Shabbat Shalom,
When I look out tonight and every night I attend temple services or functions, I spot a sea of faces…some I know, some I recognize, and some I have never met. And yet, each of us has chosen of our own free will to walk into this building seeking something – companionship, comfort, peace, God.
Each of us has come of his own free will, and each of us in our own time. Some have come consistently for more years than I have been on this earth. I personally came to Temple Israel ten years ago on an invitation. Having grown up knowing I was Jewish, but not having a religious background, eating pounds of matzah year round, and celebrating Passover were joys of my youth, and yet that particular engagement immediately set me at peace. In this very sanctuary I felt connected to lost relatives, and felt a calm settle in my being. I was at home. And I am grateful to the congregants who came before me – they had the foresight to be certain this building was here, when I was ready to enter.
And now I must do the same. My husband and I have both agreed to support the Temple Israel Capital Campaign because we know the importance of having a synagogue ready, on the very day that someone desires to enter it. We also know the importance of having a building we can be proud of, one that is reflective of our beliefs, a sparkling house, where one can think clearly, dream largely, and host grand gatherings.
In the book, Pay It Forward, by Catherine Ryan Hyde, young Trevor McKinney sets out to do something that will change the world. With his three acts of kindness, forwarded on by each successive recipient – young Trevor does indeed change the world – one small action at a time. We too, now have the opportunity to change our intimate and modest world. If each of us, young and old, reaches into his pocket, or purse, or investment account, to participate we can rebuild our temple, ensuring this institution will be here on the very day that someone, perhaps unknown to us now, needs to enter our doors.
Currently we have raised more than $4,187,822.00. With the participation of each temple member, I am sure we can attain our goal of $5 million. I ask you tonight, please participate because while indeed you will benefit from our newly renovated building, more importantly you will be Paying it Forward.
