Kol HaLev is Baltimore's new synagogue community in the making

AFFILIATION WITH THE RECONSTRUCTIONIST MOVEMENT

            After a year of exploration, reflection, discussion...and with the unanimous recommendation of the Board...the community voted (without objection) at our Annual Meeting to move forward with the process of formal application to become part of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF). 

There was clapping upon the passage of the resolution as those present recognized the significance of the moment, a major developmental leap in the maturation and strengthening of our synagogue community.  Congratulations to us!

Much is being written these days about the decline of the synagogue and the denominational movements.  Institutions and structures that do not meet needs and interests inevitably decline.  But in their place arise reconstituted, reconstructed and realigned organizations.  We are proud to say that Kol HaLev is in the middle of the effort to create a synagogue community worthy of support and involvement.  We are trying to create a vital Judaism that meets the need for uplifted spirit, for learning from an ancient wisdom tradition that just might help us make sense and meaning of our lives, for stepping stones that help us navigate life experiences, for relationship and community that reflects who we are, and for relevance.

That is what the Reconstructionist movement is about.

The reasons for joining such a movement are sound.  There are practical advantages to be gained in terms of resources, best practices, consultative services and national connections.  And there are intangible benefits no less important: clarifying our identity and self-understanding, and connecting ourselves to the larger progressive Jewish world and to Jewish purposes.  There is, also, the recognition that we have gained from the movement...rabbinical training, siddur, educational materials, etc....and can now contribute to it.   We are confident that the values of the JRF are consistent with those of Kol HaLev and that affiliation will aid significantly in our future growth.

We hope to complete the process of application, and acceptance by the JRF, in time to advertise for the fall holy days and the beginning of the programming year as "Baltimore's new Reconstructionist synagogue community."   

AFFILIATION WITH THE JRF (Reconstructionist Federation)

Q & A FROM THE JAN. 24, 2010 MEETING

[In this document we wish to share some of the concerns and questions that were raised at the meeting.  We can continue to add to this section as questions arise.]

Is this initiative about our affinity for the Reconstructionist approach to Judaism, or is it about affiliation with the Reconstructionist movement (JRF)?

            It is clear that our community's core values and approach are in alignment with Reconstructionist Judaism.  The commitment to pluralism, welcoming every voice around the table, serving as a welcoming model of Jewish life accessible to interfaith families, our comfort with the Reconstructionist prayer book and rabbinic teaching, etc. We are, and have been from our inception, informed by Reconstructionist principles and processes.

            The issue at hand has to do with affiliation, with joining and belonging to a wider network of like-minded Jews, availing ourselves of resources and economies of scale and collaborations not possible in our current independence, and presenting ourselves to the larger world with clarity as a self-defining Reconstructionist community.

            The essential parts of this conversation have to do not so much with ideology or theology, but with (a) costs and benefits, and (b) our self-understanding.  We can investigate the practical considerations thoroughly and determine whether the services provided by JRF are worth the additional burden on our operating budgets and membership fees.  And we can examine our self-understanding as "open and independent" or potentially "open and connected."   For some of us, we are used to thinking of ourselves as outside the mainstream of the Jewish community, as staunchly independent, unconventional and even iconoclastic.  The question is whether we can find a similar freedom within a "big tent" movement that embraces diversity.

By affiliating, will we be subject to JRF governance or restrictions and constraints?  Will our community life and activities be subject to JRF approval and permission?

JRF is not a restrictive movement.  (As one person put it, the movement has a "light touch.")  Member congregations are free to manage and direct themselves.  Aside from the six commitments articulated in the JRF publication Brit Kehillah: A Community Covenant; Guide to JRF Affiliation and included in the handout for the Jan. 24^th meeting, the JRF insists on a non-discrimination policy; rabbis, service leaders, staff and membership must not be discriminated against based on race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.

Where is this idea of affiliation coming from?  What is the Rabbi's role in this initiative?  What is the Rabbi's stake in it?  Will our founding Rabbi leave if we do not affiliate?

            This is clearly a community decision.  The Rabbi does not have a vote.  Putting this issue on the agenda and having the Board designate it as an action item for this fiscal year is in accordance with a motion at last year's annual community meeting. 

That being said, furthering the conversation is also an act of rabbinic initiative and leadership.  In Rabbi Basik's judgement, affiliation is in the best interest of Kol HaLev.  It serves the consolidation of Kol HaLev as an ongoing organization in the long term while enhancing its vibrancy in the present.  

            Reconstructionist affiliation is not a condition Rabbi Basik's continued partnership and leadership of Kol HaLev.  But it is part of the rabbi's professional interest and personal objective to be part of a vibrant Reconstructionist community.

