President's Remarks
Jonathan Howard

Shalom. Just thinking about what I might want to write has been, in certain moments, a kind of prayer; a vehicle for taking stock of what is important to me and why I care so much about Temple Beth El. That is not to say that I haven’t occasionally asked God — why me? But then, without fail, it comes swift and sure. Why not me? I could never do enough to give back in equal measure all that I’ve been given of joy, spiritual sustenance, friendship, prayer and renewal. Because of our Temple, I do not have to live life with a jaundiced eye or a sense of hopelessness. Besides, to all things there is a season, and this is my time, with God’s help and yours, to till the ground of our Temple and to do all that I can to help it grow and thrive.

I couldn’t be more blessed. Temple Beth El has been far more to me than a place to be on the Sabbath and holidays. For me, it is a spiritual magnet. There is something about praying and studying and volunteering at Temple that keeps me tethered to God and to all of you. There is amongst us a collective sense of humor, duty, compassion and mitzvah by which we can measure
our every deed and decision. With you, I feel safe — which is especially important as we emerge from the Days of Awe. Can you imagine facing our faults and our need for teshuva without each other? We don’t have to do this alone. We are the children of Israel — and we join together around our God at this time of the year, asking for forgiveness and thanking God for giving us the strength to do what we are here to do. Wow. Here we are. Clean slates. With another chance.

When I think of life this way, every chore, every entry in my Day Timer becomes a genuine privilege which adds to my life some wonderfully surprising moments of wonder. Now, I’m not talking
about just those moments of magnificent wonder when our children are born or when, for instance, I got to visit Israel. Nor when we stop long enough to watch a butterfly or take in a beautiful
or odd sunset. I’m talking about the possibility of experiencing wonder even in the more mundane events of our lives.

This is what I want us to take into the New Year. Wonder. The kind of wonder that arises from surprise and gratitude. Or taking the time to notice the tinsel strength and fragility of life. Hope in the midst of appalling headlines. A busy, vibrant Temple in 21st century America. Yes. These are the questions I want to ask myself this next year. Am I intrigued with my daily life? In awe of my work? The sheer gift of being able to work? And, if I am not, am I asking for it? Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote, “I did not ask for success; I asked for wonder. And You gave it to me.”

So I ask you now to join me in asking for wonder, in all that we do in our own lives and for the Temple. Let’s let the sparkle of wonder in our eyes be a magnet for new members, and let’s think more of the depth of spiritual nourishment an unaffiliated Jew might find here, than what we gain from membership dues. Let’s not just be a place where a boy or a girl can go through the motions to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah — but rather where they too will find their spiritual home.

Ten days before his death, Abraham Joshua Heschel was asked if he had a special message for young people. I think his words apply to all of us. “Remember that there is meaning beyond absurdity. Know that every deed counts, that every word is power. Above all, remember that you must build your life as if it were a work of art.”

Join me in continuing to build our Temple as if it were a work of art.