“Meeting you where you are”
BULLETIN Summer 2018 | Tammuz/Av/Elul 5778 Volume XLX, No. 1 The Yiddish word for synagogue is shul, which means “school.” Much of what we do is teach Judaism to children and adults—our culture, our history, our values. Yet another name for a synagogue is kahal, a “sacred community,” where friendships are created and strengthened. A synagogue needs schools and adult education programs to fulfill its mission. However, if we did not find our relationships deepened and our lives richer because of the people we have met within the walls of our synagogue, there would be no reason for our Temple to exist.
There is an expression from the Mishnah, a compendium of Jewish law compiled in the second century, that states, “ain
chemach, ain Torah…without sustenance, there is no Torah.” In other words, for a synagogue to function there must be resources. But those resources are not just dollars and cents (although those are important to keep the heat and lights on!). They are also found in the valuable relationships and human interactions that develop because of our community. In anticipation of the Temple Emanuel Hundredth Anniversary Capital Campaign, we have held a few “parlor meetings.” (There will be more in the months to come – please contact the office if you’re interested in attending one.) In these small informal gatherings, temple members talk about our objectives and the reasons for the campaign.
Rabbi Robert S. Goldstein
What we hear over and over again is the central role the Temple plays in people’s lives. A non-Jewish father spoke about the warm welcome he received when he and his Jewish wife joined the Temple, how We have intentionally targeted a diverse much he enjoys the services and how group of congregants; some long-time accessible he finds them. Another couple members, others recently joined, to learn told of moving to the Merrimack Valley not from them about the role the Temple plays knowing a soul! They immediately enrolled in their lives now and their vision for the their young children in the Temple prefuture of our congregation. We have school, made deep and lasting friendships spoken to empty-nesters and parents with with the parents of their children’s children in our pre-school. Some who have classmates, and now consider their Temple participated in these initial discussions are friends to be their extended family with single, others married. In the case of whom they travel, celebrate Jewish married couples, some are both Jewish, in holidays and over the years have more than a few cases one of the partners supported each other during times of was not born Jewish, but chose to raise difficulty. their children in the Jewish faith.
Soon enough we will gather for the High Holy Days. I am certain the music will be inspiring, as it always is, and the prayers evocative and meaningful, but in truth, our strength is in our community. When we share our lives, create enduring friendships and support one another, we create a synagogue. I hope you enjoy the waning days of summer. And in the not-too-distant future, I look forward to being with you as we gather for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as one compassionate, caring and sacred community. Warmly,