We joined TE a few years after relocating to Connecticut. While we both had pretty typical Jewish upbringings, we had never been affiliated with a congregation during our time together. Just before the High Holidays, Barbara challenged me to find us a synagogue to belong to or at least one where we could observe the holidays. One afternoon I stumbled into Temple Emanuel. That first encounter was enough to convince me that I had found us a shul. Even during our then short association, we learned just how remarkable this organization is – unquestioningly welcoming. There were not any judgements based on position or status. Just a warm, caring group that steps up for its membership under whatever the circumstances. In good times, and sometimes not so good, the TE community takes care of its own. The people of this congregation have become family to us. While we both come at our faith from different points of view, TE has made it possible for both of us to observe and participate in so many ways.
We learned about the Leave a Legacy program soon after we joined. While we have not been in a position to make many direct contributions during our time, it seemed like a very appropriate way to make a commitment to the future of Temple Emanuel. It costs nothing up front to support this program. In fact, it was this commitment that prompted us this past fall to have our wills prepared with a bequest to the continued success of Temple Emanuel. I hope that everybody who reads this can reflect on similar experiences of their own and be inspired to make the same commitment that we did. If there is one thing I have learned about Temple Emanuel, it’s that you will always get back more than you put in. The only way for that to continue is for all of us to put at least a little something in.