Rabbi's Blog

We gather here, community leaders, public officials, friends and family, to dedicate this space that has been beautifully updated and refreshed.

Today we thank God and all those who have donated generously and worked diligently to transform a bold vision into reality.

This afternoon the visionary words of Israel’s Founding Father, Theodore Herzl, apply to Beth Tikvah Congregation as well: 

Im Tir su, ainzo agadah.  If you will it, it is no dream.

Today we begin living the dream as we bring a renewed sense of welcoming, warmth, and comfort to all who enter our doors.

Of course, though we are grateful for this moment, we know that what has always made Beth Tikvah so beautiful, so important in the lives of our members, has never been the color of the paint. 

Nor have the new dual monitors made this place so special, so loved (though they are amazing!)

What makes Beth Tikvah Congregation, our house of hope is that this building is a holy space for connection, celebration, comfort, meaning, inspiration, and kindness. 

Beth Tikvah is a place where Jewish values are learned and lived.  It’s where friends become family, where lives are transformed, and where hope finds home.

In the words of our prayerbook:

May the doors of this synagogue be open to all who hunger for love and friendships, those who have cares to unburden, thanks to express, and hopes to nurture.

May our synagogue continue to be for all who enter the doorway to a richer and more meaningful life.

God we ask that you watch over this building and its congregants. Spread over us Your Shelter of Peace.

Guard our coming and going and raise us up to life renewed.

And if you would God, while I am on the subject, please see to it that no squirrels or skunks find their way into our building.  

Please, also inspire our kids and adults to not eat on the new couches or put their feet upon them, so that we don’t need to place plastic protectors upon them like at Bubbie’s house.

And finally, may every new person who enters this lobby feel so connected to our community and to our sacred mission that they join the congregation and soon we will have so many people that we need to build a second floor.  Ok, that’s it, God.  Let us say:

Amen