ENCINO, RESEDA : Merged Synagogues Decide to Split

Two synagogues that merged last July under the new name of Adat Shorashim have decided to dissolve their relationship because of what spokesmen called a clash of personalities and ideas.

The 520-family Temple Ner Maarav of Encino had moved in with Congregation Beth Ami, a 320-family synagogue in Reseda, in anticipation of building a $5.5-million facility for the merged synagogue on land owned by Ner Maarav in Encino. The building project stalled because the new organization was unable to get a loan, but spokesmen said the breakup was due more to personal differences than anything else.

“The biggest problem is that we jumped before we walked, but we’re not leaving with bitterness,” said Bernie Bubman, who has been nominated to be president of the revived Temple Ner Maarav.

“We go from being the fifth-largest Conservative synagogue in Los Angeles to two medium-sized congregations,” lamented Rabbi David Vorspan of Congregation Beth Ami.

The last Sabbath service for the joined congregations was conducted May 1, but the last joint service will be held next month when the classes of the merged temple schools finish the school year.