Shalom my Shir Tikvah community,
Over the past few months I have had a chance to reflect on what a real community can mean to the individuals who commit themselves to it. For me it has driven home, once again, the idea that we receive what we are willing to give, or, as you may have heard it, “what goes around comes around.”
Consider what the commitment of good people has meant for our congregational community:
1. an idealistic group of 15 people who committed themselves to an idea created this congregation
2. a generous group of 67 people who committed themselves to a barely birthed congregation brought a Rabbi to serve and guide it
3. an enthusiastic group of unnumbered people – because some choose to remain anonymous – committed to a young, small congregation’s existence gave generously and freely of their volunteer time to do everything that had to be done
4. a devoted group of committee chairs and members committed (is there a connection between those words?) themselves to the creation of all the policies that guide our functioning: ethically, legally, and logistically
5. a caring group of people commits themselves to reaching out to their fellow congregants in sickness and in need
6. a fascinating group of people commits to keeping the study of Torah vibrant at the heart of our learning community
7. an inspiring group of people continues to commit to doing all the things that need doing so that Shir Tikvah can function, and continue to find joy in that service
8. a dedicated group of leaders commits to giving of their time to step up and help Shir Tikvah function by making the decisions and taking the responsibility
9. a devoted group of people commits to being our agent in joyfully fulfilling the mitzvah of teaching our children
10. a thoughtful group of people quietly supports the growth of good in the world by doing mitzvot inside and outside our congregational community.
Jewish tradition teaches that a holy congregation is made up of at least ten Jews. We are creating a kehillah kedoshah made up of many more than ten lights of holiness illuminated by the giving, sharing, committed members of Shir Tikvah.
