Out congregation to partner with mainstream synagogue
By Sarah Blazucki
PGN Staff Writer © 2006 Philadelphia Gay News
The city’s largest GLBT Jewish congregation is partnering with one of the area’s oldest Jewish synagogues to share a facility for worship.
Members of congregation Beth Ahavah agreed June 7 to share space in the building of congregation Rodeph Shalom, located in Oak Lane.
In April, Beth Ahavah announced its lease at 8 Letitia St. would not be renewed when it ends in October. The building was sold the same month and is expected to be converted into condominiums.
Jocelyn Block, president of the 31-year-old Beth Ahavah, said they were offered a monthly lease, but didn’t believe it was in the congregation’s best interest to stay.
The decision to partner with Rodeph Shalom has been viewed with skepticism by some, who are concerned that the 90-member Beth Ahavah might lose its gay identity in the larger synagogue. Rodeph Shalom, founded in 1795, has over 1,000 members.
Block acknowledged this was a “legitimate concern,” but doesn’t believe it will happen. “We have managed to stay a congregation for 31 years. We have every intention of remaining Beth Ahavah and maintaining our identity as a GLBT synagogue.”
She added that some administrative and facility functions will be absorbed by Rodeph Shalom and Beth Ahavah will continue to hold services at least twice a month. Block said the congregation has been run with little paid staff. “As a volunteer organization, running a synagogue is very difficult.”
Block also noted that the arrangement is still in the planning stages, and that only a “basic agreement” had been reached. She confirmed that Beth Ahavah will continue to collect its own dues, which are less than those of Rodeph Shalom.
The congregation reviewed sites to purchase or lease, but did not find anything appropriate. They also considered sharing space with another religious organization, but ultimately decided that they preferred a Jewish space.
Additionally, Beth Ahavah decided against renting space in the William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center because it is not fully handicapped accessible.
Scott Gansl, who chaired the site selection committee and is a former board member, said the move could be long- or short-term and that finding their own space could take two to three years.
However, Block said no decisions have been made about how long they expect to stay at Rodeph Shalom. “I don’t want to move in thinking, ‘We are going to move out,’” she said. “I see so many advantages to moving in with them.”
Gansl also sees the move as a positive step. “I think we are going to like this very much.”
He added, “There is a need for a Jewish community center in Philadelphia. This could be the heart of the big gay resurgence for that area of Philadelphia.” Gansl said there was some sadness that the congregation wouldn’t have its own space, and that the move was “a leap of faith for both organizations.” He also said Rodeph Shalom had been very welcoming and friendly.
Ric Ben-Safed, a member of Beth Ahavah who also assisted with the search for a new building, said he was concerned about the possibility of Rodeph Shalom assimilating Beth Ahavah. “I think by the law of averages, it will be absorbed. It will be a small interest group.
“Maybe it’s more of a feeling, but I don’t see how such a small organization will be able to maintain their continuity in such a large organization. I hope it works, but I don’t know whether it will.”
Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, Pennsylvania regional director for the Union of Reform Judaism, said she supported the move.
“Rodeph Shalom absolutely embraces and supports sexual minorities,” she said. “The partnership is a good move for everyone - it will strengthen the larger congregation and give Beth Ahavah a new lease on life.”
Another concern has been the move from Beth Ahavah’s central location, near the heart of Center City’s gay enclave, to Rodeph Shalom, 615 N. Broad St. The synagogue still would be accessible by public transportation. Gansl noted Rodeph Shalom has ample parking, which had become an issue for Beth Ahavah in the past few years. Most members live in suburban areas and drive to services.
Gansl said the congregation would be forming a transition committee by month’s end that will negotiate and coordinate the logistics and scheduling of the move. A separate moving committee will manage the physical relocation.
Beth Ahavah will continue to hold services at 8 Letitia St. through October, including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
The congregation has previously held events at Rodeph Shalom, including a town meeting on gay marriage in 1998.
Other possible concerns about the partnership are political differences. For instance, many heterosexual Jews support Sen. Rick Santorum for his loyal backing of Israel. Many gays and lesbians criticize him based on his opposition to gay marriage. Beth Ahavah moved into the Letitia Street building 15 years ago. It was the congregation’s first complete space.