Top synagogues may unite

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/11/2014 (4298 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg’s two largest synagogues are talking about merging.

Although no plans will be finalized until the memberships of both synagogues have approved the concept, Congregation Etz Chayim and Shaarey Zedek are in discussion about a possible union. In September, the two conservative-affiliated synagogues jointly engaged the services of a consultant to explore the feasibility of constructing a new community synagogue on the grounds of the Asper Jewish Community Campus. The campus is located in Tuxedo.

Representatives from both synagogues stress at this point they are only in the investigative stage of the process. But they admit there is genuine interest in merging their separate institutions and creating a single new vibrant spiritual home for Winnipeg’s conservative Jews.

“Although both synagogues are in a position of strength right now, as we look to the future, we face similar concerns,” said Dina Granove, president of Congregation Etz Chayim.

Etz Chayim itself is the product of the 2002 merger of three smaller North End shuls. It is located on the site of the former Rosh Pina synagogue on Matheson Avenue East, which was built in 1952 when the majority of Winnipeg’s Jewish community lived in the northern part of the city. Likewise, Shaarey Zedek, in the south end of the city, has been commanding the corner of Wellington Crescent and Academy Road since 1950.

“Our buildings, although beautiful, are of the same vintage and will soon require major, very costly renovations,” Granove said. “The average age of each of our members is over 70 years (and) engagement of younger adults and families is more and more challenging.”

“We are concerned that our present situation may not be sustainable in the future,” adds Shaarey Zedek president Brent Schacter, “and (we) consider a unification of our two conservative Jewish congregations will provide us with additional capacity to enhance, improve and innovate our ritual and educational programs, in particular to attract younger congregants and families.”

Etz Chayim and Shaarey Zedek are not the only synagogues experiencing declining membership. Rather, they reflect a trend that is sweeping across North America and has become a topic of conversation and great concern in many Jewish communities.

According to an oft-referenced 2013 Pews Research Centre poll, young people in general, and Jewish young people in particular, are not involved in organized religion in the same way their parents and grandparents were. This is attributed to a number of factors, including high rates of intermarriage and assimilation, challenging economic times and a general disinterest in status-quo religious institutions.

Presumably, the new synagogue that emerges in the shadow of Etz Chayim and Shaarey Zedek will be a stronger entity better poised to redress these realities and offer a variety of benefits to congregants from both of the synagogues.

“This union between Congregation Etz Chayim and Shaarey Zedek will produce one new synagogue with one board, one constitution, one administration and one membership,” Granove said.

“It will be one space with a variety of offerings.”

This variety is necessary to preserve the inherent differences between the two synagogues. Etz Chayim is generally considered to be a more traditional synagogue than Shaarey Zedek.

“The two congregations are at different ends of the conservative Jewish spectrum of philosophy and ritual,” Schacter said. “We intend to ameliorate that issue by continuing with two concomitant services, one liberal and one more traditional. Members of the unified congregation could attend either service as they wish.”

If the current investigative process determines a merger is feasible, and if members of both congregations support pursuing such a merger, the two venerable synagogues will likely close their doors within the next three to five years.

While some in the community at large will see this as another blow to the once-thriving North End Jewish community, others will view it as a necessary step to revitalize conservative Judaism in Winnipeg.

schisvin@hotmail.com

The Free Press is committed to covering faith in Manitoba through our Religion in the News project. This reporting continues because readers like you step forward to fund it.

Donate now to support our reporting on religion.
Your donation is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER