On this beginning of September, the start of the high holidays, it is customary to think about how we have done in the past year, and what we can do better. As far as our temple goes, we can consider what it does well, and what things leave something to be desired.
Our religious school is truly exceptional, in that we have a full curriculum, including art and music. We have active acade-my and confirmation, and even post-confirmation classes. Many students continue to be involved as Madrichim (classroom aids). We have an active youth group, that engages in Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) activities, and is ac-tive in NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth).
As far as adult education goes, we have an exciting year coming up. The adult education committee has been quite busy, and there are plans for regular Saturday morning Torah study with Rabbi Alpert. We will be having Rabbi Amy Scheinerman, a scholar in residence, at the temple in March for what should truly be an inspirational weekend.
What about our sense of community? Are we truly a community of families who are engaged with each other? Do we truly care about each other and the temple?
I think the answer depends on who you ask. I know that many people are very involved, and care deeply about the temple and one another. However, do we do as good a job at engaging everyone as we could? I believe that there are some mem-bers who feel that they are travelers on the path to B’nei Mitzvah, and that they get little else from the temple. This strikes me as sad.
The Torah teaches us to be kind to the stranger, because, “You know the feelings of a stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 23:9). One simple way to be kind is to engage with those we may not know well at services, in Java Negilah and other places. Welcoming the newcomer will help them to feel as if they are part of things, and help to give them a sense that members of the community care about them. Encouraging new members to become involved in temple activities that are of interest to them is another way to make help them to feel welcome and “a part of things”.
I encourage each of us to make the effort to do these things, both with regard to making newcomers feel welcome and to help those who feel on the periphery to realize that they are a valued member of our community.