Every Tuesday evening the synagogue will be closed completely to all human activity at 8 p.m., immediately following minyan. The custodial crew will leave the premises at that time as well, and the building will be locked.

Synagogue committees that traditionally meet on Tuesday evenings should convene at a member's home or a neighborhood coffee shop.

The new policy took effect on June 22.

According to Sam Freedenberg, synagogue executive, the benefits of a dark night are several.

"Reduced utilities expenses and reduced wear and tear on the building, to name just two," he said. "While we pride ourselves on being a full-service synagogue that is open whenever our members and certain non-member users want it to be, doing so comes at a significant cost. Closing one night a week will enhance our respect for our synagogue and for the non-synagogue life of our members."

Holidays and other special events approved by the synagogue office will be exceptions.

Most synagogues, including those with membership exceeding 1,000 families, are closed one night a week, and some are closed two nights during the summer.

"We will evaluate this new initiative at the end of September and make changes and adjustments as necessary," Freedenberg said.

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	Tikvat Israel Congregation 2200 Baltimore Road · Rockville, Maryland 20851 Phone: (301) 762-7338 · Fax: (301) 424-4399 · Send us an email!
	Affiliated with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, which hosts this website as one of the many services provided to member congregations.