A Three-Part Vision for Temple Beth El
Jonathan Howard

In mid-May, we launched the “public phase” of our Capital & Endowment Campaign, and we described our three-part vision conceptually as follows: A Beit Knesset, or “House of Assembly”; A Beit Midrash, or “House of Study”; and, a Beit Tefillah, a “House of Prayer.”

We are a Beit Knesset, because we assemble Jews of all ages and interests. Reaching them, engaging them, bringing them into our Temple, and meeting their needs are among our top priorities. Overall, we have grown by 100 new families since last year – but recruitment remains everyone’s ongoing responsibility.

The membership increase is a key reason why we must double the size of our physical plant. A larger dues-paying base also assures that we will not significantly raise annual dues to cover increased operating costs.

We have also focused on “in-reach” – especially among seniors. Our monthly SPICE programs draw almost 60 seniors. That number will increase this fall, when we begin providing transportation. At the other end of the age spectrum, a record number of B’nei Mitzvah was celebrated this year – and we are considering engaging a full-time youth director.

Another point of emphasis has been better communications – among the staff, within the congregation, and to the outside Charlotte community. We’ve also embraced the latest technologies – from the “totem” that directs us where to go to the innovative online downloadable High Holiday services that were available to anyone with broadband Internet access – from a hospital bed in Charlotte to an army base in Baghdad.

In addition to being a Beit Knesset, we are also a Beit Midrash – a house of Jewish study. We have expanded our adult educational offerings. However, one learns Torah not as an “end,” but rather as a “means” to spur us into taking actions, which we call Mitzvot. This year, we combined the Social Justice and Social Action committees, and the merged team has just finished a templewide “audit.” Stay tuned for the results.

The third part of the vision is our role as a House of Worship, a Beit Tefillah. Rabbis Schindler and Cantor Bernard lead us with inspirational and diverse services. Rabbi Micah Strieffer, a talented musician from New Orleans, has joined our clergy team over the summer.

My thanks to the Temple clergy, staff, board, and my fellow congregants for a productive and rewarding year. We hope to build on that progress – with God’s help… and yours!