Our Brit

The Exchange of Promises between Congregant & Synagogue
A Sacred Trust

Mindful of our synagogue's founding mission, we come together to create a welcoming community, nourished by Jewish Reconstructionist values and informed by our gay and lesbian heritage, where each of us is honored and respected for all of who we are.

As a synagogue, we believe that it is our responsibility to provide the sanctuary, services, opportunities and events necessary for our congregants to fulfill their promises as stated herein.

Therefore:
Congregation Bet Haverim (CBH) commits to offering each member a safe home for spiritual, religious and educational reflection and growth. Within this home, our synagogue promises to provide accessible opportunities to enhance our members' sense of themselves as Jews and as partners of Jews, while offering them a legitimate voice in the greater Jewish, interfaith and secular communities on issues of social, ethical, political and environmental concerns.

As a member, I intend to fulfill responsibilities in the following five areas:

. Sustaining the Life & Health of the Synagogue - B'ryut HaKehilah (The Vitality of the Community), N'divut Lev (Generosity of Heart)

We at CBH believe that our synagogue survives and is enriched by the participation of its members.

Therefore:
I commit to giving of my time and energy to the programs and opportunities to volunteer that this community needs and upon which it depends. Further, I commit to supporting the synagogue financially to demonstrate my awareness that for the synagogue to meet its obligations, I must make a financial commitment. Finally, I commit to contributing my presence at services, as I understand that my attendance and my active participation are necessary components to the richness of our spiritual home.

. Celebrating, Preserving & Strengthening Judaism Limud Torah (Torah Study), Klal Yisrael (Unity of Jewish Peoplehood), Hidur Mitzvah (Enhancing Jewish Experience), Dor L'dor (Linking the Present with the Past and Future)

We at CBH believe that we play a significant role in the survival of Judaism.

Therefore:
I commit to helping to create, support and implement opportunities for study, observance and practice. Further, I commit to teaching what I know to adults and children alike, and to helping others teach what they know in our sanctuary, our classrooms and our homes.

. Welcoming the Stranger - Hachnasat Orchim (Hospitality, Welcoming Guests), Chesed (Lovingkindness)

We at CBH believe that opening our doors to all who embrace our mission and our heritage enriches our community.

Therefore:
I commit to welcoming warmly and with enthusiasm, all guests, visitors and interested newcomers to our synagogue. I will engage those who are strangers to me and inform them of our mission, what we offer and ways they can become involved.

. Interacting with Common Courtesy, Honor, Respect & Kindness - Derekh Eretz (Common Courtesy), Kavod (Respect and Honor), Rachmanut (Compassion)

We at CBH believe that our community's growth and effectiveness rely on the honest and caring ways with which we interact with each other and will provide time and space for dialogue.

Therefore:
I commit to communicating with others in the manner and with the intention that I would wish others to communicate with me. I intend to communicate with a willingness to work toward agreement, consensus or compromise whenever there is a disagreement or impasse.

. Authentically Representing Our Community - Emet (Truth), Yosher (Integrity), Tikkun Olam (World Repair)

We at CBH believe in the importance of sustaining a collective presence and voice in the greater religious, secular and advocacy communities. Therefore: I acknowledge that through my words and actions, I am a reflection of our community. When asked to represent our synagogue, I will do so with honor and pride.