June 27, 2014 / 29 Sivan 5774

 

Dear Friends,

 

We are delighted to tell you that Beth Tzedec Congregation of Toronto, North America's largest Conservative synagogue, has rejoined the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, following a vote by the congregation's Board of Governors and approval Thursday night by the United Synagogue Board. 

 

Beth Tzedec, an important part of the Jewish community in the Greater Toronto Area, shares our collective commitment to revitalizing Conservative Judaism, and we are all made stronger by having them at the table. We believe the congregation's decision is a vote of confidence in USCJ's commitment to Canada's Conservative kehillot and to the value our members place on our partnership.

 

We want to emphasize that your synagogue's ongoing membership in United Synagogue has been essential in allowing us to maintain, expand, and strengthen our Canadian network of kehillot over the last number of years, and we want to thank you for your loyalty and support.

 

In explaining Beth Tzedec's vote, the congregation's immediate past president said the kehilla wanted to be a part of the larger Conservative Jewish community and to take advantage of USCJ's network and expertise. "Like other synagogues, we face the challenge of maintaining relevance and providing meaning and value to our members," said Carolyn Kolers, who led the team that worked on the re-affiliation. "We think that USCJ will provide both resources and ideas so that we're not reinventing the wheel and so we can learn from the experiences of other congregations."

 

Ms. Kolers said Beth Tzedec also wants to take advantage of the wider opportunities for teen engagement available through the international USY program, which we believe will benefit all USCJ-affiliated synagogues that are active in the Eastern Canada Region of USY.

 

We all know the power of Conservative Judaism to create committed Jews. At United Synagogue, we will continue working tirelessly to help you spiritually engage your community; develop strong leaders for the future; instill in young people a passionate connection to Israel and Jewish life; and create sustainable, vibrant kehillot for generations to come.

 

B'Shalom,

 

 

Rabbi Steven Wernick                                                Richard Skolnik

     CEO                                                              International President