Republican Jews Like Me Unwelcome in Synagogues

Of all the synagogues I belonged to during my lifetime, it was in Asheville, North Carolina that I found my "Jewish home." When I joined the local synagogue in 2014, they put a short biography about new members in their newsletter so existing members were aware of newcomers. They also had a welcoming ceremony at a morning Shabbat service, during which my rabbi unexpectedly asked me to say a few words to the congregation. I nervously went up to the pulpit and expressed my happiness at being there.