Adath Jeshurun Congregation (Minnetonka, Minnesota)

Adath Jeshurun Congregation (also Adath Jeshurun Synagogue) is a Conservative Jewish synagogue located in Minnetonka, Minnesota with about 1,200 members. Founded in 1884,Olitzky, Kerry M. "The American Synagogue: A Historical Dictionary and Sourcebook", Greenwood Publishing Group, 1996, p. 182. ISBN 0313288569.] it is a founding member of the United Synagogue of America, a founding member of the Women's League for Conservative Judaism,Olitzky, Kerry M. "The American Synagogue: A Historical Dictionary and Sourcebook", Greenwood Publishing Group, 1996, p. 183. ISBN 0313288569.] and "the oldest affiliate of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism west of Chicago.Paprock, John-Brian and Paprock, Teresa Peneguy. "Sacred Sites of Minnesota", Big Earth Publishing, 2004, p. 31. ISBN 1931599262]

Early history

Adath Jeshurun was founded in 1884 by two small groups of Romanian and Russian Jews. In its early years, the synagogue faced three major disasters: In 1888, while in rented premises, a fire destroyed all of its property, and in 1902 a windstorm completely destroyed the congregation's synagogue on Second Street South. The congregation subsequently purchased a church on Seventh Street South in 1903, but it too was destroyed in a windstorm in 1904.

In 1912 Adath Jeshurun hired C. David Matt, its first American trained rabbi, and the first to give sermons in English. In 1913 Adath Jeshurun was one of the founding members of the United Synagogue of America, and in 1918 its sisterhood helped found the Women's League for Conservative Judaism.

Recent events

Adath Jeshurun is currently "the oldest affiliate of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism west of Chicago." It describes itself as "a progressive, egalitarian, and sacred community dedicated to Torah (learning and tradition), Avodah (prayer and spirituality), and Gemilut Hasadim (acts of loving kindness)" [ [http://www.adathjeshurun.org/about/aboutaj2.htm "Welcome to Adath Jeshurun"] ] and it has relocated several times to newer neighborhoods.

In 1995 it dedicated a 75,000 square foot 1,200 seat suburban facility with space for all of the congregation's religious services, social events, education programs and administrative functions. Three indoor arches at the entrance to the Grand Foyer recall Adath's former synagogue and the three "pillars" of the congregation's mission – Torah, service, and good deeds. [ [http://www.adathjeshurun.org/about/aboutaj2.htm "Welcome to Adath Jeshurun"] ]

Conservative Judaism and activism

Aaron Brusso is presently rabbi at Adath Jeshurun Congregation. He is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) and has spoken in favor on "The Courage to be Conservative" [ [http://www.shma.com/jts-shma/?p=60 "The Courage to be Conservative" (Shma.com), November 17, 2005] ]

The rabbi, as representative of the congregation, spoke out in favor of a Hechsher Tzedek, or "Justice Certification" which is a proposed certification for food produced in a way that meets standards of social justice for workers and animals, promoted by modern-day Conservative Judaism activists. In July 2007 the synagogue hosted a symposium about ethical standards in the kosher food industry:

:If successful, it will create "justice certificate" labels on kosher foods, letting the consumer know that the producer of the product met working standards like wages, safety, benefits and corporate transparency...Rabbi Aaron Brusso will moderate the discussion. Brusso is a 35-year-old Chicago native and graduate of Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City and is in his seventh year at Adath Jeshurun...Q [uestion:] How and why did Adath Jeshurun get involved with this initiative? We are a conservative congregation, and this is a movement-wide initiative. [ [http://www.weeklynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=10&SubSectionID=10&ArticleID=3548 "Mix kosher and social justice to get Hechsher Tzedek"] by Sol Lieberman. "Lakeshore Weekly News", 7/10/2007]

The rabbi and the synagogue signed on to a "Call to Action" about the war in Darfur joining many Jewish groups that was sent to President Bush and all members of Congress. [ [http://action.ajws.org/ajws_centerhome/alert-description.html?alert_id=3421119 "Darfur Call to Action"] American Jewish World Service, September - November 2005]

Cultural center

The synagogue has hosted various innovative exhibits. In 2006 it hosted an exhibit on "the theme of 'Jewish women and prayer'", about which the "Star Tribune" noted:

:It was an intriguing idea, to explore prayer life through art - the works resonate with the passion the artists feel about expanding women’s roles in worship tradition, celebrating life among global unrest, and experiencing oneness — and an occasional wrestling match—with God. (Delma Francis, March 4, 2006) [ [http://www.conneyconference.org/gallery/view/gallery/3 "Practicing Jews: Art, Identity and Culture": "Gallery: Jewish Women and Prayer"] ]

The synagogue hosts significant debates, such as hosting the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota that co-organized a debate with CNN's Crossfire hosts Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson in 2004. [ [http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-530907/Special-events-The-guide-the.html From: : "JCRC Fundraiser"] (debate with CNN's Crossfire hosts Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson) "MPLS-St. Paul Magazine"]

The synagogue has hosted lectures in conjunction with the University of Minnesota, such as by Avivah Zornbert of the London School of Jewish Studies (formerly known as "Jews' College") during 2006. [ [http://www2.cla.umn.edu/admin/news_archive/news_04_21_06.html "College News: Events, Conferences and Lectures": "The Pit and The Rope: Joseph and Judah" (2nd Annual Center for Jewish Studies Community Lecture Series: Avivah Zornbert.) May 1, 2006] ]

ee also

*American Jews
*History of the Jews in the United States
*List of synagogues in Minnesota

References and notes

External links

* [http://www.adathjeshurun.org/ Official website]