Conservative Judaism/Conservative Judaism

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Expert: - 5/12/2005


Question
I am doing a research project for Geneva College, where I am a student.  My research is on the reasons why Orthodox Synagogues don't have as many new members as Conservative Synagogues.  I also work at a Orthodox Jewish Synagogue in Pittsburgh.

I would like to know what some of your beliefs are?  Most of the research I collected showed that more Jews tend to prefer Conservative Judaism.  Your thoughts and beliefs would really help me.  Thank you and have a great day!

Answer
Dear Tonya,

Thanks for writing.

I am not certain that your thesis is correct.  Orthodox Jews generally don't affiliate as much as they attend, worship, participate in a congregation.

Conservative congregations may have more affiliated members, but then they have the challenge of attracting them on a regular basis for worship.

Ask the Rabbis in Pittsburgh where you will have immediate and local information.

If you have a specific question about my beliefs as a Conservative Rabbi, please don't hesitate to write. For some of my materials you can check out my website www.jewishfreeware.org.

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov

Conservative Judaism

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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner

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Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.

Experience

I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)

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