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WHO'S THAT
ON THE BIMAH Previously individuals not eligible for full membership have been welcome to participate in services, but from the floor rather than from the bimah. All mitzvot concerned with ark opening: Torah and Haftarah benedictions and readings, have been reserved for Full Members or for guests whose status is such that they would be eligible for full membership. Non-Jewish family members have been welcome on the bimah for life cycle events. More recently some informal readings have been performed by Friends from the bimah as well as from the floor. Celebration of Simchat Torah has been open to Friends. The PJC Council has now had the opportunity to consider this. The Council recognises the need to achieve a balance between preserving Jewish identity whilst having an inclusive and welcoming approach to Friends and others. To help facilitate this approach is has been decided that contributions from Friends from the bimah will continue for a trial period of about six months. Existing restrictions re the Torah service mitzvot shall remain, as shall existing polices regarding relatives at life cycle events and contributions from Friends and others from the floor. Do let me or any member of the Council know what YOU think. Written responses would be helpful and would be received in confidence. If you are a Friend and would like to help participate in services during the trial period then please let Andrée Kahn know. — PJCEA Council, February 2001 |
