The lead story of the July 21 edition of your paper discusses conversion under the auspices of the Reform Movement.
I commend you for this article. The Reform Movement functions as a gateway for many people who seek to become Jewish. But we are not alone. My Conservative and Orthodox colleagues also provide an entry into Jewish life as well. Their standards and requirements may at times be different from the Reform movement. Welcome to the beauty of Jewish pluralism! I respect and admire all rabbis of all streams of Judaism who partner with converts in their Jewish journey.
I was concerned about what was left out of the article. Our New Reform Temple was not mentioned. There are three Reform synagogues in Kansas City that are members of the Union of Reform Judaism. We are one of them. For the record, The New Reform Temple is the only one which is in Kansas City proper. Sometimes our congregation senses that our significant role in the community is unnoticed. We are incredibly vital. Our congregation has been an important gateway into Judaism from its founding in 1967. Our synagogue has always been welcoming to converts to Judaism. Our members are ecstatic when converts come to our community seeking Jewish roots. A major part of my rabbinate is working with conversion candidates. This work is time well spent and my synagogue leadership encourages it.
The Jewish Chronicle plays a significant role in our community. I request that when it writes about the synagogues in general and Reform synagogues specifically that The New Reform Temple’s powerful presence should not be overlooked. We are a great synagogue. People should know that and come to visit us. I know that they will be moved by the unique form of Reform Jewish piety that we have created.
Rabbi Alan David Londy, D.Min., is the rabbi of The New Reform Temple.