Temple Sinai - A Reform Congregation Nurturing Souls for a Fuller Jewish Life
As a Reform congregation, we are affiliated with the URJ (Union for Reform Judaism). We practice and cherish our liberal Jewish tradition in accordance with contemporary and changing needs. We express ourselves through the customs and ceremonies of our religion which have been handed down to us from the past, as well as through new rituals and practices. Our partners establish their own individual commitment to Jewish observance, encouraged and supported by the synagogue and congregation...more
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Our Board of Trustees helps to ensure that Temple Sinai is an ethical stronghold in all its pursuits and dealings. Their role is to help "manage the sacred." The Board is comprised of the Executive Board and the Board of Trustees...more
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Our congregation is led by a talented and visionary Senior Staff. Our Clergy includes: Rabbi Alan E. Litwak, Rabbi David N. Young, and Cantor Michael Kruk. Susan Warech is our Director of Administration and David Prashker serves as our Director of Education... more
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Temple Sinai is located on a magnificent tree-shaded campus. We are situated on 14 wooded acres in Sky Lake, across the Oleta River from the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center. A sense of serenity and natural beauty enhance the architectural integrity of the Carolyn Kemelhor Campus. Extensive security measures protect the site and all who use it. Our facilities include... more
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The Mosaic is an important source of information about Temple Sinai activities and a valuable communications tool. The bulletin includes articles from our Clergy, as well as from our Senior Staff and Lay Leaders...more
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Giving opportunities are available throughout the year to share a simchah (joyous occasion), express sympathy, observe a yahrzeit (anniversary of the death of a loved one) or honor friends and loved ones. Our temple staff will be happy to assist you in making donations... more
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Temple Sinai is a center of Jewish life and learning. Our wish is that you will share the joys of Judaism with us through your partnership involvement. Temple Sinai nurtures souls for a fuller Jewish life... more
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Coming from north, south, east or west? All roads lead to Temple Sinai...more
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 I am particular about the use of language. Words are powerful conveyors of content, feelings, and values. In my world, there is a difference between a “Temple” and a “Congregation.” One is a physical structure, and the other is a group of individuals who have come together in common purpose. Too often, our Judaism revolves around “the Temple” and not “the congregation.” I believe we need to change the way our congregations function, and I think the first step is in how we address each other.
In my congregation, we no longer use the word, “member.” At Temple Sinai, we are “PARTNERS.”
When I meet with prospective partners, I tell them that being a part of a congregation should mean more than paying dues and “going to Temple.” Rather, we are a congregation of individuals who come together to share the highs and lows of the life cycle, our common history and destiny, and our mutual values, ideology, and rituals. We are part of a shared business venture – our product is nurtured souls. When congregants question the use of “partners” rather than “members’, they often comment that the people who make up a family are called “members.” It is true, but I believe that our family relationships are much closer to a partnership, than membership. Random House Dictionary defines “member” as “Any of the persons composing a society, party, community, or other body.” By this definition, there is nothing required of a member other than identification. On the other hand, the definition of partner is “a person associated with another or others as a principal or a contributor of capital in a business or joint venture.” Partnership requires that the partners contribute something to the venture. Like marriage, partnership in the synagogue is more than just a co-mingling of financial assets, but of shared life. I want people to recognize that being a partner of a synagogue should mean more than being a member of a health club, where they hope that not everyone will show up and use the facility. We should not only hope that you, our partners, will show up, but help you understand that we NEED you to show up. We need you to not only pay your dues, but contribute your time, your experience, your talents, and your presence. When we do this, we create a rich and textured communal fabric. My goal as a rabbi is to build that type of community.
Changing the language and culture of a community is a long and arduous process. We correct each other and joke at our staff meetings and Board meetings that we should have a tzedakah box for a one-dollar tax whenever someone uses the “m-word.” Someone suggested that I was going to need to repeat the “partnership” message 150 times before it will sink in; the first 50 times, no one will hear it; the second 50 times, no one will understand it; the third 50 times, no one will agree with it. There is truth to that statement. After three years, I still receive e-mails from congregants asking “What is this ‘partnership’ all about?”
By the way, we no longer use the word, “dues” either. Our partners have a “partnership commitment.” It reinforces the message that we need and expect everyone, even at different levels, to play a role in the financial viability of our community.
I may not have persuaded you about this change in language. In any partnership (communal, business, or marital), we know that there is never universal agreement. However, a congregation’s strength comes from a mutual willingness to discuss and disagree respectfully.
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