President's Monthly Meanderings
by Larry Hepner, President

Jewish Issues For The New Year
October 2005

As the new Jewish year arrives, there are many issues that will be of paramount concern. Here is a sampling of what lies ahead.

Israel: Having given up the settlements in Gaza, there will be a cry that Israel needs to do more. The prospect that Gaza will become a model proto-state for the Palestinians seems remote. Expect trouble to emanate from there. There will be the usual pleas for Israel to show restraint. Again, the trouble in Gaza will still, in the eyes of the world, be the fault of Israel. We must stand with our homeland and speak out in support of a strong Israel.

World Jewry: The biggest challenge facing Jews throughout the world is the resurgence of anti-Semitism. The increase of incidents of desecration, slander, and hate speech over the last five years is alarming. It seems like the lessons of the Holocaust are fading. In particular, the Arab press beats the drum of Jew-hatred with frightening frequency and intensity. We must not stand silent in the face of this disturbing trend. Stay attuned to what is happening in the world around us and make your voice heard.

U.S. Jews: The survey numbers are in, and they don't look very good. The number of people who identify themselves as Jewish is diminishing in the United States. The idea of assimilation in the melting pot of the masses may have overtaken us. Judaism is a vital and vibrant heritage. This one is difficult to address. First, we must educate our children that being Jewish gives us roots and a history. Second is for our Jewish institutions to reach out to those that are unaffiliated with open arms to make it easier for Jews to identify as Jews. Wish I had the magic answer for this one.

Temple Beth Elohim Jews: Did you know that there is a daily life in the Temple? It usually goes from early in the morning to late at night in many instances. Are you involved? That is the challenge of the upcoming year. We all make time for our jobs, our families, and our outside interests and friends. Why not make time for involvement in the life of the Temple. With all the changes that will occur throughout the year with our building project, there are plenty of opportunities for each and every one of us to do something to enhance the life of our Temple. The last time we had our annual meeting in June, the Board of Directors outnumbered the rest of the membership in attendance. The challenge to you is to fit into that schedule of work, soccer games, recreation with friends, the softball game, bowling or whatever, a time to do something at the Temple. Don't tell the Rabbi, but for this challenge, attending Shabbat eve services doesn't count. There are programs that can be attended, auxiliary groups to join, committees to participate in, office volunteer work and a host of others. This is the challenge for Temple Beth Elohim Jews for the coming year: Be involved!

L'Shanah Tovah

Do You Believe In Miracles?
September 2005

It was 1980, and the Soviets were in Afghanistan. The Summer Olympics were in Moscow and American athletes were not attending in protest. The Winter Olympics were in Lake Placid, NY, with both the Americans and Soviets participating.

The showdown came in the hockey tournament. For the Soviets, the "amateurs" were army players who, for all intents and purposes, were full-time professional players. The American team was made up of college players, not yet at the professional level.

The Russians and Americans met in an exhibition match and the Russians clobbered the Americans. Based on that match up, the Americans were not expected to do much in the tournament. As the tournament brackets would have it, the U.S. team came to play the Russians and lo and behold, the Americans won the game (and the gold medal on the subsequent game by beating Finland). Who can forget Al Michaels' phrase for the ages, "Do you believe in miracles?? YES!!"

I see an analogy in this story to where we are today with our Temple building project. Some of you may not remember, but the search for a piece of land took the better part of ten years. Lot after lot looked good but turned out to be unsuitable for us. When we did find one viable piece of property, the process of approval for building would not have allowed us to get a building completed for many years, if at all.

It looked like we were not getting very far. Then we finally found our property on Mt. Ebo North. It is a beautiful piece of land, and it is ours. Now for the hard part: we have to actually build a building.

It's like the USA facing the Russians in that tournament in Lake Placid. We are committed to the building project. We know how much it is going to cost. We know that we will need more money to complete it. The construction has begun.

To win, like the American hockey players, a team effort will be required. With total dedication and redoubled commitment, we can worship in our new home by this time next year. This is a must win situation, and we need everyone's help. I mean everyone! We will need each member of the team to give more and be totally focused on the goal.

