Rabbi's Column - December 2022

Dear Friends,

As I write this, we are about to light the first candle of Chanukah. Chanukah, which means “dedication,” commemorates the rededication of the great Temple in Jerusalem following the victory of the Maccabees in the 2nd Century, BCE. The famous story of the oil is first mentioned only many years later in the Talmud (Tractate Shabbat 21b):

When the Seleucid Greeks entered the Sanctuary, they defiled all the holy oil. And when the Hasmonean monarchy [i.e, the Maccabees] emerged victorious over them, they searched and found only one cruse of oil that was placed with the seal of the High Priest, undisturbed by the Greeks. And there was sufficient oil to light the menorah for only one day. A miracle occurred and they lit the menorah for eight days. The next year the Sages made [Chanukah] a holiday, with psalms of thanksgiving…

What the story leaves out — and I’ve been thinking about this quite a lot over the last year — is how the ancient Jews observed Chanukah in that first year. It would not have been a relaxing, luxurious holiday like we celebrate today. The sacred objects had been desecrated, and the space defiled with the remains of sacrificed pigs. There was much to clean and repair. I imagine the “rededication” only came to fruition in stages. For the eight nights following the victory, the miracle alone was enough. But then it was time to get to work.

The ancient Jewish community could not restore everything overnight. As with any major renovation project, it took sweat, patience, generosity, and time to become reality. So it is with our own “rededication” — we can see it happening in stages. Earlier this fall, many in our community signed a wall of dedication, to be installed behind the ark. Later, the lower lobby was ready for gathering, and we have been joyfully singing, praying, and connecting there with folks of all ages and stages. Very soon, we will be able to gather in our brand new community room, adjacent to the south building entrance and accessible to all. Thanks to the generosity of our families and the hard work of our volunteers, it is only a matter of time until we will celebrate the rededication of our own sanctuary.

This Chanukah, the sweet taste of anticipation is on all our lips. Like our ancient ancestors, there is so much for us to be thankful for this year. There is so much light ahead at TBT.

Wishing all of our families a joyful Chanukah of abundance,
Rabbi Danny Moss

President's Column - Fall 2022

Dear Friends,

A few months ago, I wrote my first president’s column. I told the story of meeting with Rabbi Alpert when I was feeling uninvolved in Judaism, unconnected with TBT and just exhausted. spoke about how he inspired me to do one small thing regularly to get the “spark” of Judaism back in my life. After Rabbi Offner read my piece, she asked me if she could send it to Rabbi Alpert. I agreed, a little embarrassed that I had not thought of tracking him down myself. This was his response. “I am leaving for Israel tomorrow and I don’t think I will need an airplane to fly there.”

 Not only did I make his day brighter, but whenever I think of that response, it fills me with happiness and makes me smile. Gratitude is a two-way street. It makes the giver and the beneficiary feel better. In fact, there are studies that show that keeping a gratitude journal daily is as effective a treatment as antidepressant medication. So, with these days of reflection upon us, let us think about what we are grateful for and whom we are grateful for. Let’s not forget to let those people know.

I will go first. . . I would like to thank all the great Rabbis who have helped shape my life. Being

president has taught me one thing for sure: being a Rabbi is a 24 hours / 7 day a week job and it is hard. I would like to thank Rabbi Moss for his unending work and dedication to our synagogue. Starting his career as a senior Rabbi during a pandemic, during a renovation project, and a Cantor search has been a huge challenge. Just one of these things (dayenu) would have been enough. His persistence and love for TBT is clear. I am honored to partner with him.

L'Shana Tova,
Karen Goldberg

Rabbi's Column - Fall 2022

“But Rabbi, I’m not really religious!”

Dear Friends,

What’s the Hebrew word for “religion?” It may surprise you to know that there isn’t one!

There are some close analogues: dat (דָת ,(minhag (מִנְהָג ,(and purkan (פּוּקרָן (all convey elements of Jewish ritual and practice. But none of them means religion. Why? because Judaism predates religion. Religion is a modern concept that consigns our spiritual and material selves to separate buckets. This is an illusion. There is no “religious life” and “secular life.” There is only life.

