Reflection GOD IN THIS PLACE
One of my very favorite Torah verses is Genesis 28:16 in which Jacob, awakening from his famous dream, alone in the desert in what had been up to that moment a hopeless and fearful place, declares: ידעתי לא ואנוכי הזה במקום יהוה יש אכן. Surely, God was in this place, and I did not know it! I love this verse because it is a simple expression of wonder in the midst of the very universal experience
ate, and committed to knowing congregants.
tend forty different Memphis-area schools
of seeing a familiar place with new eyes. Ja-
And it is why the lay leadership of Temple Is-
will have a Jewish home they love. TI Chai
cob’s location has not changed from the time
rael give unselfishly of their time, resources,
teens are constantly being empowered to
he goes to sleep until the moment he awak-
and energy to be sure all of this can continue
find their Jewish voices, whether through mu-
ens, but his perspective has. He does not - he
to be.
sic, teaching, advocacy, peer-to-peer leader-
cannot - remain in this godly place, but he carries its presence with him throughout the rest of his life.
We are a part of the fabric of our city. In the last two years, Temple Israel Crosstown has been an amazing laboratory, hosting in-
ship, or through individual learning experiences with rabbis. And adults of all ages will always have Temple Israel as a portal to a vast and powerful array of ideas and experiences,
The gift of a new perspective on a familiar
teresting and cutting-edge programs, speak-
place is one that I treasure at this moment,
ers, and conversations. Our presence in the
as my family prepares for a massive physi-
Crosstown space is a reflection of our passion
cal transition. It’s not that I didn’t know God
for invigorating Memphis and building for it
was in this place, Temple Israel, before the
a strong future. We are a founding partner
The blending together of every fleck of
current moment. I have felt a holy presence
of Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action
color in this community is what produces
in this place for most of my life, whether as
and Hope (MICAH). Dozens of TI members
its brilliance. I have always felt it, always
a teenager attending a NFTY conclave, as an
have already been involved in MICAH’s work,
known it, but now, I’m able to see it even
intern in my first real job, or as a rabbi. But
which has only just begun. Despite and be-
more clearly than ever before. Like Jacob,
as I contemplate leaving Temple, I marvel at
cause of our relative privilege, Temple as an
I am so grateful for that perspective, even
its magnificence - both its majestic body and
institution is devoted to equity for all Mem-
as I proceed on my own personal journey to-
its vibrant, beating heart. The broad brush-
phis’ residents, harnessing our power to work
ward what lies ahead. This season, filled with
strokes that come together to make Temple
for better and safer schools, higher wages,
graduations and retirements and prepara-
what it is have produced a masterpiece of re-
fairer lending, and anti-racism initiatives in
tions for our final yearly festival of Shavuot,
lationship, integrity, and creativity that has
this city. Temple Israel will always be a safe
is one of reflection and celebration, both cul-
changed me, taught me, and inspired me,
harbor, but it will also always be a launching
turally and Jewishly. It is time for basking in
and I believe with perfect faith that it will
pad for Jewishly inspired engagement in the
the glow of all that is good and hopeful in our
continue to do so for generations to come.
broader community.
lives, a time for culmination, and a time for
And what are those brushstrokes, to my eye?
Torah is alive here. No matter who the
Individuals and their stories matter here.
rabbis, cantors, or educators are at Temple
That is why each and every Confirmand and
Israel, they have always been and will always
Graduate is celebrated as an individual and
be individuals who believe in the power of
why almost all of our teens continue to learn
Jewish living and learning to make lives and
at Temple throughout high school. It is why
the world better. The Barbara K. Lipman
each young Jewish Memphian is cherished
Early Learning Center is among the finest in-
here, whether or not she happens to be an
stitutions of its kind in the country, by any
official member yet. It is why we are intense-
measure. Young children of all ethnicities
ly proud of being the first Jewish congrega-
and religions are being cared for and guided
tion in Memphis to join the Keshet Equality
daily by Jewish values that promise to make
Guide, designating us as an LGBTQ-friendly
menschlichkite the greatest achievement of
organization, a description we wear as a
all. The Wendy and Avron Fogelman Religious
badge of honor. It is why the clergy team of
School is filled with joy and celebration each
Temple is accessible, friendly, compassion-
week, ensuring that Jewish children who at-
all predicated on the fervent belief that Torah, in all its forms, is a balm and a beacon in this world.
enjoying the view. From my vantage point, I see for Temple Israel, a place I have loved, a place where I’ve sought and found God and holy purpose throughout my life, a future full of sacred striving, rich revelation, and profound connectivity that will only deepen and grow with time. If I may take the liberty of paraphrasing Jacob: Surely God is in this place, and I now know how blessed I was to have dwelled here. I will carry you with me, and I will rejoice as I see Temple Israel go from strength to strength.
BY
R A B B I
K AT I E
B AU M A N
TIMEMPHIS.ORG • 3
