What is a Free Synagogue?

“Free” holds a number of meanings for us:

* A genuine respect and appreciation for each individual's beliefs, religious expressions and needs.  We are an encouraging community! 

* A genuine willingness to live with each individual's and household's personal and religious life choices. We celebrate the positive values that connect us to each other.

* A genuine place of free religious, intellectual, social and political discourse when offered in a honest and reasoned manner. We gather with open minds and open hearts.

* A genuine desire to subsist without compulsory dues, fees, tickets or any other fixed charges. A life of Torah is priceless, and our support must come from willing hearts and consciences. We are a giving community.

* A genuine commitment to be free of “temple politics,” from boards of directors, standing committees and restrictive by-laws. We will not makes rules for each other. We accomplish our goals by the coming together of the enthusiastic and the motivated. All of our essential community governance decisions are arrived at through consensus at open “town hall meetings.” We don't have "memberships" or even membership applications. "Belonging" to our synagogue is a state of mind expressed through participation and interest!

* Our rabbi is our leader and our resource, not our employee. He enjoys all of the freedoms and privileges afforded to any of our members and is entrusted with the full authority of charting the religious and educational direction of our congregation.