In around 1975, a rabbi went to visit one of his long-time congregants whom he hadn’t seen at Temple during his two years at the congregation. The woman told him that she hadn’t come to services or other events for many years because she was still angry about the building fund. The rabbi calmly replied, “Well, that was in 1953. Wouldn’t it be all right to come back to Temple now?” The member firmly responded, “Rabbi, I was not talking about the building fund of 1953. I was talking about the building fund of 1925!”
The story, from another congregation, is absolutely true! From my own upbringing, I very much understand how someone might hold on to a feeling for 50 years in a congregation. I also know that refusing to relinquish that emotion kept that woman from experiencing the positive aspects of community which were very much present in that congregation. I know how many times my parents were not happy with approaches and behaviors they saw among some Temple members, but they remained active and reaped the benefits of being part of a Temple family, something that was very much evident in all the years that they were members and in the support our family received at the time of our parents’ deaths. An article in the Kansas City Jewish Chronicle on October 24 (www.kcjc.com—it should still be there) focused on the many rabbis confirmed at my home Temple over the last 70 years, including my brother and me. The nurturing of leadership of members of all ages in a congregation comes from successfully navigating through difficult challenges and taking time to celebrate milestones and major accomplishments. At the foundation of all relationships in a Temple must be mutual respect, a sense of openness to new possibilities even when change may not be preferred or welcome, a constant acknowledgement of being part of a team, a reverence for the sanctity of a Temple and its purpose, and a commitment to support the congregation through whatever means are personally within reach because of a belief in the power of community. Beyond all that, I have learned that persistence is key, as well as an ability to see the glass as half-full.
In the Torah reading for the last weekend of October this year, Chayei Sarah, Abraham’s servant (named Eliezer by the rabbis) went to find a wife for his master’s son, Isaac. When he arrived at his destination (among Abraham’s relatives), he prayed that there would be one woman who would instinctively know to offer him water AND to offer his camels water to drink as well. He was looking for a woman who would show both initiative and kindness. It happened that one woman did exactly as he had hoped—Rebekah, whom we mention in every service. Eliezer knew that she would be able to take charge of Isaac’s household with confidence and goodness. Like Rebekah, we have the opportunity at Temple Israel to demonstrate kindness, respect, initiative, and a warmth that will draw us together and sustain our ties as fellow congregants through trial and disagreement and, hopefully most often, times of success and satisfaction. I look forward to your continuing partnership as we continue to move towards the future with determination and hope!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry
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