Community at Temple Israel
Rabbi’s Message – November 21, 2024
In a small mountain village centuries ago, a nobleman sought to leave a lasting legacy by building a synagogue, but he kept the plans a secret until the building was completed. When the townspeople entered their new synagogue for the first time, they marveled at its beauty—but they couldn’t help but notice something was missing. Finally, one of them asked, “Where are the lights?”
The nobleman explained that he had left brackets along the walls for lamps. He then handed a lamp to each family, saying, “When you come to the synagogue, you will bring your lamp and light it. But when you aren’t here, part of the synagogue will remain dark. Your community is relying on you for the light.”
This story reminds us that the most important part of our congregation is you—our members. Your individual brilliance is what keeps Temple’s eternal flame aglow.
Recently, I’ve been inspired by those of you who’ve volunteered to read from the Torah or Haftarah, have shared divrei Torah (words of Torah), or helped lead a variety of educational programs. Of course, we greatly appreciate your help with these duties. But lay participation is not just about filling a need; it’s about growing as individuals and as a community. By stepping into these roles, all of us have the chance to deepen our connection to Jewish life and contribute to the spiritual vitality of our congregation.
I’d like to offer even more opportunities like these to our ever-growing group of lay volunteers. You don’t need to be an expert to step into these roles—what matters most is the willingness to bring your light. Whether you’re experienced or just curious, there are many ways to participate. Rabbi Sobo and I are eager to support and guide you, ensuring you feel empowered to shine brightly. It may seem daunting at first, but the process of learning and preparing is incredibly rewarding.
Let’s continue building a community where everyone has the chance to participate, learn, and share their own unique contributions to Jewish life. I encourage you to reach out if you’re interested or want to learn more about how you can get involved. One lamp at a time, let’s fill our synagogue with light.