Riverdale Minyan to Stay Independent

The Jewish Link
July 06, 2016

http://www.jewishlinkbwc.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8077:riverdale-minyan-to-stay-independent&catid=151:community-news&Itemid=584

As it approaches its first anniversary, the Riverdale Minyan, composed of many families formerly belonging to the Riverdale Jewish Center, learned from a recent survey that greater than two thirds of its membership desired to “preserve, and continue to grow, our shul at this time. This is our focus.” The shul email and survey results stated fairly clearly that the new minyan will be staying independent in the coming year.

The kehillah was founded a year ago after it came to light in the New York Times that Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblatt had spent time in the sauna with RJC adults and teens. While there were never any complaints of physical sexual misconduct, the negative publicity surrounding his use of the sauna to bond with male shul members resulted in a March announcement that his 30 years as Mora D’asra were over.

Riverdale Minyan members recently received an email about the survey results. The shul is already getting ready for the Yamim Noraim and will be addressing priorities listed in the survey, according to the email.

“We must prudently balance the communal interest in daily minyanim, increased youth programming and a part-time rabbi with growing in a fiscally responsible manner, and will begin to address these expansions of our services over the summer,” according to the email.

In the About Us section of its website, the shul, which started in a Central Riverdale apartment, wrote that it had attracted some 200 members by last Rosh Hashanah. In one paragraph, the shul encapsulated its vision for a caring kehillah.

“We strive to maintain a vibrant, growing institution, where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience Torah and tefillah that is authentic, inspirational, warm and friendly. We teach arvut, the responsibility shared by every Jew to ensure that all his/her fellow Jews are cared for physically, spiritually and emotionally. We maintain an environment where `Derech Eretz,’ good and proper conduct and mutually respectful dialogue are the core of how our members conduct themselves.”

Ilan Rosenrauch is the shul’s president. Mark Belkin serves as vice president and secretary. Sandy Kahn is the treasurer. The Riverdale Minyan also has committees forming in the areas of building, Kiddush, Youth and Chesed and Welcoming.

At this time, Rosenrauch was not available for comment due to a time conflict. The Jewish Link and Rosenrauch hope to meet in the upcoming weeks.