Synagogue leader urges greater temple affiliation CENTRAL COUNTY Arnold * Broadneck * Severna Park * Crownsville * Millersville

The new president of Temple Beth Shalom in Arnold, Jack Blum, says a small percentage of the county's Jews attend synagogue -- and he wants to change that.

"Nationally, the percentage of Jews who are affiliated with congregations is depressingly low," says Mr. Blum, who began his term last month. In this county, estimates Mr. Blum, fewer than 20 percent of Jewish families are connected with a congregation.

"The only way to preserve and continue this Jewish way of life is to give it a home, a place and a context. Our temple does that," he says.

To reach these "unaffiliated" families and individuals, Mr. Blum is urging the temple to develop programs for Jewish singles and activities designed for older members.

His goals as a congregational leader also include offering more educational events for the entire community.

The county has only a few synagogues in addition to Beth Shalom, a Reform temple. Kneseth Israel, an Orthodox synagogue, and Kol Ami, a Conservative synagogue, are both in Annapolis.