It’s August – a great time to think about what matters most in life. And don’t forget, what matters most is YOU.
For congregations, this time of year is often (seen by some as) “down time” – you know, that hazy period between the end of springtime activities and the frantic gearing up for the Holy Days, return to Religious School and new programming year that comes with fall. Of course this is not true. Any good (healthy) congregational community is *vibrant* throughout the year. And perhaps this is best demonstrates during those times when the calendar doesn’t seem to be so full. A congregation is not defined by its worship schedule or its educational events. Indeed, these are very important. The vitality of a congregation can truly be reflected in its sense of community (admittedly something difficult to measure). How deeply people feel connected…to what extent their involvement and very presence is valued…if they really feel that “I belong”…THESE are the qualities of a great congregation. In other words, it’s where YOU matter most.
No synagogue (or any institution for that matter) is perfect – doing all the best things in all the rights ways, all the time. Yet most strive, day-by-day, to be worthy of your attention and involvement. And this is hard (and rewarding) work. So I encourage you – whether you’ve shied away from congregational life or if you’re a life-long devotee – to be part of the life of the community. Find the right place for prayer and learning, for networking and friendship – your life will be enriched in a place where YOU matter most.
And if you’re nearby, or when you visit, please join me at Temple Beth-El (www.tbe-sb.org) – an imperfect, loving, caring community, which makes every effort to let you know that YOU matter most.
For congregations, this time of year is often (seen by some as) “down time” – you know, that hazy period between the end of springtime activities and the frantic gearing up for the Holy Days, return to Religious School and new programming year that comes with fall. Of course this is not true. Any good (healthy) congregational community is *vibrant* throughout the year. And perhaps this is best demonstrates during those times when the calendar doesn’t seem to be so full. A congregation is not defined by its worship schedule or its educational events. Indeed, these are very important. The vitality of a congregation can truly be reflected in its sense of community (admittedly something difficult to measure). How deeply people feel connected…to what extent their involvement and very presence is valued…if they really feel that “I belong”…THESE are the qualities of a great congregation. In other words, it’s where YOU matter most.
No synagogue (or any institution for that matter) is perfect – doing all the best things in all the rights ways, all the time. Yet most strive, day-by-day, to be worthy of your attention and involvement. And this is hard (and rewarding) work. So I encourage you – whether you’ve shied away from congregational life or if you’re a life-long devotee – to be part of the life of the community. Find the right place for prayer and learning, for networking and friendship – your life will be enriched in a place where YOU matter most.
And if you’re nearby, or when you visit, please join me at Temple Beth-El (www.tbe-sb.org) – an imperfect, loving, caring community, which makes every effort to let you know that YOU matter most.
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