Blog

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.
-The Lorax

At Temple Israel, our community is the foundation of who we are. We believe that everyone who chooses to be here has a valued role, and that authentic, personal relationships are the basis of what makes this particular community so genuine. And as a staff, we often consider – and reconsider – the concept of “community.” What does that really mean to our members? Does our definition resonate, and does it mean something different for everyone?

When I was asked by Rabbi Amy to help plan women’s events at Temple Israel many years ago, I viewed my volunteer role simply as a task to organize enjoyable gatherings and create a welcoming atmosphere. However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that being involved at TI felt truly special to me. Though I’d volunteered at my children’s schools and for other causes, I wouldn’t say that I necessarily felt part of a community; at least, not like I did at TI. So, what was the difference here?

I’ve realized that “community” – at its most authentic – is all about care. You can’t manufacture that; it comes from inside each of us. It’s the sense of belonging and a shared purpose and commitment to one another. It’s placing value on the well-being of each individual and the desire to offer support and kindness. What sets Temple Israel apart is the depth of our connection – it's not about how often you attend services or events but about knowing that you have a safety net of people who care about you, not just as a “member,” but as a unique, valuable, and whole person. 

I am always humbled to see this play out, especially when a TI family is in mourning, or a member is in crisis. The sheer number of congregants who reach out and offer support is astounding. We show up for one another in good times and in really tough ones, too. It’s not just the acts of kindness that seem to define our community, but the spontaneous feeling of caring enough in the first place – the unprompted willingness to act, even if just to inquire about the well-being of others. I’m inspired every day by how we show up for one another. This is what defines Temple Israel as such a special community.

Whether you’ve been a member of TI for a very long time or have just joined, or are still testing the waters to see if TI is the right fit, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing us what community truly means, and I am personally grateful to be a part of this community right here.

Martina Stern