OUR PRINCIPLES
A cornerstone of our belief is the feeling that we can best achieve our religious experience in the intimate atmosphere of a small congregation. We believe that something essential to the warmth and spiritual life of a congregation is best achieved in a smaller group.
We recognize the ever-changing aspects of Reform Judaism. It is our aim to accomplish those changes which will make Judaism more meaningful to us. We aspire to have a Temple which will be liberal in its interpretation and progressive in its outlook within the framework of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.
We believe that membership in a religious group should always be available to those who wish it. It is therefore an essential part of our ultimate plan to encourage and assist the formation of other small congregations as our facilities approach capacity.
We, therefore, hope to have a congregation comprising approximately 500 family groups at its maximum.
As members of a religious group we look forward to our responsibilities to fellow Jews and to the Jewish communities throughout the world. We look forward to serving our role in relation to the great moral issues of our times. Our members will be encouraged in activity and leadership in the Jewish and non-Jewish community life of our city. There is no desire, nor, is it possible to isolate ourselves, for we recognize our unique position in history.
Our religious school program is as important as our other functions of providing a place and manner of worship. We anticipate that the greatest amount of effort will be expended on the religious training of our children. This program will be implemented immediately and along the general lines now established in existing Reform Congregations through the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.
Finances are, of course, a matter of serious practical concern. We intend to keep our costs in line with our size and aspirations. Members will be expected to support our requirement in accordance with their ability. Ultimately the individual is the only one who can determine this ability. At no time will anyone be denied full rights and benefits of membership due to financial considerations.
In summary we desire a ritual that is meaningful to us, and we intend to give our children a comprehensive religious education and a full appreciation of their heritage. We desire the warmth and simplicity a small congregation can provide. We recognize our bond and responsibilities to the Jewish community throughout the world. We are equally aware of our responsibilities to the community in which we live as Americans and as Jews. Above all, we desire to practice our religion of faith in God, of faith in prayer, of brotherly love, tolerance and understanding . We dedicate ourselves to these principles and beliefs for ourselves, Judaism and all mankind.
(Temple Sinai, Worcester, MA 1958)
