Holding on to Heritage, Adapting to Today's Needs
- Rabbi Elliott Kleinman
One of the reasons our congregation has remained strong since 1849 is our willingness to embrace change. We have the utmost appreciation for our heritage, but we are also open to modern views of Judaism. At the core, we are measured in what we ask of our members.
That is why we have evolved to be a part of the Union of Reform Judaism.
As such, we do not focus much on commitment to ritual and personal observance regarding Jewish Law. We have members who keep kosher... we have many members who do not. Beth Israel is proudly open to progressive values. Our only stipulations are that members must be dedicated to a reasonable ethical code and they must be welcoming of all of our members.