At its April 17, 2006 board meeting , the JCC Board held discussions and moved to designate land on their campus for an orthodox synagogue. This is the third time in the last 2-or-so years that the board has addressed this issue. On the first two occassions, the votes granted the option for the designated land to BSBI, which voted not to relocate in January 2006. The current decision secures the land for an orthodox synagogue, but does not specify that the option can only be given to BSBI.
The following is the text of my correspondence with the JCC Board, expressing my personal support for this action.
From: peterosenthal
Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 8:24 PM
Subject: Message to JCC Board
I believe there will be discussion at an upcoming JCC Board meeting regarding securing land at the JCC for an orthodox shul in some form. I am writing to express my support for such an arrangement.
The logical partner for this is, of course, BSBI. Although the outcome of the last formal vote on this issue resulted in a decision for BSBI to remain downtown, there was substantial support in the general BSBI membership for the shul to be placed at the JCC. It is regretable that the BSBI leadership at present does not have sufficient vision to be a partner in the process of rebuilding the AHA / JCC campus. However, this could one day change, or another entity may yet evolve to take up such an option.
It is in the interests of the Jewish community that options that allow the greatest flexibility for such developments be put in place. Of course, there may be opposition from some quarters. However, it is vital that we recognize that the success of all our major institutions can best be achieved by meeting the needs of people from all major sectors of Jewish affiliation and observance in our community.
The JCC and AHA are already a vibrant and successful partnership. Other facilities could bring further synergy to the center, including an Orthodox shul and an assisted living center.
For those who may be concerned that an orthodox shul might stand in the way of other changes at the JCC, let it be known that sharing land need not mean giving up autonomy.
Please convey this to the JCC Board, either during the actual discussion, or as part of the correspondence recorded at the meeting.
Sincerely,
Peter Rosenthal
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