It is entirely feasible that we can observe the 2006 High Holy Days in our brand new home. We will have won the gold medal.

“Do you believe in miracles??” With everyone's maximum help, Yes I Do!!

The Pace of Change
June 2005

Denise McCluggage said, "Change is the only constant." Having recently completed our 50th year of Temple Beth Elohim, we have witnessed our share of change. Who can forget the pictures of the Rabbi with the Pancho Villa handlebar moustache?

That is the dichotomy of us Jews, the more things change, the more we adhere to ancient traditions, rituals and texts. This is what keeps us anchored. As we begin a new fiscal year, we are on the precipice of change at an increasing pace here at the Temple.

First and foremost, we are embarking on the construction of the New Building. This is the largest project that the Temple has ever faced. There will be many concurrent projects that will be challenges while we are in the construction phase.

The changes in School curriculum are underway and our great staff is handling the transition well. Also, you have noticed over the years the changes in the services on Shabbat eve. The URJ is in the process of issuing a new Shabbat Prayer Book. The Rabbi and the Ritual committee will evaluate the implementation of our change in that area.

We have a goal of expanding membership over the next few years. This has the potential to create a variety of changes in both ritual needs and educational needs of the Temple. The influx of new ideas, needs and volunteers will strengthen us. A symbol of this is the election of new members from recent membership to serve on the Board of Directors. New ideas and points of view will cause us to explore new directions and initiatives.

Where are we going with this, you might ask. For the last dozen or so years, we have held in our minds the vision of our new home. Now we are poised to begin that journey. We will all need to pull together to realize that vision. We will need commitment to give of ourselves to make that vision a reality. There will be unexpected turns in the road ahead, but we must be true to making the vision of a Jewish Temple on the hill real. As things change at an ever-increasing rate in our Temple family, I ask each and every one of you to examine what place the Temple plays in you life. We are in for some fascinating times and keeping our traditions and rituals as a focus in our lives will get us through the times of change.

Israel
May 2005

Over Purim, my wife, Shirley, and I had the opportunity to travel to Israel for a visit with our son, Logan, as he attended his semester abroad at Haifa University. The last time Shirley was in Israel was in 1971 and this was my first trip. And a memorable trip it was.

Our stops were Jerusalem, Haifa and Tel Aviv. My initial impression was that everything was green and beautiful. Seems that we arrived after the rainy season during the time of year when things are greening up and starting to bloom. My second impression was that that we were indeed in a foreign country, but not an alien one. This was our homeland, the Jewish State of Israel. Having traveled to a number of European countries, I always enjoyed them, but always felt a stranger in a strange land (to borrow a phrase).

The other thing that was of interest to me was that the synagogues were not so much the house of gathering in the way we think of it here in the United States. In Israel, they are more the house of prayer and the house of learning. The country is the “house” of gathering.

We here at Temple Beth Elohim need to create that spirit of community. We have a solid foundation in our expanding Temple family. However, there was something moving and comforting being in the majority, a Jewish majority.

We all should make the effort to get closer to Israel and to our own Temple community. There are many opportunities in the next couple of months to celebrate Israel.

In May we will be celebrating the creation of the State of Israel at Temple Beth Elohim. There will be special activities for all to participate in. It was a treat for Shirley and me to tour Independence House in Tel Aviv where David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of Israel in 1947.

Also we have Israelis coming to visit us here at the Temple. The Israeli Scout Caravan is coming to spend the first weekend in June Shabbat with us. There are many activities being planned for all to join in. Additionally, 6 families will host pairs of these Scouts for the weekend. I am looking forward to meeting these fine young men and women to learn more about Israel.

Now I understand how Logan feels about the land of Israel. For such a small country there is such richness of character. Jerusalem has a special fabric and history. Haifa has its beauty. Tel Aviv has its pulsing big city beat. The levels of history to explore are varied and ancient. We will return to Israel again. It is our prayer that all our young people get the chance to visit Israel as soon as they possibly can.

