Hudson County’s changing Jewish landscape
“Unfortunately after 91 years of existence, the membership of Temple Beth El of North Bergen has gotten to a point where we can no longer survive on our own,” said Craig Bassett, president of the board at the temple, last week.
Members of Beth El explored a merger with Beth Abraham but it didn’t pan out. “They are an orthodox community and we are an egalitarian conservative community,” said Bassett. “They traditionally have separate seating for men and women, we do not. There are basic philosophical differences that divide us.”
Those that remained did not feel the need to worship in the same manner. “One of the surprising trends is that American Jews are very proud of being Jewish, their heritage, but fewer and fewer are joining synagogues and participating in more traditional Jewish lifestyle,” said Bassett. “It used to be when you were an observant Jew and you were moving from one place to another, part of your decision was based on where’s the synagogue and where’s the kosher butcher. Now the reality is they move to this area because they want to be close to New York City, to be convenient for work, for their social life. The question of a synagogue, that comes later.”
Among the reasons he cited for the shift were the multitude of distractions today. Also, “more skepticism and cynicism about religion in general. It’s definitely part of an overall change in society, and frankly it’s not just impacting the Jewish community. You’re finding this with other religions too, mainly Christianity. It’s part of a larger change in society with respect to organized religion.”
http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/25653739/article-Hudson-County-s-changing-Jewish-landscape--Temples-merge--move--consolidate-to-address-membership-changes--?instance=latest_story
= new reply since forum marked as read