The great 20th Century American Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan thought of Judaism as a civilization. It’s an ancient wisdom tradition; an ethical system; a series of practices and a roadmap for cultivating the relationships that matter the most. It’s an orientation to the Mystery beyond our understanding.

But there’s more: Judaism is itself a later idea in our history (c. 2000+ years ago). Before we adopted that “ism,” we were a people - Israel. That identity has always come first. As a Jewish community we are connected to all Jews, past, present, and future. As I write this, we are reading Parashat Nitzavim, at the end of the Torah in which our ancestors assembled at Sinai to receive the Torah — everyone living and ready to enter Canaan, but also, existentially, everyone who has not yet been born. This means that all Jews are equally Jewish.

And there are so many ways to be Jewish. But the most important thing is to do, not necessarily to believe. Not sure if God exists? Okay. Light Shabbat candles with your family on Friday nights. Help a stranger in need. Volunteer with our social justice committee. Take one of my classes. Sing with the TBT Band. Attend a Kol Ami event. In short, have a joyful Jewish experience. Open your heart and your mind to something new. Judaism is much more interested in doing than believing, in relationship over dogma. If you ask me, God cares more about who we are than what we think of God.

At TBT, we’re starting to do a lot more in person. I’d love to greet you in person and learn more about what excites you about being Jewish.

Bivracha (with blessings),
Rabbi Moss

President's Column - Summer 2022

Hello TBT,

Approximately 11 years ago I was sitting through a high holy day service. Rabbi Tom Alpert, TBT’s interim Rabbi, was leading us in prayer. At that time, I had a demanding job and a 10-, 8-, and 6-year-old. I felt like I was barely treading water.

I was listening to the sermon which must have meant that the kids were downstairs with the SALTY teens. Some of you may remember the sermon, it was about feeling inspired by Judaism. He used the words, “feeling the spark.” I remember this clearly because it made me feel sad. As a child and teen, I had felt that spark. I loved being in youth group and loved my Jewish summer camp. Rowdy song sessions, outside Shabbat services, Israeli dancing, meaningful discussions, rallying for Soviet Jews, going on a NIFTY trip to Israel, etc. . . . made me feel great about being Jewish. However, at this time in my life, sending my kids to Hebrew school and going to a few services a year felt like I was just checking off an obligatory box.

I made an appointment to talk to Rabbi Alpert. I told him about my feelings and how his sermon had resonated with me. I explained that I wanted to be more involved but felt drained and didn’t have the time. We had a long discussion and I remember him telling me that it was ok. This may not be the time in my life when I can dedicate a lot of time to the synagogue. He did however advise me to find one small thing I can do regularly to rekindle that spark. I started picking up Challah on my way home from work on Friday evenings. That was it, that was what I could manage.

Now here I am 11 years later writing my first column as your temple president. I now feel very satisfied with my Jewish immersion. I have found community at TBT. I am so grateful to feel that inspiration while praying on Friday nights, while hiking in the woods and even while participating in temple board meetings. It all feels holy and I am all in.

! I share this story because I know many of you may feel the same way I did 11 years ago. I am here to say, that is OK. It may not be your time. . . or it may be the perfect time. Find one small activity: maybe social justice, maybe a service, maybe a hike, maybe torah study, or maybe just pick up a Challah. You never know where that one thing will lead.

Blessings,
Karen Goldberg

Rabbi's Column - Summer 2022

Dear TBT Friends,

In my magical, seemingly never ending summer days at camp OSRUI in Oconomowoc Wisconsin, we often cited this aphorism: every day is like a week; and every week is like a day. I feel the same about the year gone by: it has been so rich and full, but at the same time, I marvel at how quickly my first year as your rabbi has passed! It’s hard to believe that at this time in 2021, Susan and I were settling into our home, exploring the Shoreline for the first time, and beginning to meet all of you! What a wonderful year it has been.

