as a way to What I Don’t Believe?” bring millennials into one par- “Being a highly participa- ticular congregation. tory lay-led synagogue, B’nai “The more general and Rabbi Kaunfer Israel feels a special attach- generic a synagogue is, the ment to Rabbi Kaunfer’s less compelling it becomes,” work,” B’nai Israel president Frank he said. “If one truly wants to explore Ellias said. “We look forward to both the nuances of Jewish life, big-tent sharing ideas and learning from him.” Judaism is less compelling than decid- Kaunfer will delve into the issue of ing that one is going to take a specific creating meaningful, approachable approach to Jewish life and obser- prayer while maintaining the integrity vance.” of a congregation’s core intent and Since its publication in 2010, identity. In a consumer-driven society Empowered Judaism caused some con- that expects immediate results, want- cern within organized Jewish branches ing to feel something every time one that this trend of the independent prays — and feel it immediately — is minyan can be seen as a threat to “a tall order,” Kaunfer cautioned. brick-and-mortar Jewish institutions. “Prayer is difficult,” Kaunfer said. But Kaunfer said this is hardly the “Like many difficult things, it takes case. Instead, this trend may save practice and consistency to find a way American Jewish life. to connect to the Divine. More than “Synagogues are not going any- just heaping praises onto an ambigu- where,” Kaunfer said. “Synagogues ous being, prayer can have much and independent minyanim need to deeper possibilities. Sometimes it can form symbiotic relationships. Why do be a soothing repetitive mantra. At people join a synagogue? Most join other times, prayer is a frank dialogue to have a place to go for Yom Kippur. between God and the one praying.” But there are some Jews who find their Before he became a rabbi, sense of awe and meaning, while still Kaunfer worked as a journalist, banker in a Jewish framework, outside of a and corporate fraud investigator. A building. What synagogues need to graduate of Harvard, he completed do for this mobile generation that is his doctorate in liturgy at the Jewish so focused on individuality is to foster Theological Seminary, where he was a sense of intimacy and community, also ordained. Kaunfer has been which will provide support and coun- named multiple times to Newsweek’s ter other elements of their lives, which list of the top 50 rabbis in America. are largely in flux.” Kaunfer said Jewish millennials Shabbat dinner April 8 is $25 for adults, $15 for tend to approach their Judaism with the same entrepreneurial spirit as they children 6-12. A supervised youth room will fol- low dinner. For details and dinner reservation do in other aspects of their lives. The forms, call (248) 432-2729 or go to www. startup generation is innovating how, facebook.com/bnaiisraelwb. B’nai Israel is at where and even why Jews pray and 5085 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. gather as a Jewish community. When * RESEARCH ENGINE FOR THE WORLD. ENGINE OF GROWTH FOR A NATION. 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2020 Chicago, IL 60606 (877) 642-AFHU (2348) afhu.org/cga5 000000 36 April 7 • 2016 spirituality »