To join or not to join…

… That is the question. I've been wondering if it's time for me to become a member of the synagogue.

This weekend at the Purim party, the head of the membership committee gave his usual recruiting talk. "The synagogue needs the money, and while we welcome our guests, we encourage everyone to join, even those who are here just for multicultural enrichment." Thing is, every time he gives that speech he looks right at me.

Have I mentioned that I'm not Jewish?

I'm really having internal issues with whether I should join the synagogue or not. It's only $350, so I can certainly afford it, and they really do need every dollar they can get. But joining a synagogue makes a certain statement, a sort of commitment, that I'm not entirely sure I'm ready to make.

At a lot of synagogues they require prospective members to be a Jewish, or at least firmly into the conversion process. I don't think they're that fussy on that issue here. But I'm still in the process of exploring Judaism, and have not yet decided if this is the path that I will take.

I do enjoy attending the functions, I try to follow along with the services, and I'm even taking Hebrew lessons. The members of the congregation couldn't be more welcoming, even though I do have a hard time socializing with 'normal' people. And I feel a little disingenuous using a portion of the heat and lights without paying my fair share. (To assuage my guilt I've made a small donation to the general fund.)

The question, however, remains… Should an undecided, insecure, unattached, and slightly eccentric gentile join a synagogue?

Comments are encouraged. Thank you.

The Velveteen Rabbi

While on a nostalgic Google trip of childhood memories, I stumbled upon what looks like an interesting blog - "The Velveteen Rabbi". Haven't had a chance to read it in depth yet, but have added it to the Bologs of Interest list in the right-hand margin.

Purim 5769

Tonight was the Purim party at B'nai Israel. Since the story takes place in Persia, I came in my Middle Eastern garb and felt slightly overdressed. The only other adults who were in what could be considered a costume was young woman wearing a renaissance dress and a pair of ceramic horns, and the student rabbi as an angel in a miniskirt. Most of the other adults went with the sweat shirt and funny hat motif.

The children, who nearly outnumbered the adults, sported a variety of disguises ranging from a penguin to a Hogwart's student, and at least three espionage agents. One of the members, who is a volunteer fireman, wore his fireman suit. Almost thought we'd need his services during Havdala because the candle flame was getting pretty big and the cheerleader's pompoms were getting a little close.

There was a lot of food, as is usual in these celebrations, but last year there was wine. There wasn't any wine this year. Maybe that's a good thing… last year I did get just a bit tiddly.