As American Jews, we mark the new year at different times: we have Rosh HaShanah and the Gregorian New Year, of course; but also Tu Bishvat (the new year for trees and all things green) and, in the congregational world, the the fiscal year, which begins on July 1st. This is a meaningful time of transition at TBT, as we welcome a wonderful new Board and President: Dr. Karen Goldberg. At the same time, we offer a heartfelt todah rabbah (thank you very much) to Sarah Mervine, who served with dedication over the last two years.

Continuing the theme of exciting new beginnings: as we bid lehitra’ot (farewell) to Cantor Boyle, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Leah Cassorla as our new Religious School Director and Cantorial Soloist. Dr. Cassorla brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and passion to this role, and she is eager to get to know our TBT families. Soon, we will announce special gatherings this summer in which you will have the opportunity to meet her, tour the TBT construction site (I can’t wait for you to see the progress!), or both.

As the kids head to camp and many of us head to vacation or family gatherings, I wish everyone safe travels and a wonderful summer. I look forward to seeing you throughout the next few months — on the Green, at TBT, or perhaps for Shabbat on the Beach!

L’Shalom,
Rabbi Moss

President's Column - June 2022

Dear Friends,

This will mark my last article as President of TBT. On July 1, Karen Goldberg will step up and become the president, along with an amazing Board of Directors. That Board consists of many brand new Board members alongside some who have served TBT well over the years. We are lucky to have all of these leaders willing and ready to help TBT and I am grateful to each and every one of them for signing up for next year.

While it has been an extraordinary two years, I feel happy to say to all of you that TBT has such a bright future ahead. And not just in the distant future! We will soon have our own newly renovated building and we will gather there once again like we used to before the world turned upside down. And even before it is fully done we will continue to meet and be together and look for opportunities to see each other all summer. One such opportunity is just around the corner – the scholar in residence. Maybe we will see each other there,

One thing I can say for sure after these two years is how many wonderful and energetic people – clergy, staff, and countless volunteers -- it takes to make a temple run! And we are lucky to have so many of those people! These people do their part with willing hearts and open hands and do not ask for anything in return, except that the temple community continue to thrive. They are the backbone that hold us all up and we are so fortunate that our backbone is strong. At the same time, we are fortunate to have all of our members, who make up the heart and soul of the place.

As I have said before, even when you aren’t at TBT, you are part of the reason that it is doing so well. Because of you, we had countless B’Nai Mitzvah over the last two years, we helped people mourn, we helped people celebrate, we studied, we sang, we taught our big kids and our little kids, we prayed, we supported refugees and other people in need, and we have helped one another in countless ways.

For me and for my family, I thank you for being part of TBT every day and for helping to make it the inclusive and welcoming place it has always been. I am excited to sit back on the sidelines and watch all of the ways it will continue to grow and thrive into the future.

B’Shalom,
Sarah

Rabbi's Column - June 2022

Dear TBT Friends,

It’s trivia time! Could you name the very first letter in the Torah? It’s a bet, the second letter of the Hebrew alef-bet. Take a look at this letter:

ב

The ancient sages wondered why the Torah begins with this particular letter. One answer: its shape, closed on all sides except for its forward-facing left (we read Hebrew from right to left), reminds us to focus on that which is in front of us. Have you ever heard that the windshield is larger than the rearview mirror for a reason? I think this is a similar idea.

This season is full of endings and new beginnings: graduations, weddings; leadership transitions. Summer is just around the corner. Perhaps we’ve begun a new professional role, or recently welcomed a new member of the family. Occasions like these fill our hearts with excitement and hope.

At the same time, we are deeply aware of the losses of the past two years: milestones postponed; family gatherings canceled; loved ones who are no longer with us. It is impossible to move into the future without carrying the weight of these losses. Judaism also values memory of life’s hardships. Remember how Moses, seeing the Israelites worshiping a golden calf, threw down the tablets of the ten commandments in anger? According to the Midrash, the Israelites carried those broken fragments in the Ark of the Covenant right underneath the second versions that Moses carved. The broken pieces from our past become part of us.

