2007 - United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

mornings after Minyan. Teachers for the fall series and their topics were: Rabbi Francine Roston teaching about the
Conservative movement, our member and JTS faculty Rabbi Len Levin discussing Rabbi Judah HaNasi, and our Rabbi
Emeritus Jehiel Orenstein on kashrut. Their insights were practical and generated much discussion. The second series
presented Rabbi Mayer Rabinowitz on “Are we a Halachic Movement?” and Rabbi Roston discussing a Conservative
approach to Shabbat. Courses for each series were taught one after another, so attendees could participate in each
offering, with each course lasting for 45 minutes to one hour per session.
The adult ed program culminated in a three-part Sunday evening series, Sunday@Seven in which three leading
voices of the Conservative movement are sharing their personal insights. The three speakers are Rabbi Gordon Tucker,
Rabbi William Lebeau, and Rabbi Judith Hauptman. Each speaker was challenged to discuss what being a Conservative
Jew means to him/her personally and how this identity impacts his/her faith, practice and approach to Jewish texts. The
goal of this culminating series was to promote people’s personalizing and integrating their learning into their personal
religious development.
In addition to relying on in-house talent, we paid honorariums to our outside speakers. One speaker deferred
his honorarium to a specific cause with which he is closely identified. Our $5,000 budget was supplemented by gracious
donations and a minimal admission per session to defray expenses.
Publicity consisted of postings on our website, large posters in our building, flyers, inclusions in our weekly
congregational e-mail and Shabbat handout, and announcements in the Jewish newspaper and also the local press.
BULLETINS
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BETH EL CONGREGATION OF BALTIMORE
Over 900
Baltimore, MD
Submitted by Micah Kleid 410-484-0411
Beth El Congregation of Baltimore publishes a monthly newsletter called The Voice. The Voice has undergone a number
of transformations over the years, none more evident than the one put in place following the establishment of the
communications coordinator position. This person’s primary responsibility is to be the in-house reporter and editor for
The Voice, and as such this person writes a majority of the articles for each issue. This person also edits the articles
submitted by the schools, committees, affiliate organizations, congregation members and other members of the
professional staff. This person is also responsible for assigning photo stories to the staff photographer, a volunteer, a
role which is evident by the increasing amount of photographs in each issue. A professional graphic designer is also on
staff to layout each issue. Beth El publishes 11 issues a year, with a double-issue over the summer, and it is distributed
to over 2,000 homes. Since the establishment of the communications coordinator position in July 2006, congregants
have made mention of the noticeable difference in the quality of the stories and photographs in each subsequent issue.
Standing features in The Voice include a listing of Beth El simchas; a schedule of services; pictures and information of
upcoming B’nai Mitzvot; a feature of a new Beth El baby; “Light in the News,” a feature highlighting the
accomplishments of a Beth El member; a listing of contributions to the congregation; a calendar of events; and a listing
of upcoming adult education programs. Each issue also has a number of timely news (stories based on events that will,
or already have, taken place.)
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CONGREGATION BRITH SHALOM
250-500 Bellaire, TX
Submitted by Ellen Petras 713-667-9201
The Hineni is a monthly publication of Congregation Brith Shalom. It is mailed to every member household and posted
on the web site. The Hineni is the main source of information about synagogue business, events, and activities. Other
information is sent by email, but this does not reach every member. Additional regular mailings have been limited
because of their cost.