JustASC

A hot read in my synagogue-going circle is Empowered Judaism: What Independent Minyanim Can Teach Us about Building Vibrant Jewish Communities, by Rabbi Elie Kaunfer.  Kaunfer is co-founder of Hadar, perhaps the best-known of the “independent” or “emergent” minyanim (which is basically Conservative Judaism for people who actually enjoy the prayer service more than they do the kiddush. But I kid.).

Kaunfer’s book is a program for breathing life into traditional, egalitarian Judaism, based on the success of the Hadar model. Which means? In this excerpt, Kaunfer describes its influence at, ahem, my synagogue:

Two former independent minyan leaders moved to the suburbs when they outgrew their one-bedroom apartment in New York City. They joined a synagogue that was well-attended and warm, but whose “main sanctuary” services didn’t offer the vibrancy they had experienced at Kehilat Hadar (www.kehilathadar.org), a flagship independent minyan in Manhattan. These former minyan leaders were looking for something that emphasized a vibrant, participatory service—and one that incorporated young children. So they started Minyan Koleinu. Koleinu is not strictly an independent minyan—all of the participants are members of the larger synagogue. But the service they put together is largely based on the model of an independent minyan: It is participant-led, includes the full liturgy, and incorporates new melodies on a regular basis. Significantly, the minyan has drawn in new people in addition to a number of long-time synagogue members. When clergy are open to this model, it represents a real possibility for change within a synagogue structure.

 Lots to talk about, which I’ll do when I finish the book.