As we conclude the introspective days of Yom Kippur, South Street Temple is engaging in another kind of reflection. The Board is encouraging congregants to participate in a values clarification process. We are interested in knowing what Judaism means to you. We are inviting you to share what is important to you as a Jew, as well as what draws you to be a member of South Street Temple. We have invited members of the congregation to participate in dialogue and exchange of perspectives through the values clarification meetings. Recognizing that not all congregants can attend these sessions and that individuals may want to express themselves in a different way, David Williss has set up a blog for the purpose of expression and exchange. The thoughts expressed on this blog will be reviewed by the Board and will serve as a part of the values clarification process.
The five questions we would like for you to consider include:
1. What is most important to me as a Jew?
2. What do I most value about my connection to South Street Temple?
3. What does it mean to me to be a Jew in greater Nebraska?
4. What does it mean to me to be a Jew in Lincoln, NE?
5. What are the most important basics that South Street Temple must have as a congregation?
Thank you for your kind participation.
Values Clarification Facilitators:
Nancy Myers, Nancy Intermill, Eleanor Kirkland
As a Jew there are several things that are most important to me. Observing the Sabbath, Studying Torah, and Mitzvot.
2. ?What do I most value about my connection to South Street Temple?
I know the value of having a Temple here in Lincoln, but I don?t have as much of a connection with the Temple as I?d like and so I cannot answer this.
3. ?What does it mean to me to be a Jew in greater Nebraska?
Don?t be afraid to let people know that you are Jewish. Openly celebrate the Jewish holidays and always have an open door to non-Jewish neighbors. Never forget that you are Jewish and never let your guard down. Give support to the betterment of the Jewish community in Nebraska.
4. ?What does it mean to me to be a Jew in Lincoln, NE?
To represent Lincoln, NE through Jewish community programs and conferences if you are able to.
5. ?What are the most important basics that South Street Temple must have as a congregation?
Kindness and Camaraderie towards Everyone. There should also be a Jewish Convert & Network Support Group specifically for new comers.
Adherence to, and study of Torah, Talmud, and commentary on them. Applying the teachings of Torah in daily life, especially in relations with our fellow humans.
2. What do I most value about my connection to South Street Temple? The opportunity to learn from classes offered.
3. What does it mean to me to be a Jew in greater Nebraska?
It means we need to be a closer-knit group, both SST and Tifereth Israel. There are too few of us to isolate ourselves.
4. What does it mean to me to be a Jew in Lincoln, NE?
See above.
5. What are the most important basics that South Street Temple must have as a congregation?
SST must first and always be a Jewish religious community. Board President Mark Schkolnik put it very well when he said: "South Street Temple must always strive to be more than just a provider of services. We must continually pursue Rabbi Emanuel's challenge to integrate the sacred into our activities and our congregational relationships." To that end, SST must:
- Encourage and facilitate adult study of Torah and related basic texts, and of Hebrew for adults.
- Encourage and facilitate study and discussion of topics related to Judaism. The current joint adult education series with Tifereth Israel meets this need well.
- Do outreach to Jews who may have drifted away from the Temple, as well as new members.