West Bay Community Jewish Center looks at fresh alternatives

The Rhode Island Jewish community is small. As a result, we’ve often seen synagogues struggle with financial problems, combine or disappear. But this year, there’s a new congregation in the community. The West Bay Community Jewish Center has grown out of the idea that there has to be a different model to keep up membership and help a congregation moving forward.

According to Rabbi Richard Perlman, one of the leaders of the new community, the “a la carte model” of membership should appeal to those who haven’t been part of a congregation due to financial concerns as well as traditionalists looking for an alternative.

“We’ve built a model that makes sense in this economy,” he says. “You can become a member. But you don’t have to be a member. We have a modest dues structure.” Members and nonmembers alike can pay for the services they use including the religious school and life cycle events and High Holy Day services. Members pay at a reduced rate.

Perlman recently left Congregation Am David. He says his goal is not to compete with other synagogues but to create a new kind of community to include people not currently committed to any synagogue. According to a 2013 Pew study of American Jews, less than one-third are members of any synagogue.

Perlman points out that one of the goals of this new model is to attract people who can’t afford a traditional dues structure and haven’t been in a synagogue in a long time. “If people are going away and not attending, who are we failing?” he said. “People are coming who haven’t been in a synagogue for years. This is a win for everyone.”

WBCJC is a Conservative congregation though it is not affiliated with any national organization. It has no building of its own. Daily minyan and Shabbat services are held at the Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence in Warwick. High Holy Days services will be held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Warwick. Services are led by Perlman, often along with lay leaders.

According to Perlman, the group is not affiliated with Tamarisk or the Jewish Seniors Agency. “On an average weekday morning, we have 12 to 16 people,” he says. Often, there are several Tamarisk residents. But sometimes, none attend. After minyan, breakfast is available, for a nominal fee. “People come because they enjoy worshipping and spending time together,” Perlman said.

A religious school, led by Susan Sugarman, is enrolling students. They will meet one day each weekend in classroom space above Ruth’s in Rolfe Square, Cranston. There’s adult education, social action and a very active havurah.

Alice Goldstein is leading an adult b’nei mitzvah class with five women who are working toward a May ceremony. She characterizes it as a Judaism 101+  class.

“This is an open and welcoming community following a new model of organization,” she says. “The people who are members are really committed to being active.”

The congregation has been in existence since June 15. Paul Finstein is president and there is a board of directors. But it does not own a building so there is no mortgage.

The rabbi promises the congregation will not operate at a deficit. If it grows, they will look for space to be under one roof. But it won’t buy a building. He says perhaps they will consider sharing space with another religious organization.

For now, though, as Goldstein says, “It’s exciting to be part of something new.”

FRAN OSTENDORF is editor of The Jewish Voice.