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Now, I am neither a Rabbi nor a scholar but I do try to think (contrary to what you may have heard about surgeons). A path suggested by our recent Scholar in Residence, Rabbi  Marcia Plumb struck a familiar chord in me. She discussed how Mussar teachings can be used to create a sense of wholeness in one’s life.

Very, briefly the Mussar movement centered in Lithuania during the mid 1800’s and was led by Rabbi Yisrael Salanter. Much was lost during the Holocaust, but it has become a thriving movement in recent years.  Mussar teachers have sought to help transform lives and get people on the path of holiness. The path they describe is not in any way esoteric or otherworldly, but vey much  within the realm of our own familiar lives. They describe inner traits which when balanced and developed bring a sense of peace, wholeness, and holiness to the individual. These traits are: gratitude, humility, patience, compassion, order, equanimity, honor, simplicity, enthusiasm, silence, generosity, truth, moderation, loving-kindness, responsibility, trust, faith, and yirah. An individual picks 13 traits to work on. Then practices that trait for one week; the cycle is then repeated 4 times during the year.

Over the next several months I am going to apply these traits to TE and the column.

Not surprisingly, I will begin with Gratitude in next months column.

For those with more interest or just to check out what I am describing,  a good place to start is Everday Holiness by Alan Morinis or the website: www.mussarinstitute.org

Dr. Melissa Perkal

It is hard to believe that fall is here and that the Holy Days are around the corner. This is a time of new beginnings and contemplating where we might have “missed the mark.” It is a time of reflecting what we might do better in the up-coming year. As we begin 5775, I am optimistic with our potential for growth and for bringing our congregation together. I believe we can have a thriving community. This will take dedication, volunteerism, and financial support. Previous TE President Jon Zonderman stated that to do this, it is important that we all agree on one key statement: “I believe that maintaining a vibrant Reform Jewish community at Temple Emanuel is important.” If we all believe that, then we all must believe that each one of us needs to take responsibility for maintaining our community and may not leave it up to others to do so.

What can each of us do to keep TE strong?

1. Add one new member family to TE by sharing your experiences with your non-TE friends. Bring them along to TE events. Show them how really wonderful our community is.
2. Participate in our fund-raising efforts by coming to our many “friend-raisers,” buying citrus, baked goods and New Year honey wishes.
3. Contribute to the “One Campus Campaign” so that we continue to be mortgage free as we build. My goal is that every TE family will contribute something toward making this a reality.
4. Join a committee, help run an event large or small, get your hands dirty, donate time to stuff envelopes, and/or pick up supplies. We are a small community with a tiny professional staff. So we need everyone’s energy to be actively involved.
5. Consider making a “Leave a Legacy” pledge so our children and our children’s children will have a community where they can welcome Shabbat and celebrate life cycle events.
6. Finally, there is still time to make your Fair Share Pledge before the Holy Days. Dig as deeply as you can afford to. TE needs you and TE needs your financial support.

Come find me in the coming weeks, and let me know how you want to be involved.

Shanah Tovah.