Independence Day: The Independent Minyan/Prayer Group Phenomenon
TEANECK, NJ - More than 400,000 Jews have attended one of more than 300 independent minyanim, according to a 2008 survey.
What is behind the growth of this phenomenon? Are these “indies” a reaction to the contemporary synagogue framework? What effect do they have on the evolution of Tefillah, the study of Torah, and the observance of Halakhah?
The Union for Traditional Judaism (UTJ) explores the rise – and fall – of independent prayer groups with several leading “independent” leaders.
They include:
- Hakham Isaac Sassoon, founder of an independent minyan;
- Rabbi Chaim Solomon, Traditional Congregation of Mount Dora (FL);
- Dr. Adena Berkowitz, Kol HaNeshamah (NYC);
- Dr. Ann E. Shinnar, Teaneck Women’s Tefillah.
If you are unable to attend in person, you can register for Web access to the Conference program.
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