The Jewish Community Council of Detroit today called for “community discipline” with respect to so-called “mushroom synagogues” organized for the High Holy Days, and urged the Jewish community here to worship in “established congregations.”
In a statement issued in connection with the forthcoming holidays, Dr. Samuel Krohn, president of the Jewish Community Council, and Hubert J. Sidlow, chairman of the Council’s internal relations committee, said that “scheduling of services exclusively for the High Holy Days in temporary and often inappropriate quarters is entirely out of keeping with the standards our community has the right to expect.” Solicitation and advertising add to the problem, the statement declared.
The Council position with respect to “mushroom synagogues” was stated as recognizing that regularly organized synagogues and temples sponsor ongoing activities beyond those associated with formal worship, such as education, youth activity and civic participation.
“It is fitting that those who worship at the time of the High Holidays,” the statement declared, “should do so through an established congregation, one which is a part of the community throughout the year, and which assumes its share of the total responsibilities which accrue to the organization and maintenance of synagogues and temples.”
One complaint of local “mushroom synagogue” activity is currently under investigation by a special Council committee.
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