July 2007
Regional News
East Bay

Summer is here and the overall Jewish community is pretty quiet in July.  Why?  Because, as an ancient agricultural culture, July was the month we spent in the fields tending the crops and the flocks.  Fast forward a few thousand years and we still get the summer off.
 
How can we use this time as an opportunity to explore Jewish community? 
 
You can shul shop!  In just a couple months the High Holy Days will be upon us and you’ll want to go “somewhere” for services.  But where?  Why not do some exploring now.  Start by answering some questions about what is important to you.  You and your partner should consider the following elements.

  • Proximity: How close is the shul to your house and how much does that matter?
  • Jewish movement: Are you more comfortable in Reform, Renewal, etc.?
  • Size: Do you want a small cozy shul or a big multi-service one?
  • Presence of interfaith couples/families: Does it matter if you’re the fifth or the 55th family?
  • Rabbi: Do you connect with the rabbi?
  • Members: Do you connect with the members?
  • Child oriented programs: If you have children, do they have activities to draw your children in?
  • Types of services: Do you want a women’s group, a preschool, adult classes, a Havurah (friendship circle)?
  • Types of worship: Do you want Tot Shabbats, Sermons in Song, etc.?

Talk together and know what you are looking for.  But be prepared to change your priorities if something different rises to importance when you get there.  What if you wanted a small, intimate environment but you “tested” the large shul nearby and loved the rabbi and felt right at home with members.  Maybe feeling that connection is more important than your previous concept.  Perhaps you wanted a shul very near your home, but the one across town has more of what you want?  In cases like this, go home and talk it over again. 
 
When you’ve found the one for you, it’s time to take the next step. Make an appointment to meet with the rabbi and get to know him/her. Go to services and introduce yourself to members at the oneg. Ask about joining a Havurah. Take a class, join a committee, or have someone over for dinner or a play date.
 
Let people know that you want to be included.  Call me if you need help or a pep talk!

Dawn C. Kepler, Director
Building Jewish Bridges: Outreach to Interfaith Couples
www.jfed.org/interfaith.htm
510- 839-2900 x347 or 925- 943-1484

 

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