It’s a busy time to be helping lead Chizuk Amuno Congregation.

Synagogue President Harel Turkel is experiencing that firsthand.

The synagogue recently announced to its membership it is seriously considering a merger with Beth Israel Congregation, meaning that Turkel has been leading an all-hands-on-deck approach to answering questions, providing information and planning amid the discussions.

“What was so important when we built this transition committee with equal leadership from their side and ours is that we put together a timeline of milestones that had to be completely in sync,” Turkel said. “We wanted this to be looked at as a way to really give all the members a voice and a choice and not force this on anybody.”

Turkel, a Pikesville resident, added that Beth Israel and Chizuk Amuno have been in “lockstep” throughout the talks, which began in late 2025.

“We’re planning on keeping that going through the town halls, through the meet-and-greets and then having a simultaneous Dec. 1 congregational vote,” Turkel said.

For Turkel, putting maximum effort into this process is what the Chizuk Amuno community deserves and something that he is glad to do. He joined the Chizuk Amuno board eight years ago. Turkel grew up going to Beth Israel, which makes this whole potential merger a full-circle moment for him.

“It’s where I built my earliest Jewish memories and first felt what it means to be a part of a synagogue community,” he said.
When Turkel and his wife had their first child, she began preschool at Chizuk Amuno.

“Everything began to shift. Our days started revolving around the campus, from school drop-offs to holiday celebrations to Shabbat programs, and we found ourselves forming friendships with other young families who were at the same stage of life. Before long, Chizuk Amuno had become our new home,” Turkel said.

Part of what makes Chizuk Amuno so special, Turkel said, is the fact that it serves as a hub for Jews of all ages and life stages. That tradition won’t change if the merger goes through next summer.

“It’s rare to find a place where every stage of Jewish life is woven together so seamlessly, from a toddler’s first day of preschool to a teenager’s bar or bat mitzvah to adults gathering for services, learning and celebrations,” Turkel said. “You see kids running between classes, parents catching up in the parking lot and congregants coming together to pray, learn and volunteer.”

Turkel said he has found that the community’s reaction to the proposed merger exemplifies this welcoming and open spirit. The most common thing he heard from congregants after the announcement was how to welcome Beth Israel’s members if the two shuls end up merging.

“Right away they want to meet individuals and they want to have Shabbat dinners. It’s really been this beautiful outpouring. It really feels like they’re engaging their cousins and they want to bring them into the fold sooner rather than later,” Turkel said.

He said that of the nearly 50 people he estimates that he spoke to over Yom Kippur weekend, all were excited. Turkel said that, as the Jewish community of Baltimore continues to change, the needs of Chizuk Amuno and Beth Israel have, too.

“A lot of Jewish families have moved to Pikesville, Lutherville, Timonium and Hunt Valley. So there’s been a shift demographically and geographically as well, which I think has played into their member base,” he said.

He added the biggest point of emphasis for him in conversations with Beth Israel was that this is a merger — not an acquisition.

“I made it very clear from the beginning, because I have such deep roots in that building and attribute so much of my Jewish journey to the Beth Israel congregation and their leadership, that this was always going to be a merger and would never be an acquisition. And that means keeping the name in the title, that means bringing over the Torah, the ritual items, the memorial plaques,” Turkel said.

Ultimately, Turkel said both congregations and their members will grow from this merger, and he’s excited for the future of a potential joint synagogue.

“Our three children have grown up surrounded by this community, and it has shaped not only their Jewish identity, but ours as well. It’s where we’ve celebrated milestones, found lifelong friendships, and felt supported through every season of life. It’s the kind of community I hope every family can experience, and one I’m proud to help lead into the future,” he said.

aguckes@midatlanticmedia.com