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The Centennial -- A Look to the Future This is the twelfth
in a monthly
series of articles on the history of Jews in Tucson and of Temple
Emanu-El, in honor of the Temple’s 100th anniversary in
2010. In celebration of Temple Emanu-El’s Centennial, this thirteen-month series of articles has taken us from pioneer days one hundred years ago, to planning and building two houses of worship, through two world wars, through diversified programs and activities resulting in the thriving community we have today. Shakespeare wrote “what is past is prologue.” Based on our past, we can look forward to prologue and then some. Predictions of the future are tricky. Do we rely on dreams found in the bible, such as those of Jacob, Joseph and Daniel? How about a crystal ball, astrology or psychics? More realistically, how about a conversation with Rabbi Sam Cohon? If we look back at our 1910 Articles of Incorporation, we find that the Temple Emanu-El community today is living the future contemplated in that document: we aid and assist the needy; we do acts of charity and benevolence; we worship in accordance with the Jewish faith; we provide instruction in the Jewish religion; we provide a place for meeting and worship and we provide a burial ground for our members. Rabbi Cohon would expand on that list with programs that have enriched the original purposes, “by demand!” We now provide educational programs for those from “six months to ninety-five plus,” supplying and supplementing what used to be taught in the home. By offering the experience of celebrating Hanukkah, Purim, Pesach and Sukkot with others at Temple, we provide the reality that Judaism is not only important, but good. In addition, we reach out to interfaith members of the community and those who are interested in Judaism. “This is an every day mission: to stress the importance of Jews in southern Arizona and what it means to be a Jew. We have the largest ‘Taste of Judaism’ program of any city in the country and we have had for twenty years!” According
to Rabbi Cohon, the next ten years will see a major transition in leadership
of synagogues and Jewish institutions, resulting in leaders who are attracted
to serving, rather than seeing service as an inherent responsibility of a
small group; this will be a generational change. “Those making
it a priority to connect Jews to religious education and practice, music, art,
dance and writing will flourish and survive; members need to be
challenged creatively.” What are the challenges for the future? * resources * commitment to Temple * long-term planning “We need to get rid of small town thinking in what has become a large metropolitan community.” Congregation President Dr. Jason Feld was asked to provide his three wishes for the future, unencumbered by cost considerations: “As President of the congregation, I have been asked to share my three wishes for Temple as we journey toward our next 100 years. In this regard I hope that my thoughts, desires and dreams as President also articulate those expressed by all congregants. At the top of my wish list is to ensure that Temple Emanu-El remains a warm, energetic, and creative community in which each person can find meaning and beauty in Judaism. Our success in doing so begins first and foremost with the recognition that we have a strong base of experience, history and committed members, providing us with a solid foundation for setting our sights, establishing our goals, amassing our resources, and going forward in ways that will sustain us in the future. My second wish is that as a congregation we continually challenge ourselves to ask and seek answers to the most fundamental questions driving our decisions as a Temple community. In this regard, there are two fundamental questions we should continually ask ourselves: "Who are we as a Temple today?" and "Who do we want to be as we move into the future?" The answers to these questions will help us focus our talents, resources and energies in ways that build on Temple’s vision and mission, the foundational pillars of Torah, and our strong sense of community where all our members can realize their personal, spiritual, and educational goals as Jews. My third wish is that we expand our capability to grow and maintain an engaged and satisfied membership reflective of and responsive to the diverse needs and interests of each individual member of our congregation. Finally, while I was asked to reflect on three wishes, I do have a fourth and fifth which I would like to share. The fourth is that we optimize the strength and resources of Temple Emanu-El to provide leadership, support, and connectivity with other organizations and synagogues throughout the community here in Southern Arizona. And my fifth wish is that we expand our reach in ways that help to support worldwide Judaism, connecting with and supporting Jews in Israel and around the world to affirm that Jews are all intertwined each with the other.” It would seem that the possibilities are endless. What would your three wishes for the future be?
Story and research by Audrey Brooks |
