As you know, Congregation Etz Chayim and Congregation Shaarey Zedek have had discussions for several years about the possibility of joining together as one entity. Many hours have been spent by passionate volunteers and staff from both Shuls, trying to see if a union was feasible.
Representatives of both Synagogues entered the process in good faith. That said, it is now clear that a merger of Congregation Etz Chayim and Congregation Shaarey Zedek is neither feasible nor beneficial. After much discussion, it has been concluded that the different objectives of the two Synagogues are too significant to bridge.

On May 29, representatives of the two congregations met and collectively decided that it was best to bring to an end our negotiations about a merger of the two Synagogues and we are sharing this letter with you now. A similar letter has been shared with the members of both congregations.

To be clear, there is no animosity. The representatives of Etz Chayim and Shaarey Zedek have the greatest of respect for each other and look forward to continued joint programming between the two Synagogues and other Shuls and organizations in the community. We have simply decided that a merger is not in the best interests of our congregation, nor do we think it is in the best interests of the community at this time.

Marvin Samphir
Uri Kraut