Keruv Korner

On January 19th, 2023, I attended a USCJ webinar entitled “Making Amends to Interfaith Couples and Families: Healing Hearts and Inclusion”. I came away with the understanding that the principles, actions, and responsibilities concerning the inclusion of interfaith families should be applicable for inclusion of all groups; i.e. LGBTQ, people with disabilities, Jews of Color, single parents by choice, etc.

What does Inclusion look like in action? Below, are some of the bullet points that USCJ shared after the Webinar, on how Conservative synagogues can develop and change the Inclusion attitudes within their congregations:

• Shifting to a culture of inclusion begins with a mindset of treating everyone b’tzelem Elohim {in the image of God – valuing the humanity of each human being}

• Changing all outward facing communication - Website; Newsletter; Social Media; Email;

• Changing the description of who can be an Usher/Greeter and designation of who/how Blessings can be determined (aufruf; parents of all faiths; aliyah)

• Transliteration and translation

• Learning Services

• Relationship building between rabbi and interfaith couples and families that include LGBTQ individuals, disabled, hearing impaired, etc.

• Changing bylaws to allow for membership

• Changing cemetery burial rules

Here at Beth El, our Keruv Committee has initiated a concerted effort to “say, Hi, we see you and value you,” be it with actions, words, and/or physical accommodations. We all need to be able to “signal” in different ways that all people are welcome and accepted. There are still many synagogues in the Conservative movement who choose to ignore and sweep these issues under the rug. Here at Beth El, we strive to welcome Jews of all stripes, as well the non-Jewish partners who love them. We are searching for alternative honors. The Conservative movement must continue to work on Culture Change. We must not cast aspersions on rabbis who are struggling with the Halacha and those who are forging ahead to find creative solutions. Here at Beth El, we want our spaces to be compassionate, welcoming and supportive. There is still lots of work to do and we hope that you will continue to join us in these efforts.

Passover Schedule

Sunday, March 26th 2023:

Passover University: Creating a Meaningful Intergenerational Seder - 11:00 AM

Wednesday, March 29th, 2023:

Women’s Seder - 6:30 PM

Thursday, March 30th, 2023:

Teen Chocolate Seder - 6:30 PM

Wednesday, April 5th, 2023:

Morning Minyan/Ta’anit Bechorot - 6:30 AM

Community chametz burning- 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Latest time to eat chametz - 10:48 AM

Latest time to sell/burn chametz - 11:53 AM

Early Mincha - 1:30 PM

Festival Maariv Service - 6:30 PM

Thursday, April 6th, 2023:

Festival Services - 9:00 AM

Tot Services & Mini-Minyan - 10:30 AM

Mincha/Maariv - 6:30 PM

Friday, April 7th, 2023:

Festival Services - 9:00 AM

Tot Services & Mini-Minyan - 10:30 AM

Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat - 6:30 PM

Saturday, April 8th, 2023

Tot Service & Mini Minyan - 10:30 AM

Family Kehillah Service - 11 AM

Mincha/Maari - 7:20 PM

Havdalah - 8:09 PM

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023:

Festival Services - 9:00 AM

Tot Services & Mini-Minyan - 10:30 AM

Mincha/Maariv - 6:30 PM

Thursday, April 13th, 2023:

Festival Services - 9:00 AM

Tot Services & Mini-Minyan - 10:30 AM

Yizkor - 10:30 AM

Mincha/Maariv - 7:20 PM-8:15 PM (Havdalah)