Dear Friends,
I look forward to connecting with you in the coming weeks as we welcome the new year and celebrate TBT’s Jubilee. In fact, this year is doubly auspicious: Our 50th anniversary coincides with America’s 250th. This confluence invites us to consider both our congregation’s history and our remarkable journeys as American Jews.
I say “American Jews” and not “Jewish Americans.” When I was a young chanich (camper) at wonderful Jewish camp OSRUI in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, one of our educational activities was about Jewish identity. One of the madrichim (counselors) rode in on a horse as George Washington to introduce the lesson. (Washington famously corresponded with an early New England Jewish community to promise their safety and liberty.) The educators posed this question to the children: do you consider yourself a Jewish American, or an American Jew? A vigorous discussion ensued. These days, I don’t think the discussion would be quite so vigorous. I would venture to guess that nine out of ten of our children consider themselves American first, and Jewish second. They care about being Jewish; but for most, it is an important dimension of their identity, rather than the primary one.
In some respects, this is a success. In historical context, the American Jewish experiment has led to unmatched integration, prosperity, and normalcy. That may be changing, but it is still largely true. That is reason enough for us to celebrate and reflect.
Learning opportunities throughout the year will include:
o A fall series by Ira Wise: The American Reform Jewish Zionist - What did/does THAT mean?
o Our Autumn scholar-in-residence, journalist and scholar Mark Oppenheimer
o Lectures by respected historian – and our very own TBT Member!-- Professor Steven Stoll
o The revival of the Leather Apron Club, my study group exploring Benjamin Franklin’s ethical aphorisms in the context of Jewish Wisdom
....and much, much more!
A congregational trip to Ragtime: The Musical? A boat journey down the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty? No idea is too ambitious!
Together with Temple Educator Ira Wise, our program team has concluded that a meaningful dual-anniversary year like this affords us an opportunity to dig into the critical dimensions of the American Jewish Story. To that end, I am excited to announce the “American & Jewish/Jewish & American” engagement series of 5787.
Even in complex times – perhaps especially in such times – we are called to celebrate who we are. Let us lean into this new year with curiosity and open hearts.
Shanah Tovah U’metukah (A Sweet New Year)
Rabbi Moss