Communications, Volume [3], Number [11], Summer 1975 Page: 3 of 14
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The Adult Education Committee wants to thank everyone who
responded to the questionnaire the committee recently sent
out. The survey results indicate that the Congregation
would like a course in Basic Judaism as well as a course
in the Contemporary Jewish Home.
Starting in October, a six week course will be offered
in each of the subjects. Please watch for the announce-
ment of dates and times.
PRESIDENT, S .TURN................. ,.................Art Rerner
Although I have been President for a very snort time, I fine that
there are certain hazards of the ,job which cannot be avoided. Most
particularly is the feeling of frustration.
This frustration derives from a deeply felt desire to have Beth Am
offer the types of programs and activities which appeal to all of our
Congregants at least some of the time.
I know that many Congregants have a real ambivalence as to how cen
tral the synagogue should be in their lives and few want to be truly
"active” in synagogue affairs.
I realize that the role of a synagogue has changed from that which
existed in the past and will change .in the future. While our grand-
parents needed the synagogue to pray together as Jews, the synagogue
needs of ourselves and our children may differ and, as of today, may
not be clearly defined in all of our minds.
Thus, this ambivalence is understandable as is the desire not to
be active. Since Beth Am is made up of what appears to me to be a
group of families who are just getting into synagogue life, it is im-
portant that the synagogue play a meaningful role in not only your life
but the lives of your children and your whole family. This is the end
to which the Officers, Board and Rabbi are striving.
For the most part, Beth Am can continue to grow while we all seek
our own level of Jewishness since we have a strong core of very active
people who are willing to devote much of their time to Beth Am.
The frustrating part, however, is the inability of those who want
to work to know where to channel their efforts. There is no greater
frustration than to spend the time and effort on a program in which few
wish to participate.
In the next few weeks, you will be receiving a questionnaire rela-
ting to our proposed fall Adult Education Program. One of the goals of
our Adult Education Program is the attempt to bring Congregants togethe:
in meaningful relationships to study, to learn and to experience within
the context of Judaism. At planning meetings, the proposed programs
seemed exciting to me. But, I am the first to admit that in the past I
have miscalculated the desires of our Congregation.
In addition, the Congregation is planning a number of low-cost
social functions designed to create greater Congregational communica-
tions and understanding. We have already had a skating party which was
successful in terms of "fun" raising but did not attract the number of
Congregants we had hoped. Your Membership Committee is desirous of,
and receptive to, suggestions for future social events.
In short, I strongly believe Beth Am Is your Congregation. Your
leadership needs to know what you want. Do not be embarrassed in call-
ing me, the Rabbi, any Vice President, or Committee Chairpeople to tell
us your thoughts. This is what we are here for.
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Congregation Beth Am (Houston, Tex.). Communications, Volume [3], Number [11], Summer 1975, periodical, Summer 1975; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1417380/m1/3/: accessed June 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Rice University Woodson Research Center.