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September 10, 2010 Home | Contact Us | Directions |
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The Community's Campaign / Up Close and Personal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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When we were raising our 3 daughters, our lives, like so many other parents, were filled with work, supporting our children’s interests, and nurturing each other. “Nancy and I,” reflected Howard, “were leaders in a Framingham Havarah, where our family joined with others to study, worship, and celebrate life cycle occasions and holidays.”  “With our daughters now grown women and out of the home,” said Nancy, “I realized I had never found a spiritual community. Something was missing.” Nancy and Howard’s journey led them to consider many Temples and Synagogues, but it was not until they attended Shabbat services at TBE that they “sensed something different,” something they liked. Nancy recalls that the “Clergy were smiling from the Bimah! The joy of Shabbat was evident. Congregants were participants, not observers. Warmth filled the sanctuary.” In addition, having recently graduated from the Meah program, Nancy appreciated that Adult Learning was an important value at TBE. The Wolks decided to affiliate with TBE in 2001. As in any organizational affiliation, “you have to step forward and participate to feel part of a group,” said Nancy. There are many ways to connect with others, and, sensing a need, Howard helped organize our Simchat Chayyim group for older members about five years ago. He also came up with the idea for and put together the “Backwards” Newspaper as part of the “Pickles, Pushcarts and Pastrami” fundraising event. “I have found the stimulation from fellow congregants, working on committees, and attending classes to be rewarding and satisfying. I’ve met some of the brightest people I know at TBE, which is motivating in itself, but my involvement in strengthening our community has been personally enriching.” Nancy has participated in many TBE adult learning classes which has helped satisfy her passion for lifelong learning. As co-chair of Adult Learning, Nancy enjoys working with other TBE lay leaders and especially values the opportunity to work closely with and get to know Alison Kur, Director of Congregational Learning. “This is a rare opportunity and gift,” says Nancy. The Wolks view TBE’s new Beit Elohim as becoming the center for modeling intergenerational learning, understanding and participation. “It will nurture and sustain community closeness. With the flexibility of multi-use space we will have the opportunity for creativity as we plan for today’s programs and classes as well as those in future years,” said Nancy. “The Temple offers things for us on many levels, which include education, worship and spirituality. There are so many opportunities for involvement. We have always found TBE’s doors to be open and welcoming.” Nancy recalls attending a WTBE Rosh Chodesh gathering shortly after joining the Temple and found the women to be warm and accepting of new participants and ideas. After attending only a few of the monthly gatherings, Nancy was asked to co-lead the group the following year. While first being hesitant, “as there were so many others with longer involvement,” she agreed and found the experience to be “personally rewarding and satisfying.” Nancy and Howard remarked that the highlights of affiliation with TBE have been many, but their trips to Israel – the first with Rabbi Wilfond and the second with the members of HaBonim (Building Committee) - rated at the top. Cherished friendships were made. Having created a new social network has been an added dimension of the Wolks TBE involvement. We are “building community,” they say, and “we enjoy learning something new each time we pass through the doors of the Temple.” “We want to participate in ensuring that the warmth, acceptance, and vast array of gateways for involvement are strengthened with our new Beit Elohim, and that they remain accessible to all.” We are on a journey...
Walk with us and it will be good for you Bamidbar
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