It is not easy for me to find the words with which I could describe how pride and happy I am of being associated with Temple Beth Shalom. Being the only Jewish presence in the West Shore of the Greater Harrisburg (in Mechanicsburg) and as a place for truly growing and evolving Judaism, this community’s openness and welcoming of Jewish life amazes me.

But why should that be so special? We are a Jewish community who are committed on one hand with the traditional values and lessons of Judaism and at the same time we recognize that we are living our lives as 21^st century American Jews. We truly believe that we live in two civilizations that are mutually enriching.

This is remarkable because it requires from us to challenge ourselves constantly. In my life I have found so many people who think that Judaism is antiquated, irrelevant for their lives, and alienating. However at Temple Beth Shalom we follow what we call “Living Judaism”: we recognize that we live in a different world from that of our parents and grand parents and therefore our Judaism looks different from theirs. Not worse or weaker, but different and relevant.

We acknowledge this in all the aspects of the life of the congregation with upbeat Kabbalat Shabath services (Friday night at 7:15) and more traditional services on Shabbat morning. We have open discussions about hot topics that affect us as Jews and as Americans today. We incorporate the new media and innovative approaches in our school and to teach cultural aspects of Jewish identity.

This is what led me to the rabbanut, to become a rabbi. I am proud of Temple Beth Shalom and its commitment with these values. It is good for our community and it is good for Judaism. What’s missing? Only all those Jews who do not know what a great place this is to be…

Perhaps you can help us with that!