If we can continue to do what we're already doing, using the Reconstructionist prayer book, enjoying the leadership of a Reconstructionist-trained rabbi, then what is the actual added value of affiliation?

            Aside from the values of CONNECTION, CONVICTION and COMMITMENT noted in the handout, there are tangible resources that will help us.  There are publications and educational materials (offered at considerable discount for affiliates).  There are musical and liturgical resources.  There are consultative services in areas such as Board development, outreach, development and fundraising.  There are youth and camping programs (Noar Chadash and Camp JRF).  And there are national initiatives and collaborations in areas of tikkun olam, such as disaster relief, climate change and the Interfaith Coalition for Health Care Reform.  Moreover, affiliates have an opportunity to shape movement statements and positions on matters of Jewish concern, domestic or international, American or Israeli.  In addition, members of affiliates are able to participate in regional and national workshops and conventions.

 KOL HALEV COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

RE: RECONSTRUCTIONIST AFFILIATION

Jan. 24, 2010

Red type reflects additional thoughts, comments and questions that arose during the conversation On Jan. 24.

Value of affiliation discussion:

·         Opportunity to develop a clearer sense of community's mission, identity and role within the Jewish world;

·         Opportunity to strengthen the community by engaging in an inclusive, frank and honest conversation and a "values-based decision making" process;

·         Opportunity to engage in visioning and long-term thinking.

Why affiliate?  (in a nutshell, CONNECTION, CONVICTION & COMMITMENT)

Better Questions:

Will this movement help my community become more vibrant and connected to the spirit of Judaism?

Will we be able to contribute to the strength of the Jewish people through this movement?

Will our voice and contributions be welcomed?

Does this movement encourage and reflect the Jewish religious and cultural expressions of our community?

Additional questions around the circle:

            Will affiliation help us grow?

            What does this mean for me, personally?

What are the actual costs and benefits?  What is the actual added value of affiliation?

Possible reasons:

·         Solidify identity, clarify self-understanding, stand for something.   What to tell others?  How are we different?

·         "Pathway of connection" to the larger Jewish world and Jewish purposes.

·         Representation in the larger world.

·         Contributing our voice to a wider Jewish conversation.

·         Participation in national/international initiatives.

·         Resources and services.

·         Economies of scale and collaboration.

Hillel said: "Do not separate yourself from the community"

Mordecai Kaplan said: "One cannot be a Jew without actively belonging to the Jewish people."

            "'Belonging'" is a core value.  Supporting the organizations and institutions of the Jewish people is vital to its vitality and strength.  These organizations, such as the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF), provide prayer books, rabbinic training/placement, educational materials, youth and camping programs, consultative services, etc.  By belonging, we move from being passive recipients of these contributions to Jewish life to reciprocating this effort and having a voice in their creation. "(from Brit Kehillah--A Community Covenant)

*          *          *

For the purpose of today's conversation, let's explore whether another reason for affiliation applies. The alignment of our core values with the Reconstructionist movement's core values.

A.  To be an affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, a community must affirm its commitment to:

1.      Egalitarianism

2.      Democratic, participatory decision making

3.      Support for the existence of the State of Israel

4.      On-going Jewish education

5.      Freedom of Rabbinic Expression

6.      Agreement with the policies of the JRF and the values of Reconstructionist Judaism

B.  What are "the values of Reconstructionist Judaism?"

            Reconstructionist Judaism is an approach to Jewish life (not a set of ideological beliefs) that involves:

·         Integrating a deep respect for traditional Judaism with the insights and ideas of contemporary social, intellectual and spiritual life;

·         An understanding that Judaism is the "evolving religious civilization of the Jewish people" and, while religion may be central (giving meaning and purpose to our lives), it is a part of the larger cultural legacy of the Jewish people;

·         Community as the cornerstone of Jewish life…Recon communities are characterized by respect for democratic process, pluralism and accessibility, participation and inclusivity;

·         An on-going search for meaning and sacred living, including serious engagement in Jewish study and practice;

·         The notion that Jewish tradition and law provides guidance, not necessarily governance;

·         Encourages individual Jews through study and practice and community context to find their own place along the spectrum of observance;

·         Challenges us to enter the conversation of the generations and to add our own voices, taking responsibility for our own Jewish lives;

·         Allows for diverse ideas about God, but a shared emphasis on Godliness;

·         A commitment to social justice that is an essential part of ethical and spiritual living;

·         An openness to encounter/dialogue with other cultures and traditions;