Forget Me Not

One of the projects that I am most excited to work on this year is expanding Temple Emanu-El's services and circle of caring to those who are in need.  Many of our congregants are either homebound or of limited mobility and truly need us to reach out as a community.  As Temple has had an inspiring period of growth over the last six years, there are both many newcomers to our community as well as longtime members to whom we must reach out.  While our expansion of membership, our burgeoning Preschool, and resurgent Religious School are the sources of pride, there is also a truth and responsibility that comes with growth: we have hundreds more Jews who need a caring hand. 

The Torah tells us "You shall rise before the gray haired and show honor before an elder." (Lev. 19:32)  While this mitzvah is a value that stretches across many cultures, for the Jews of Tucson it has a special resonance in our lives.  It is hardly shocking to anyone who lives in Tucson that we have a population that is a little older than the national average.  Our demographics at Temple reflect the same reality.  We have many older congregants who are a vital part of our community.  It serves us well to ask ourselves: how can we most fully include all the members of our congregation in the resurgence of Jewish life at Temple Emanu-El?

The honoring of our elders can take many forms, but the most important one in our day and age is inclusion.  One of the sad facts of our lives in the 2000's, is that we are more separated from extended family than ever before -- we from our parents and grandparents, and they from us.  Here at Temple Emanu-El, the trend is also present.  While we are blessed to have many multi-generational families as members, there are many more who are not.  This separation presents us with a unique opportunity - a chance to reach out and form bonds across the many segments of our congregation.  To truly show respect for our elders we have to do more than hold open doors or be polite.  Inclusion is the key to showing honor in our context.  

To that end, I will be working to create connections between families this year.  I request only that you ask yourself, "What can I do to keep this honored part of our community connected and active this year?"  There are many ways that we can get involved and make a difference in the lives of our seniors.  All we have to do is care enough to act.  If you are interested in helping me with this effort, please contact me at Temple at 327-4501. 

Chag Sameach,