Introduction

This is an online forum for discussion of issues of concern to the Jewish Community of Charleston, South Carolina.

The forum's purpose is to give a voice to people in the community who are committed to strengthening the larger Jewish community, and who wish to do so by enhancing the interactions and interdependence of its various institutions - AHA, JCC, CJF and the synagogues.

In particular, the forum’s initial focus is the planned reconstruction of the AHA - JCC campus, and the need to include in that rebuilding a viable orthodox synagogue. A new campus with the above components can serve as a stimulus for vibrant growth in the area. It will be attractive to families from all major affiliations, with a community atmosphere, and the potential to attract people from other centers considering relocating to smaller and warmer communities in the South Eastern USA.

Background:

The Jewish Community Center and Addlestone Hebrew Academy recently announced the beginning of a major fund-raising and building campaign to reconstruct the combined campus on Wallenberg Boulevard, in West Ashley.

The JCC entered into discussions with Brith Sholom Beth Israel, which was engaged in reviewing its options for the location of its sanctuary and facilities. The JCC Board voted to offer BSBI space for a new facility on land owned by the JCC. BSBI brought its process to closure at a special meeting of the congregation on January 29, 2006. At this meeting, the outcome was reached that BSBI will remain downtown on Rutledge Avenue, and will maintain the Minyan House (a secondary sanctuary) in South Windemere.

Discussion:

In other circumstances, the outcome of BSBIs processes would be nothing more than an internal matter, and the JCC could begin to look for other options for the land it had offered for sale to BSBI. However, given the size and make up of the Charleston Jewish community, the outcome merits a closer examination by people within BSBI and in the larger Jewish community.

The BSBI “decision” needs to be understood in this context. We are a small Jewish community. The three congregations cooperate in a way that does not happen elsewhere. There is only room for one community day school, and one JCC. The key to their success lies in making reasonable accommodations between all three major segments of the community - the watchword is "inclusiveness". Furthermore, in this community, there is really only enough room for one Orthodox synagogue. That synagogue needs to be in the location where it can best serve the greatest number of people at the same time as maximizing its contribution to the other Jewish Institutions and the community at large. With new building about to take place on the AHA / JCC campus, the best location is obviously on or near the Wallenberg Boulevard Campus. Rabbi Ari Sytner of BSBI has articulated this, as has Rabbi Achiya Delouya, the principle of AHA.

An examination of BSBI’s situation reveals the following: slowly but steadily declining membership; operating budget shortfalls needing regular significant fund-raising or sale of assets; split between two sanctuaries, BSBI is less than the sum of its parts, and many members recognize the need to unify; lay leadership that is unwilling to address these realities, and unwilling to meaningfully and fully address the very real needs of its observant membership; and finally, disdain for the younger membership, especially young families with children, who are ready to provide a nucleus for renewed commitment and development.

A breakdown of the votes in the first round of the January BSBI ballot is very instructive - of 218 votes, 5 votes were not clearly for any specific location - but 91 were for remaining at the Rutledge Ave location, 85 favored the AHA/JCC area, and 36 were in favor of South Windemere. In other words, 121 did not see the Rutledge Ave location as optimal. Furthermore, the gap between South Windemere and AHA / JCC is telling. In spite of these indications from its membership, the lay leadership is committed to further developments in South Windemere, while BSBI remains in its downtown sanctuary.

The key question that arises from this is - Is BSBI a committed partner of the larger Jewish community? At the moment, it is clear that it is not. So, where can the JCC turn to find such a partner?

Since the January meeting, a group of people, most of them from BSBI, but some not, have begun to hold services in the AHA / JCC area. This is a development that merits widespread support. It represents a seed that can grow to offer new opportunities - for individual commitment, and for community growth. It is time to hear from all quarters of the community. Are we ready to take a fresh look at the situation, and develop new ways to forge ahead with vision, purpose and integrity?