A Touch of Israel
March 2005

In the last Menorah, you may have noticed the pictures of some of our Temple Family kids who went to Israel over the winter break. It was delightful to see so many taking advantage of the Birthright Israel program. There were more who wanted to go, but scheduling issues prevented it.

When Rabbi Acrish presents a certificate for assistance via NFTY for a trip to Israel to the student who is to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah during services on Shabbat eve, I can see that his wish is sincere. At the same time there is a sense of sadness that the land of Israel is troubled to the point that perhaps some of our children may not get the chance to go.

I spoke to some of the students who went to Israel this winter and the reaction was consistent. The visit made a deep impression on them, established an attachment for the Jewish homeland, and deepened their sense of Jewish self. We are all praying that the situation in Israel is improving. This will lend itself to allowing more of us all to visit and feel that sense of connection.

If you have children of Middle School or High School age and a trip to Israel is not in the cards for the next 6 months or so, there is a solution. Israel will come to you!

On the weekend of June 3-5, the Israeli Scouting Caravan will be with us here at Temple Beth Elohim. There will be 10 scouts and 2 scout leaders. They are mostly in the age range of 16-17 (5 girls and 5 boys plus the female and male scout leaders).

Here's where the fun comes in. We need 6 host families and 6 only. These delightful kids will share your home and their lives with you for the weekend. If you want your children to get a touch of Israel, this is the next best thing to being there.

The Israeli Scouts come with photo albums of the towns where they live, their families and schools, along with some great personal stories. These are memories of a lifetime for those who act as hosts. As we plan for their arrival, look for a sign-up packet and don't miss out on having a touch of Israel in your home.

God and America
February 2005

We as Jews pride ourselves on a 5,000 + year history. Central to that history is the covenant with God that drives us onward.

Over the past holiday season encompassing Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas and New Years, I became aware and disturbed that a history of not quite 400 years is in jeopardy. In the United States, G-d is becoming a dirty word. This attempt to eliminate the almighty as a driving force in the founding of our nation is something that must be resisted. You know the trend of late. "Under God" in the pledge of allegiance to the United States is under fire. The teaching of the Declaration of Independence is questioned because of the reference to "our Creator". The holiday Christmas, the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ, is the latest issue of concern. It's Happy Holidays, not Merry Christmas. These concessions to the politics of the political correctness are undermining the history of this nation.

When the Puritans came to settle the "New World" and begin the colonization of North America, they looked at themselves as the new 'Israelites". Theirs was a chance to leave an "oppressive" land and start anew in a new land that they would make with the help and guidance of G-d. The new Americans put great stock in the Old Testament or what they called the Hebrew Bible.

The basis of the laws of the United States via the original colonies, to the Declaration of Independence and to the Constitution have their ethical underpinnings in the Pentateuch. The founders of the American colonies and ultimately the United States, were well versed in the laws of God that Moses delivered to the Israelites. In fact, many of the early shapers of the United States believed in the destiny of this nation as one founded on G-dly principles and therefore blessed by G-d.

We as Jews have a 350 year history with this country. Some might be tempted to say that there was and is discrimination in this country. There were times in stages of this country that led to signs that the Irish, the Chinese or the Jews “need not apply”. In the long term, the concept that “all men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” really means all people. Under this concept, the Jews in America have thrived for literally since the inception of the country.

We are the only country in the World that claims to be founded on Judeo-Christian philosophy and principles. We should be supportive of the concept that God is important to our country. Take pride in the heritage of our country and its founders. Take pride in the fact that, to this day, reverence to G-d has driven and still drives a vast majority of our population. Let us carefully guard the history of the United States as a nation “under God”.

Here's some food for thought: that first Thanksgiving has been likened to Sukkot and the celebration of the harvest of a first season in the new world. Since the Pilgrims likened themselves to the Israelites freed from Egypt, it could be interpreted that Thanksgiving is actually based on our Passover Seder¹. The Pilgrims were celebrating their deliverance to a new land!

¹ David Gelernter, "Americanism – and Its Enemies", Commentary, January, 2005, Vol. 119, No. 1

2005: A Look Ahead
January 2005

There are many different calendars that we work with in our lives. In the Temple and in businesses, we mark everything on a fiscal year. Ours runs from July 1st to June 30th. This is how we budget and keep our books.

