Detroit, USA - The head of one of the nation's largest Conservative Jewish organizations is calling for major changes at its 652 synagogues across the country.
Those changes could include closures, mergers and partnerships among the synagogues in North America, including the handful of Conservative synagogues in Metro Detroit as a result of declining and aging memberships.
Rabbi Steven Wernick, chief executive officer and executive vice president of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, visited the Detroit area this week and later met with board members of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield to discuss the proposed plan to transform Conservative Jewish congregations throughout North America.
Wernick said the changes will address attracting younger members as well as retaining older members at Conservative Jewish congregations.
"We're engaging younger adults in different ways and baby boomers in ways that are more meaningful to them," said Wernick about the strategic plan.
Wernick, from New York, said the organization takes a look at how to help struggling congregations and to strengthen those doing well.
There are 3,500 households in Metro Detroit with individuals who identify themselves as Conservative Jews, Wernick said.
There are 12 Conservative synagogues in Michigan, and half of those are in Metro Detroit, according to United Synagogue.
Among the changes proposed in the strategic plan are shoring up synagogues and conservative communities, also known as kehillot, that have lost membership through demographic changes in their areas.
The plan also calls for training new leaders in the synagogues, a new focus on prayers and increasing membership in the synagogues.
The proposal also calls for changes in financial operations of Conservative congregations.
The board for the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is expected to vote on the changes next month. If approved, it would take one to two years for the changes to be implemented, Wernick said.
Rabbi Robert Gamer of Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park said the proposal is welcomed by local leaders and Conservative Jews.
"I'm happy (the proposal) is moving forward; it's something that has been eagerly anticipated," Gamer said.