A Message from Rabbi Citrin

The synagogue is the soil for our growth as Jews.  This is especially true of our congregation, Temple Beth-El.  As a Reform synagogue comprised of people from varying Jewish backgrounds, Temple Beth-El is both a repository of tradition as well as an arena of discovery and creativity.  Those who affiliate with our congregation and who actively participate will enrich their lives with a dynamic and substantive Judaism.

Temple Beth-El is a focal point for spiritual development.  From Family Services to Shabbat Learners’ Minyan to Kabbalat Shabbat and Jewish Meditation, there is a banquet of experience set before us.  We employ both the prayer book of the Reform movement, Mishkan Tefillah, as well as creative liturgies.  For those who are looking to meaningful services, there are many variegated paths.  One thing is certain.  As Jeremiah said, “You shall seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Temple Beth-El is a community committed to Torah study.  Through our adult Jewish Academy program we offer more than a dozen courses each year in Torah, Talmud, Hebrew, history and philosophy as well as “how to” classes.  Our Religious and Hebrew schools provide our children with a solid basis in Jewish learning as they absorb the life-shaping experience of being part of an extended family community.  Whether the focus is children or adults, every opportunity to teach and to learn is present in our midst.  This is because we take seriously the admonition of Rabbi Shammai who said, “Make Torah study a fixed practice,” and of Rabbi Hillel who said, “Whoever does not increase knowledge decreases it.”

Temple Beth-El is a community devoted to living the values of Torah.  We seek to apply Jewish ethical values of Tzedakah and Chessed to our social milieu.  Our Social Action committee provides educational programs and opportunities for activism for our congregants.  We are also devoted to Israel’s well-being and to building bridges between our community and the Jewish State.  Our efforts to live Torah are grounded in the idea expounded in Deuteronomy, “Justice, justice shall you pursue.”

Spiritual pursuit, Torah study and living Torah values are the components of our Jewish soil.  Our soil is watered by a warm sense of extended family in a congregation in which many live far from home towns and relatives.  We are a caring and supportive community.  At Temple Beth-El, the Jewish spirit can grow and flower reminding us of these prophetic words, “There is hope for your future, says Adonai.”

Finally, I encourage our members as well as all Jews, and interested gentiles, to contact me.  I am always pleased to meet with individuals who seek personal support and religious direction.

Above all, I invite you to plant yourself firmly in the Jewish soil of Temple Beth-El.

Shalom,

Rabbi Paul Citrin