Dec 19, 2011 |  Filed in: Presidential Perspective

Rebuilding the Temple

After the return of the Jewish People to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple during the sixth year of Darius (515 BCE), our history credits Ezra the Scribe with the reintroduction of the Torah in Jerusalem. Profound changes occurred in our culture and religion, most notably through the establishing of the Great Assembly, sometimes referred to as a gathering of 120 scribes, sages, and prophets. This time of great change in our heritage signaled the development of Rabbinic Judaism, marking the passing from an era of prophets to the time of the Rabbis. The Great Assembly directly led to the introduction of many aspects of our Tradition still embraced in contemporary Judaism, including the practice of Torah reading, the Amidah, and the Feast of Purim.

Just as our Ancestors rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem and established many of the traditions for our worship today, so too is our Generation tasked with the responsibility to build upon the foundation laid by our Founders of Temple Israel, essentially rebuilding our Temple Israel community in both a philosophical and practical sense. What will be the form of the Jewish Community of the Next Generation? How does Temple Israel go about being a leader in the new paradigm?

While we may not be able to call upon a Great Assembly of 120 scholars, we do have the resources of a strong and vibrant community of talented, thoughtful, and responsible Members committed to guaranteeing the future of our Reform Jewish Tradition in our next 90 Years. Our rebuilding is not of the bricks and mortar type, but instead requires us to think deeply - to dream - about our Best Vision for our community, combining our strong religious, spiritual, and ethical values (Beit Tefilah - A House of Prayer) , our love of learning (Beit Midrash - A House of Study), our social justice tradition (tikkun olam - to heal the world), and our anchor as a place of activity for the community (Beit Kenesset - A House of Gathering) to create the unique and moving experiences that will be our sacred community (kehillah kedoshah) for the ages.

The plans for our vibrant future are in all of us who love Temple Israel. The changes to come will not be easy as we design our future. We may move in fits and starts. But we cannot be complacent or indecisive, for we have a long way to go. We are guided in this task by the proverb: “To go fast, go alone. But to go far, go with others.”

We have each other, and those we gather with us, to help us go far, into the future. This is, indeed, a time of excitement that will utilize all our strengths, but will also nourish our spirits. I know Temple Israel can count on all of us, joined together as a family, as we create and Rebuild the Temple (Israel). It is our Legacy.

May God grant us the strength to carry on in our work. May God watch over us as we continue to create this community.

May God bless us and our loved ones throughout this year.