As interesting as are Professor Putnam's theories on the reasons for this change in American civic life, I think the outcomes of the change are even more important. Participation in communal groupings is highly correlated with attitudes of trust and beneficence. Traditions of independent civic engagement are important to the development and success of democracy, and to creating viable communities. In predicting the quality of governance in local areas in Italy for example, Putnam found that statistics on membership in choral societies and football clubs was as predictive of good government as voter turnout and newspaper readership. It seems that Synagogues too, in addition to all of the wonderfully Jewish things that we do, contribute in a significant way to the creation of social capital so important to the functioning of our communities.
Jewish life is with people.
It is very difficult to be Jewish without a community. It is stated repeatedly by both Hillelites and Shamaites-the Democrats and Republicans of that era. In choosing to join a congregation, our new members are acting contrary to the statistical pattern that Putnam observed. Hopefully, we will not be a tertiary association which is supported in principle and to which a check is sent from time to time. Participate and we will be a real face to face community, a support in difficulties and a group with whom to celebrate your joys.