There is also the Jewish calendar that begins with the High Holy Days. This is when we complete the reading of the Torah and start again at the beginning and at the same time reflect upon our personal efforts of the past year and begin a fresh New Year. The date the Jewish New Year starts is variable as the Jewish calendar is based on a lunar cycle.

That brings us to the secular New Year of January 1st. This is when the year changes in the Common Era. Can you believe it that it is 2005 already? Seems like just a short time ago we were worried about Y2K. Remember that?

This brings us to a time to look ahead for our Temple family into 2005. We have a lot to look forward to.

First and foremost, we will start the physical building in March (date to be determined). The project will not be finished by the end of the year, but we will have at least the basic structure done. We still have a long way to go.

Affording the new building will be a major issue with which the Board of Directors and the Budget & Finance Committee will wrestle. We will undoubtedly have to take a mortgage for the completion of the building. At issue now is how much of a mortgage that will be and what will be the impact on the dues structure of the Temple.

We will continue to actively look to expand our membership. With that expansion will come an expansion in programs. We run a fairly busy Synagogue now. Drive by and on any given night you will see cars parked in the lot. 85% of the time that represents a function or a meeting with our Temple members. Look for more activities as the Couples' Club gears up and new Youth Group activities are planned.

Our Religious School has a great cadre of teachers and staff. Look for more creative programs such as the Kallot and school year-end activities.

As for our regular services, members of the Ritual Committee are visiting other Synagogues to find new practices that can be integrated into our services. In addition, a new Shabbat Prayer book is being produced by the Union for Reform Judaism. It is possible that we will develop our own variation.

The bottom line here is that the Temple is expecting an exciting year for 2005. Whatever calendar you use, mark us in on a frequent basis. There's plenty to do.

Personal Question
December 2004

Our membership committee conducted an online survey recently. A big thank you to Linda Springer for organizing and providing results. The sample represented approximately 20% of our Temple members.

Not surprisingly the items rated as most important for being a member of Temple Beth Elohim is the religious education of our children and preparing them to become Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Interestingly, in our sample, continuing religious learning or secular learning was only one third as important to the adults.

This is a revealing statistic. We want our children to have a religious education and that rates high on the survey. We as adults, don't rate our continuing education very highly. This got me to thinking on several levels and leads me to ask some personal questions.

What is the message that our children learn from what they see in their role models? The Temple is extremely successful in providing a religious education for our youth. Parents drive the kids to and from and support the curriculum by insuring that their children meet all the requirements. At the culmination of the Bar / Bat Mitzvah ceremony, the child is encouraged to not let the ceremony mark an end in Jewish learning. Yet by our example, we as adults don't pursue that learning with the vigor that we drive our kids.

What keeps you as a member when your children are grown? This raises in my mind the role of the Temple as a need in the life of a Jew. How important is it to your identity as a Jew to belong to a Temple? If the trend in Jewish America is to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah and then walk away from one's life as a Jew, then where is our strength and future? It is an important question that needs to be considered.

I believe that the Temple is the connection that provides vitality to a Jewish life. It is an important question today that needs to be considered. The issue of connectedness is what defines us. The connections to our past, to our Jewish community, to Israel, to our Temple are issues to consider.

These are questions that are personal. These are questions to ponder. The Temple is the place you make it. Make it your own.

Financial Update
November 2004

As our Jewish New Year begins, I am delighted to announce that we have received a very generous gift which matches our members' donations to our Building Fund. This gift will provide a big boost to our efforts to move forward with the planning and construction of our new Temple home.

There is still a way to go until the day we finally carry our Torahs to our new home. As a result of our Building Fund capital campaign, we have received cash pledges to date of 1.25 million dollars. The matching gift puts our campaign fund at 2.5 million dollars. We are anticipating the sale of the existing building and grounds to generate approximately one million dollars. This gives us a total of 3.5 million dollars with which to work. Our expenses to date include purchase of the land, initiation of groundwork for DEP approvals, architectural development and planning, various engineering costs and insurance/permit fees, totaling approximately 1.8 million dollars.

