December 2009 Messenger - Brith Sholom Beth Israel Synagogue

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2 The Messenger I would like to share with you a fascinating study, which I have been made aware of at a recent rabbinic conference. There is an ongoing debate raging today amongst rabbis across the country regarding how inclusive the scope of Orthodox synagogues should be in the 21st century. It is There is no doubt that Charleston’s a hot topic, which, situation is a unique one. After despite the passion watching how we came together for on both sides of the Bar Mitzvahs ... I truly believe, the discussion, still now more than ever, that our Shul remains unan- is so rich with the warm, embracing swered. families that make up who we are. On the one hand, some argue that a synagogue should always remain true and consistent to its traditions, rituals and history, regardless of changing trends in society. Therefore, for a Jew that seeks a truly traditional synagogue – this will be a perfect fit. On the other side of the discussion are those who feel that a Shul should be “one size fits all”, flexing to meet the changing needs and interests of all people across the spectrum and provide a home to all Jews that walk through their doors. As a result, such congregations proactively offer a multiplex-theatre approach to Judaism (much like many contemporary mega-churches are doing). When you walk in their doors, you are greeted with a vibrant variety of prayer services to choose from. This model caters to interests ranging from teens to adults, from Sephardic to Ashkenazic, from early birds to late-risers, and from lively Carlebach styles to the more serious Yeshivish minyanim. The problem is that neither of these two models is ideal, and both carry significant drawbacks. The strength of the traditional synagogue is that they tend to offer a very close-knit, warm, family-like atmosphere. Yet, they often lack growth potential within the small niche markets that they attract. For the new “mega-synagogues”, there is a tremendous lack of cohesion and sense of community. Most of the people that pray in one of their many Shabbat A Unified Orthodox Community by Rabbi Ari Sytner services have little to no relationship with the main rabbi. The older members do not know the younger ones, new families often fall through the cracks, while the founding families are frequently approached at Kiddush and asked if they are new to the community! These trends are becoming practically unavoidable in communities nationwide. So what is the answer to this debate? Well, I am afraid I don’t have the answer to that question. I believe that, regardless of which model a community follows, the most important key to success and survival is to actively build bridges and strengthen unity amongst the people. We, the Jews that make up this community, are our greatest asset. It is the knowledge and experience of our elders, when coupled with the promise and hope of our children and grandchildren that gives our Shul an unstoppable future. In Jerusalem, the Temple was the single entity so powerful that it unified all Jews under one common banner. Therefore, until Moshiach comes and brings all Jews to Israel - we will be left debating the pros and cons of both of these models. There is no doubt that Charleston’s situation is a unique one. After watching how we came together for the Bar Mitzvahs of William Weinstein and Aaron Kirshtein, as well as celebrating (Favorite Uncle) Louie Kirshtein’s 2nd Bar Mitzvah at the Minyan House, I truly believe, now more than ever, that our Shul is so rich with the warm, embracing families that make up who we are. At the same time, our Shul’s history is replete with challenges of unification and secession. From the mergers of Brith Sholom and Beth Israel, to the creation of the Minyan House – it was not without struggle. Yet, we exist today, not as an Orthodox synagogue - but as an Orthodox community - because of the perseverance and good-sense of our forbearers. This balance that we’ve struck has once again been called into question with the introduction of the West Ashley Minyan into our community. As a rabbi, I am extremely proud to see a spike in our community’s observance level; however, I am genuinely concerned about how we proceed. I have faith in our leadership’s ability, as in past generations, to work together to bridge this gap. I firmly believe that after all that we have invested in our Shul’s long and proud history, the most important thing that we can ever work to do - is ensure that Charleston remain a one-Shul-town, and more importantly, a unified Orthodox community. With the beautiful renovations completed both Downtown and at the Minyan House, and with new leadership positions being filled – I look forward to our Shul becoming a hot-bed of activities, classes and programs that serve Jews of all demographics and observance levels. BSBI is on the upswing in Charleston, and the observance and study of Torah is on the rise. I invite you to continue to be a part of this excitement and growth and to contribute toward laying the foundation for our future. Thank you for all of your support to BSBI and your commitment to furthering Torah Judaism in Charleston. ~Rabbi Ari Sytner
y Stanley Baker, President The recent election at BSBI has produced the youngest board that I have ever known. This board is the future leadership of our congregation and offers BSBI the best opportunity in years to attract new members and grow our shul. As a result, our congregation will be energized to new heights that we could only dream of. As your president for the past two years, I have made mistakes and I am thankful that you have given me one more year to serve and rectify some of my errors. To me, the coming year, 2010, will be a transition year that will enable the new board and officers to set a course for the future and enable me to become a past president knowing that BSBI is in good hands. Our future is bright and is limitless in opportunities for our congregation. This future is also in your hands - BSBI needs all of you to participate in committees, programs, and all around support for our congregation. The construction projects have been completed, so now our work begins as we strengthen our congregation. We are fortunate that BSBI has Rabbi Sytner at our helm and a professional staff with Linda Trestman and Lori Hoch Stiefel who run our day to day business. I am grateful and thankful that I am able to work with all of them. One priority for me next year is to have all committees running and functioning to the maximum. Another goal is to have the constitution of BSBI fined tuned so that the misunderstandings will be prevented. Again, I ask all of you to volunteer and tell me where and how you want to serve our congregation. With 2010 approaching, this means Chanukah in the Square is happening. We need volunteers to help with the BSBI booth. Please call Linda or Lori to assist us. I have always known that you the members of BSBI are kind ,forgiving, and generous people and having been your president these past two years I have had the pleasure of experiencing all of this first hand and for this I am fortunate . Another benefit of being your president is the fact that I was able to work very closely with the past presidents of BSBI. These men have dedicated their lives to our congregation and have been my source of strength. I thank all them for their support - always being ready and willing to serve BSBI congregation. As much as it is an honor to be president of our congregation, the true honor is to be a part of an elite group of men that are called “THE PAST PRESIDENTS OF BSBI.” I hope and pray that the New Year 2010 will be a healthy and prosperous year for you and your family. Feel the warmth and live the inspiration - see you in shul! The Messenger 3 182 Rutledge Avenue Charleston, SC 29403 Office: 843.577.6599 Fax: 843.577.6699 www.bsbisynagogue.com info@bsbisynagogue.com Synagogue Directory Ari Sytner, Rabbi rabbi@bsbisynagogue.com Stanley Baker, President stanley@bsbisynagogue.com Linda Trestman, Administrator linda@bsbisynagogue.com Lori Hoch Stiefel, Special Projects Manager lori@bsbisynagogue.com BSBI Executive Board President: Stanley Baker First Vice President: Jeffrey Sabel Second Vice President: James Turner Third Vice President: Chuck Jacobson Treasurer: Edward Berlin Financial Secretary: David Kirshtein Corresponding Secretary: Jan Jacobson Recording Secretary: Gerald Kaynard BSBI Board of Trustees Jason Berendt Johanna Feldman Stuart Feldman Jason Goldberg Andrew Halevi Todd Hanik Jeffrey Kaplan Karen Ortner Melvin Robinson Sara Beth Rosen Debbie Rothschild Paul Schwartz Dan Slotchiver Mitch Weinstein Jonathan Zucker
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December 2009 Messenger - Brith Sholom Beth Israel Synagogue

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