SPIRTUAL LEADER MESSAGE

I’ve been reading these days in a book titled Gates of Mitzvah produced by the CCAR (the Reform movement Rabbis). Among the variety of issues presented is the concept of the home as a Mikdash Me-at (small sanctuary). The idea is that the home of every Jew should be a small sanctuary where the family prays together and takes the opportunity to create an environment where many mitzvot can be part of our lives. These mitzvot include prayer, hospitality, blessing of food, daily Torah study and many more too numerous to mention here.

These Rabbis point out that, as important as the above concept is, it must be accomplished in the context of the larger Jewish community. “It is the synagogue which, in partnership with the home, has preserved the Jewish people, providing it with a center for prayer (beit tefillah), for study (beit midrash),, and for assembly (beit knesset). While prayer and study in the home are not only praiseworthy but are mitzvot of great importance, the synagogue is the communal center for these activities and as such should be attended regularly and supported generously.”
           
I believe that Temple Shalom is just such a place. The most important ingredient is “you” our Jewish people. Please join us to worship, to study and to participate in the full Jewish life of the community we are building.

Y’hi Ratzon…may it be G-d’s Will that it happens.

Joseph Goldovitz