by Debra Rubin
NJJN Bureau Chief/Middlesex

June 9, 2009

Members of Temple Emanu-El in Edison, reaffirming a stance taken only months before, voted to bar non-Jews from becoming synagogue officers and trustees.

Last November, the Reform congregation voted to amend its by-laws to ban non-Jews from such positions.

Synagogue leaders agreed to put the issue to another vote June 3 at the request of three couples who objected to the earlier decision. A two-thirds vote was required to change the by-laws.

“We had a spirited and passionate discussion with about 30 people speaking,” said temple president Joan Ellen, adding that speakers were almost evenly divided on the issue.

“We alternated speakers both pro and con,” Ellen said. “Those opposing it felt that the temple had always been very inclusive and welcoming [to intermarried families], and they felt this wasn’t. For those who felt we shouldn’t change, the overriding issue was that we’re a Jewish organization and we should have Jewish leadership.”

Prior to the re-vote, the board sent a letter to congregants stating it was putting the matter up for a vote “out of respect” for the three couples who requested the policy again be reviewed.

Barring non-Jews from leadership positions is common among New Jersey area Reform synagogues, despite the movement’s assertive outreach to intermarried families.

Ellen said discussion revolved around many issues, including things non-Jewish members were permitted to do within the congregation.

“They are pretty much permitted to do anything except read from the Torah and [recite] the Torah blessings, so we focused on what they can do rather than what they can’t,” she said. “We also talked about the right of everyone to have their own opinions and expectations and about how we value each other’s opinions. In the end, one group won and one didn’t, but we think we did it in a fair and democratic way.”

Rabbi Deborah Bravo said she believed congregants reacted “very passionately and honestly from their hearts.”

“Whatever happened, some people were going to be upset on either side,” she said. “But at the end of the day, most people were supportive of each other. Although this was something written in our by-laws, I don’t think it will change the look or feel of our synagogue, which has always been welcoming and inclusive. It changes the makeup of the board and nothing more than that.”

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