Beth Tikvah Synagogue Becomes Independent Congregation

At their annual meeting in June, members voted to end their synagogue’s affiliation with the Conservative movement in order to become an independent and unaffiliated congregation.

“The MetroWest Jewish community, like all others, is evolving," Bob Siegel, president of Beth Tikvah Synagogue, told Westborough Patch. “The needs of some of our congregants and other community members have begun moving away from the traditional tenets of the Conservative movement. This change in affiliation will allow Beth Tikvah to increase our responsiveness to this evolution while remaining in balance with traditional Jewish values.”

Over a ten-month period, synagogue leaders consulted closely with a number of Jewish organizations about a possible change in affiliation, including the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Beth Tikvah also held a number of open forums in the past year for congregants to discuss the possible transition. 

“This was an informed decision. We studied a number of issues related to denominational affiliation and explored various options," explained Rabbi Michael Swarttz, spiritual leader of Beth Tikvah since 2007. “Ultimately, we came to the conclusion that for where we are at this particular point in time, it is in Beth Tikvah’s best interest in terms of potential growth to become an independent congregation.”

Rabbi Swarttz added,"This was not an easy decision and not one that was taken lightly. I give our leadership a great deal of credit for having the courage to move in this direction." 

Also at the annual meeting, synagogue leaders announced significant changes in Beth Tikvah’s dues structure, lowering the cost of membership for current and prospective members.

Beth Tikvah Synagogue was founded in 1996 and has been located at 45 Oak St. since 2001.

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