A Message from Rabbi Yitzhak (April 2008)

Recognizing the goodness of life is a foundational Jewish value. We are guided by tradition to pay attention to the goodness and allow ourselves to feel gratitude for its blessings. This is called Hakarat Hatov. Often we move through life taking so much for granted without stopping to acknowledge the goodness of the moment. Consider pausing with me for such a moment to appreciate our shared life at TBI.

For contact information, click here...

Something “Very Good” is Happening at TBI

This moment in our congregational history is not to be missed. We are participating in the creation of a contemporary Judaism that reflects our passionately held values. TBI’s programming has never been more well rounded, providing opportunities for children of all ages, young families and individuals, boomers, and our “seasoned” citizens. We are providing Jewish education to everyone who is hungry to learn about our incredibly rich heritage. We are here to listen and provide comfort when people are in need of spiritual support.

At TBI we conduct Jewish weddings, funerals, shiva services, baby namings and B’nai Mitzvah celebrations that are grounded in our tradition as well as relevant and meaningful. We are here to help guide and nurture families in which both Jewish and non-Jewish parents wish to support our tradition and raise their children as Jews. We are here to make sure that the next generation of Jews will not only understand the Torah roots of Jewish life but will also learn how to weigh competing values and to wrestle with the rich complexities of life. At TBI we cultivate a Judaism that allows us to be responsible global citizens through our exceptional commitment to sustainability. And of course, we are here for our community to share in enjoying the gift of Shabbat, our Holy Days and so much more.

TBI is active in the broader community, working hard for human rights and cultivating positive relationships and inter-faith understanding and cooperation. We are out there helping to make the case for peace between Israel and her Palestinian neighbors.

Something very good is happening at TBI, and it is because of your efforts and your commitment to Jewish life that this good is here.

As we prepare for our move to 29th and University we are ready to share what we have created with a broader circle. Now is a good time for us to reach out to others who would find value in our community and extend an invitation for them to join us. In these next few months, we will be in the spotlight of the broader community. Many Jewish people, who have for a variety of reasons chosen not to affiliate with a synagogue, will have the opportunity to become more aware of our presence and our purpose. Perhaps some of their discomfort with the narrowness of organized religion will dissolve when they learn about the values and vision we stand for. We have taken on an ambitious goal in building the fantastic new home we will dedicate this June. In order for TBI to have the financial resources and person power to gracefully and sustainably inhabit our new home, we need to grow our membership.

I am asking each of you to invite your friends to come with you to an activity at TBI in the next two months. It could be a Shabbat service or a Senior Lunch, the community Passover Seder, the Yom Hashoah commemoration, or the Dream Auction. The possibilities are many. Please invite your unaffiliated Jewish friends and their life partners to consider becoming contributing members of TBI. Consider joining us in creating an effective program for expanding our membership. We need volunteers who will help us craft our membership outreach plan and implement it.

Please join in raising up this moment in our community’s history to make it radiantly successful and joyful. There is a saying from our sages: Every blade of grass has an angel above it urging it on by saying, “Grow, grow.” I imagine a chorus of such angels calling to us.

Blessings,
Rabbi Yitzhak

Editor’s note: Please call the office and speak to Nina about the Membership Committee and other opportunities for involvement.