Adath Jeshurun Congregation
Adath Jeshurun | |
---|---|
Religion | |
Affiliation | Conservative Judaism |
Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
Leadership |
|
Status | Active |
Location | |
Location | 10500 Hillside Lane West, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305 |
Country | United States |
Location in Minnesota | |
Administration | United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism |
Geographic coordinates | 44°57′45″N 93°24′45″W / 44.962567°N 93.412516°W |
Architecture | |
Date established | 1884 (as a congregation) |
Completed | 1995 |
Specifications | |
Capacity | 1,200 worshippers |
Interior area | 75,000 square feet (7,000 m2) |
Website | |
adathjeshurun |
Adath Jeshurun Congregation (also Adath Jeshurun Synagogue) is a Conservative synagogue located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, in the United States, with about 1,200 members. Founded in 1884,[1] it is a founding member of the United Synagogue of America, a founding member of the Women's League for Conservative Judaism,[2] and the oldest affiliate of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism west of Chicago.[3]
Early history
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Adath_Jeshurun_Synagogue_%28Minneapolis%2C_Minnesota%29.jpg/220px-Adath_Jeshurun_Synagogue_%28Minneapolis%2C_Minnesota%29.jpg)
Adath Jeshurun was founded in 1884 by two small groups of
In 1912 Adath Jeshurun hired C. David Matt, its first American trained
Recent events
Adath Jeshurun is "the oldest affiliate of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism west of Chicago."[3] 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)"[5] and it has relocated several times to newer neighborhoods.
In 1995 it dedicated a 75,000-square-foot (7,000 m2) 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 Jeshurun’s former synagogue and the three "pillars" of the congregation's mission – Torah, service, and good deeds.[5]
In April 2024, Aaron Weininger was installed as the first openly gay senior rabbi of any large Conservative congregation, as senior rabbi of Adath Jeshurun.[6]
Conservative Judaism and activism
Aaron Brusso has been a rabbi at Adath Jeshurun Congregation. He is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTSA) and has spoken in favor on "The Courage to be Conservative".[7]
Brusso, as representative of the congregation, spoke out in favor of a
- 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.[8]
Brusso 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.[9]
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)[10]
The synagogue hosts significant debates, such as hosting the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota that co-organized a debate with
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.[12]
See also
References and notes
- ^ ISBN 0-313-28856-9.
- ^ ISBN 0-313-28856-9.
- ^ ISBN 1-931599-26-2
- ^ "Adath Jeshurun Congregation records". Upper Midwest Jewish Archives. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
- ^ a b "Welcome to Adath Jeshurun" Archived December 14, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Minnetonka Rabbi becomes first openly gay person appointed as a senior rabbi by a large conservative Jewish congregation". kare11.com. April 11, 2024.
- ^ "The Courage to be Conservative" (Shma.com), November 17, 2005 Archived May 10, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Mix kosher and social justice to get Hechsher Tzedek by Sol Lieberman. Lakeshore Weekly News, 7/10/2007
- ^ "Darfur Call to Action" Archived June 19, 2006, at the Wayback Machine American Jewish World Service, September - November 2005
- ^ ""Practicing Jews: Art, Identity and Culture": Gallery: Jewish Women and Prayer". Archived from the original on November 20, 2008. Retrieved February 17, 2008.
- ^ From: : JCRC Fundraiser (debate with CNN's Crossfire hosts Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson) MPLS-St. Paul Magazine
- ^ "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
External links
- Official website
- Finding aid to the Adath Jeshurun Congregation records at the Upper Midwest Jewish Archives, University of Minnesota Libraries.