Quincy's Jews
The Advocate has received a heartfelt response to our article addressing Quincy's Jewish community ("Jewish community in Quincy may be history," Sept. 19). Several of the city's Jews are adamant that every effort is being made to sustain their community and the Jewish life they hold dear.
These Jews have been faced with lamenting the loss of one of the community's long-time leaders in Rabbi David Jacobs while struggling to maintain what was once a robust and thriving Jewish neighborhood. Understandably, many have expressed outrage over The Advocate's decision to report on the struggles they face.
As Greater Boston's source for Jewish news, we have a responsibility to report the facts on the ground. Quincy's Jewish community used to be large enough to support several congregations. Temple Israel closed last year, leaving Temple Beth El as the community's last official synagogue. The closings, combined with the testimony of several of the community's members and longtime leaders, testify to a dwindling Jewish population.
Certainly, there are Jewish residents of Quincy who are fighting against this trend. It is also worthy to note that, according to Rabbi Bronstein, more than 300 people are expected at Temple Beth El's High Holy Day services this year.
The anger and frustrations reflected in this week's letters do not fall on deaf ears. Hopefully, publicizing the reality and airing these feelings can lead to solutions to what are significant and legitimate concerns for the Quincy Jewish community.
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