2 Reform Synagogues Consider Merger : Unification: Combining congregations would result in the largest synagogue in L.A.

Two of Los Angeles’ oldest and largest Reform synagogues, Wilshire Boulevard Temple and Temple Emanuel, have begun discussions to merge their congregations. Board members said the proposed merger, which was announced last week , would combine Wilshire Boulevard’s camps, conference center in Malibu and cemetery with Temple Emanuel’s day school.

“Our feeling is that a joint service to provide to the community . . . would make a lot of sense,” said Evon Gotlieb, vice president of Wilshire Boulevard Temple. “Both congregations have been receptive to the idea, and it’s met with a positive response.”

Temple officials said they have not decided what would happen to the properties or what they would name the combined temples. The merger would result in the largest synagogue in Los Angeles, “assuming people wouldn’t leave out of unhappiness,” said Rabbi Lennard Thal, regional director of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the congregational body of the Reform movement.

Temple Emanuel, the oldest and largest synagogue in Beverly Hills, has a membership of about 1,100 families. But, like many churches and synagogues whose fund-raising has been hurt by the recession, Emanuel has had financial difficulties recently and is running a $2-million deficit, said former Emanuel board member and secretary Robert N. Feldman.

Wilshire Boulevard Temple, which has a membership of 2,450 families, reportedly has a multimillion dollar endowment.

Emanuel also has had its share of problems within its congregation. Feldman, along with a number of other families, left Temple Emanuel after its rabbi, Stephen Robbins, was asked to resign this year because of disagreements with some members about temple philosophy. Robbins has formed Congregation N’vay Shalom, which is not affiliated with any branch of Judaism.

Temple Emanuel’s interim rabbi, Meyer Heller, acknowledged that the temple has financial problems, but said that was not the reason for considering a merger.

“We have a feeling that this could be in the best interest for the Jewish community,” he said.

But some congregants are unhappy with the idea because of philosophical differences they see between the two temples.

“We’re opposed to the merger,” said Bonnie Webb, a former member of Temple Emanuel, who, with her husband, left the 50-year-old congregation in April after a 17-year membership. “They are two different temples with two different philosophies--Emanuel is much more traditional.”

Webb said many of the former members also fear that Emanuel will “disappear into the sunset and be absorbed by Wilshire.”

Wilshire Boulevard Temple, located in the Mid-Wilshire district, is the oldest temple in Los Angeles and a historic landmark.

In the past, Wilshire was considered very liberal: Most of the men did not wear yarmulkes and the services were mostly in English, rather than Hebrew. In recent years, services have incorporated more Hebrew, and worship has become more traditional. Temple Emanuel is considered the most traditional-leaning Reform congregation in Los Angeles. Its services incorporate more Hebrew and men wear yarmulkes and prayer shawls.

Some Wilshire members support the merger because they say the area around the 130-year-old temple has become dangerous and parents have been afraid to take their children there. Emanuel is also closer to where many Wilshire members live.

But other Wilshire congregants have reservations about the proposed union because of Emanuel’s large debt and past battles within that congregation.

A committee representing each congregation will discuss the proposal before any decision is made, a statement released by leaders of the two temples said.

Congregation members were sent a letter last week informing them about merger discussions, but congregants have been aware of them for months.

“There has been a small group pushing for this (merger) for some time,” said Feldman, who is now membership chairman for Congregation N’vay Shalom.

Some congregants say they see the benefit of combining the two temples.

“I think the merger would be wonderful,” said Evy Rappaport, who has been a member of Temple Emanuel with her husband for 23 years, but who grew up going to Wilshire Boulevard Temple. “I always liked the flavor of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, and I’m comfortable at Temple Emanuel. I’m thrilled at the idea of merging philosophies as well as temples.”

Thal, who has been regional director of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations for 11 years, said only recently have congregations begun to consider merging as a way to “pool resources during tight times.” He said synagogues that unify never have an easy transition.

“All synagogue mergers are difficult because they not only bring together different-sized congregations and rabbinical perspectives, they bring two different cultures,” he said.