Devyn–absolutely, it would change our culture. One of the Synagogues down the street feels the need to move–their facilities are very old. While they propose moving only a few streets over, when families have bought houses based on their trip to and from their old building, any move causes major issues. True–converts would be hard, but then, you never have to worry about parking.

I guess I was not really suggesting we walk to our currently far from us buildings, but what if the walk was a mile? Would you make it on a day like this?

I don’t think it’s necessarily all about dedication, but about safety too. Heading out in the snow for a mile walk with kids is probably stupid (I know, because I’ve done it). But I’d walk a couple of blocks, no question. And most days the mile walk would be doable, even if unpleasant.

I would imagine though that attendance rates would go up in many parts of the world (and specically, some parts of the US) if people lived closer to their church buildings. Getting people to church has been a real trial in some places we’ve lived.

Speaking with an Orthodox Jewish acquaintance who was thinking of moving to the suburbs, synagogue location was playing a fairly important part in her decision of where to move. That is, she was looking to live somewhere with a large Orthodox population and within walking distance of a synagogue. If we walked to church, such considerations would become much more important in our relocation decisions, too. (I have walked, in the summer and with a small child, 3 miles to church in New Orleans, which may have been the most miserable walk to church I’ve ever had. I didn’t understand what 3 miles meant in New Orleans in the summer. Fortunately, someone was nice enough to give us a ride back to our hotel.)

I used to walk everywhere, no car when I was younger. A mile was no big deal and I felt that high when you breathe the fresh air and your legs move without you being aware of it, like floating.

We’d do what we had to do and we’d get used to it, I suppose. Perhaps that’s one reason for all the depression nowadays, people don’t get enough exercise.

What I find lovely about your post is your affection for your neighbors.

During 18 years of growing up in Utah, our Sunday meetings were canceled twice. Once for the 1983 floods and once because the boiler broke on a Saturday and they couldn’t get it fixed in time for Sunday.

During 3 years in Boston church was canceled twice for snow. They probably could have canceled it one or two more times.

Two weeks ago in Sandy, UT our stake canceled meetings because of snow. I was a bit baffled as it only snowed 6 inches, but I’ll take what I can get.

Note that I live 2.5 blocks from the chapel (two other chapels are closer but not in our stake!) and we almost always drive to church. My laziness knows no bounds.

a random John–and I know many families who take multiple cars! Maybe being Jewish is good for the environment.