Elu V'Elu for April 2006
Rabbi Gary A. Glickstein
When Rabbi Leon Kronish and the architect, Percival Goodman first imagined the new sanctuary for Temple Beth Sholom, they focused on the image of Abraham’s tent.
According to our tradition, the tent of our ancestor was open in all directions so that Abraham could easily see any one approaching. At first sight of a stranger, he would run to meet and greet the person and welcome him into his tent. Abraham taught us the importance of hospitality. Our sanctuary is meant to remind us to continue Abraham’s teaching in our synagogue and in our own homes.
In “Moment Magazine’s” February issue, an excerpt from the book Stars of David by Abigail Pogrebin appeared. In it was a brief interview with Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her Honor described how she learned about justice through her mother and Jewish tradition. She also told of many negative encounters she had with synagogues throughout her life. Ms. Pogrebin summarizes the interview by writing:
“It is clear that the theme of exclusion runs throughout many of her stories. A sad irony occurs to me: that as other institutions marginalized her for being a Jew, she felt sidelined-in those formative early years-by Judaism. But while organized Judaism failed to include her, its values managed to inspire her.”
Our congregation tries to be welcoming in every way. We fail at times. However, when we are made aware of our failings, we try to do better the next time. The clergy, staff and leadership of Temple Beth Sholom are always looking for new ways to welcome all of our members and any who come to us. We actively solicit and welcome criticisms that are given out of love and concern. These words of loving rebuke help us mend fences and grow. Please share with us any concerns you may have or any suggestions to facilitate our goal of welcoming all to our tent.
Passover is a time when each of us has the opportunity to welcome strangers into our homes for seder. Every year we receive requests from Jews traveling in our area during Pesach or from people without families, or who are alone, to join others at their home seders. If you have room or can make room and are willing to join the tradition of Abraham and Temple Beth Sholom, call Li-Mor at the Temple, 305-538-7231, and let her know how many you are willing to accommodate. Help us welcome all for Pesach.
“New York Magazine” recently profiled “A Guy Named Craig.” Craig Newmark is the genius behind Craigslist.org which, according to the article, is “changing everything.” It is a matchmaking freeway for people in search. It receives more than three billion page views per month. Craig Newmark is a Jew. His list welcomes all and acts as a beacon to all to find what they search for. Here is someone who took Abraham’s message to heart and applied it to the technology of the 21st Century. I wish we had a Craigslist for seders, Jews in search of meaning, opportunities for Jewish study, and a myriad of other ways we could enhance our welcoming techniques. Until then, volunteer seats at your seder. Call us and help us fulfill the mandate, “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” Let all who are in need of a seder, join us.
