How far would you go for the "right" synagogue?

[Stacey B]

I'm not sure this is the right spot for this but it fits better than anywhere else on MDC. Background: My family and I moved from Denver CO to VT for the past two years and are moving back to Colorado to Black Forest 40 south of Denver and only 20 miles north of Colorado Springs. I know that there are two reform temples in the Springs that I could go to but the temple that I fell in love with Judaism at is in Denver. I know that it would be good for my family to connect with people closer to where we live but I miss the old temple.

[Magelet]

Why don't you try the local synagogues, and then if they don't work, consider the far one? for a long time, I drove about 40 minutes to the synagogue I went to, but I wasn't a member, and only went on holidays. I'm still considering driving about that distance to go to that synagogue, more regularly. One concern is that I won't want to go friday nights, which I would like to do. If I go to the local synagogue, its easy to go friday nights, and its nice friend wise to be local. We'll see. I need to find a good one. good luck.

[Bluegoat]

I've been struggling with a similar problem looking for a church. I feel a bit strange traveling over an hour into the city just to go to a church I "like". Am I being too picky and concentrating on the wrong things? What would it mean that I was no longer worshiping in a place that is active within my own community? How involved can I really be in a place so far away, and what about my kids involvement? Is it responsible to burn so much gas? If the denomination I want isn't here, is there some larger significance to this?

I haven't come to any good answer, except to consider that perhaps in the future I should look at the churches before I move, but I hope someone here has a good answer!

[hibana]

We used to drive 2 hours each way to church. It was very stressful to get up early and have to face the commute at the end of the day (we would spend the day with friends who lived near church) but I would not trade the experiences for anything.

[Stacey B]

Thank you for the imput. I didn't really think about the friendship asspect. Honestly up until now temple was a very personal and spiritual activity. But you are right as my ds grows he will be included and we will start being more community members. Of course if it just doesn't jive then I'll have to go back. I guess part of it is that I became friends with the rabbi in Denver.