Why Affiliate with a Jewish Community? by Rabbi Frank Tamburello                                                                                                                                       Even in Paradise, it is not good to be alone.                                                                                                                                                                                                A Yiddish proverb If you are looking at our website, you may have already decided to join a synagogue, but are asking yourself, "which community is right for me"?  On the other hand, you may be grappling with the question "why join a synagogue at all"?  While there are tangible benefits to joining a synagogue (such as attending High Holy Day services, Jewish Education School for your children, etc.), there is an intangible element to joining a synagogue that is even more important—by joining a synagogue, you are becoming part of a Jewish community. A Jewish community is a place that offers you a cultural home, a place where you can learn and grow, and a place where you find friendship, support, comfort, acceptance and respect. When you join Westchester Community for Humanistic Judaism, you become part of our family—part of a support system, and a partner in creating a meaningful and engaging Jewish community. At WCHJ, our mission is to build a caring community with the tools of Jewish tradition. When each of us brings our special talents and gifts to our community, we create a community where our presence makes a difference, where we can discover or rediscover Judaism, where we can find life long friends, where we can make the world a better place. It is never too soon, or too late, to become a part of the Jewish community. While we often think that synagogues are around to "teach Judaism" to our children (and we certainly do that!), there is so much more. We provide ongoing opportunities to study, experience, and enjoy being connected to a Jewish community. Even if your children are grown, or if you are single, we offer many programs just for you. We focus on community building, with, social events, and our, History Buffs group, cultural programs, services, Jewish education school, and opportunities for leadership. Our task is to enhance your connection with other Jews and your personal search for meaning, and to provide an engaging, contemporary and progressive Jewish community in which to do so. We hope you will decide to join us as we continue to build a our community with the tools of Jewish tradition right here in Westchester County. Hillel said: "Do not separate yourself from the community..." Pirkey Avot (Sayings of the Fathers) 2:5     WCHJ Membership Application