Rabbi Dr. Judith Hauptman rightfully called on Jewish institutions such as the Jewish Theological Seminary to welcome Jews in their 20s and 30s to build Jewish community within their walls (“Growing The Shrinking Conservative Movement,” Opinion, Oct. 18).
Even better, such efforts should be made within existing synagogue structures, and this is already happening on the Upper West Side.
Congregation Shaare Zedek, a Conservative synagogue on West 93rd Street, is home to the Chai Minyan, a Friday night minyan and community, by and for young professionals working in partnership with the synagogue. This minyan runs our synagogue’s Friday services and organizes a monthly communal dinner without the synagogue expecting anything in return. The Chai Minyan has made numerous strides to build a community beyond the synagogue’s physical structure, including hosted Shabbat dinners at participants’ homes and other community building efforts with an emphasis on engagement. We welcome anyone to drop by and see the future of synagogue life.
Rabbi William Plevan
Danny Ripps
Aaron Siegel
Jessica Siskind