The Board of Directors and the Building Committee can now proceed with our architects and other professionals to the next phase of construction, determine additional fundraising goals, assess the level of outside financing necessary to continue our construction project and move us ahead in realizing our dream of a new home.

In order to keep the building project on track, I ask each and every family to extend itself by making a renewed commitment. With our Congregation's strengthened dedication, we will succeed in establishing a spiritual home on that lovely hillside in Brewster.

A Broken Record

As I was reflecting on the topic of my speech, I had settled on a theme and before I could write, Rosh Hashanah was upon us. As I listened to the talks by Myra from the Board of Ed, Roberta from the Sisterhood, Ken from the Men's Club and most particularly the comments by our Rabbi, I came to realize that my theme would be like a broken record, one that repeats over and over. Well, so be it. Myra tells me repetition is a good thing.

Perhaps a year in review might be a good foundation on which to start.

• We started basic ground work in preparation for our new building. Our Campaign for the building fund is at the 80% mark for congregants that have made their pledges. This marks a major and significant change from where we were last year.
• We celebrated our 50th year with worship, a delightful concert by our own Alan Menken - thank you - , a pasta party, and an end of school year picnic among many other events. A hearty thanks to all the committees and groups that made these activities a success.
• We have increased our membership and are actively recruiting. Over the last two years, our membership has increased almost 9%.
• We have added programs and groups like the Business Networking Group, the Deah (Knowledge) Forum, and a Couples Club.
• We witnessed the successful conclusion and services as 6 of our Congregant Women became B'not Mitzvah. Mazal Tov!
• Our Rabbi continues to offer adult learning opportunities and spiritual guidance.
• Our Youth Groups are coming under new leadership.
• Our Temple Committees have strengthened in both members and activities. Your work is appreciated.
• In the office, Nan and Roberta have continued the myriad of duties to keep the Temple running and me on track. Thank you both.
• I acknowledge my deep appreciation to a wonderful group of people that make up the Board of Directors. Thanks for your professionalism and dedication to our Temple.
• Thanks to my wife Shirley for her support, knowing that on any given night, I am likely to have something to do at the Temple.

However, the year has not always been easy. We struggled with issues as any good-sized organization would. As I stand here today, I ask forgiveness from any that I have wronged either personally or in my capacity as President of the Temple during the year.

So now, a look forward.
What are our challenges as Jews and members of Temple Beth Elohim in the coming year and beyond?

I envision the day when we formally begin construction on the actual structure or our new home. There is still a lot of work to be done on this front, but Do Not Doubt! I see a wonderful place on the edge of a hill that will come into being. But I caution you. A building does NOT a congregation make. It's all about us, the members of Temple Beth Elohim.

What makes us Jews? What connects us to our faith? I believe all the speakers during the services for High Holy Days hit the nail on the head. It is your personal fulfillment of the tenets of our mission statement, to make our home a house of worship, a house of gathering, a house of learning. Your personal connection to the Temple - to what makes us Jews - is participating in the life of the Temple, interacting with the other members of the congregation, touching the lives of your fellow Jews. Together we are stronger and can reach out to touch other lives in the world thus leading to Tikun Olam.

It is that personal connection that you choose to make that counts. We all have busy lives. Kids, work, family crises, daily challenges, these things define our times. To grow as Jews and identify as Jews, find the time to participate and interact with the people of this congregation that makes up Temple Beth Elohim. Make it a point to come and study, discuss, worship, be of service, be entertained, to participate on a regular basis. If there is an interest group you would like to start, like a bridge group, a Judaic history class, or maybe a coffee hour, by all means start one. That is how many groups get started. Joining with us strengthens us, makes us unique and allows our faith to flourish.

There will be challenging times ahead of us. I am convinced that when you make that connection to your congregation with your regular participation, you will feel a sense of personal fulfillment and personal commitment. With that renewed spirit you will be more dedicated than ever to seeing us through to our new home.