The May Editor’s Desk, “Rethinking synagogues: Let crisis lead to cooperation,” confirms my thoughts completely. My wife Shirley and I have lived in San Diego since 1972 and have maintained a condo in Glendale since 1991.
I have seen the same thing happen in both cities: the growth and demise of various synagogues due to a rapid expansion of the facilities and then a decline in membership due to heavy expenses for the congregation and the necessity to increase dues.
Apparently it is an inbred need for us Jews to get bigger and try to feed our combined egos with a “show and tell” attitude for our community.
Shirley and I have belonged to Congregation Beth Israel since it was built on Green Bay Avenue. We enjoyed the early years with our entire family very much.
Now, when we come back to Milwaukee, our favorite shul is at the Jewish Home and Care Center on Prospect Avenue, which has a small and comfortable atmosphere with a feeling of warmth, compassion and love. You won’t find that too often in the large congregations. Large is not always better.
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