I would contend that it is precisely because of this imperative to remember, that our ancient teachers direct our attention to the present moment. “Im lo achshav, eimatai?” asks the great sage Hillel — If not now, when? We keep our eyes focused on where we are, now. We acknowledge unmet expectations and unrealized hopes. We may find it impossible (or unhelpful) to jettison these lived realities. But they don’t need to weigh us down; rather, they occupy their own little corner of our psyche, like the rearview mirror, in balance with all that lies ahead.

Shalom,
Rabbi Danny Moss

President's Column - May 2022

Dear Friends,

When I was a law student living on a shoe-string budget in Chicago, I used to attend a Modern Orthodox Synagogue. Why was a student who grew up in Conservative Judaism and leaned towards all Reform ideas going to a Modern Orthodox Synagogue? While it was true that the Rabbi there was amazing, the reason was really simple: money. I simply did not have any extra money to join a synagogue or pay for High Holiday tickets and the Modern Orthodox Synagogue let everyone in for free.

Had I lived here in Madison, I could have attended Temple Beth Tikvah, where the Rabbis are also amazing. Why? Because, from the beginning, TBT has been committed to allowing anyone to become a member, no matter how much that person could pay. I would have been a full member at no cost.

No cost to me, that is. In order to offer this service on the Shoreline – this service of letting all who want to come in come – there is a cost. There is a cost to running our building, paying our staff, cleaning our floors, keeping the lights on. That cost is simply subsidized by TBT, by the members who are here who say: it is important that I be able to join and it is important to me that anyone who wants to be able to join can as well.

Perhaps, you, like me, were once or are now able to worship because of other synagogue members and you know how good it feels to have a place to go and worship. Or perhaps you weren’t helped out, and you felt how hard it was to pay to join. Many of us know both of these things to be equally true: it costs a lot to run a synagogue but if it costs so much that many cannot join there is no point to that synagogue.

That is why TBT is starting a new campaign this summer and fall, “sponsor a member.” As many have gone through hard times financially, we are stepping up our aid to make sure not one member leaves TBT due to finances and all who want to become members can do so. How to help? It is simple. When you get your dues pledges, check “yes, I will sponsor a member” and add the amount you are willing to pay, or pay the full additional membership if you can. Those payments will go towards any members who cannot pay the full amount or cannot pay anything at all.

We hope this program will not only help keep the lights on, it will help show every non-affiliated person on the Shoreline (and many current members) that we welcome them, and not for their money. That we are committed to this community and to one another in every way.

Thanks, in advance, for your help in welcoming all to TBT.
Sarah Mervine

President's Column - April 2022

Dear Friends,

Given some of the darkness we have seen in the world as of late, I have been thinking a lot about light. How to shine a light on things we need to change, how to be a light for others, and how to feel some of that brightness ourselves. As we all know, the very first step in creation was to “[l]et there be light” and everything followed from there.

I do feel proud of the light so many of our congregants are bringing to TBT and to the world in many ways. Some of you are thinking up creative ways to collect money for Ukraine, others of you have organized a vigil in support, while still others have attended that vigil. Some of you are building houses again for Raise the Roof, others of you are teaching our children, and many, many of you are taking advantage of TBT’s educational offerings to spark your own inner light.

It was fitting, then, as I have been focused on this light, that Kim Romine called me up the other day and said “you have to come in and see the light in our new building!.” This wasn’t any figurative light, but the actual light streaming in from all sides as the new building takes shape.

At Kim’s urging, I came in for a recent tour. I have toured the building many, many times, but, Kim was right, the light flowing into the new space now is unbelievable. For the first time she and I could see the space we will soon have that we have been promising for so long – a space full of light and hope.

If you haven’t had a chance to partake of some of the “figurative” light at TBT, I invite you to join our Social Justice efforts, come to services, come to second seder or come to TBT as we hand out some goodies for Passover. If you haven’t had a chance to partake of our literal light, I invite you to do that too! Come sign up for a quick tour and see what we have in store for our near future.

As the saying goes when faced with dark times: better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. Thank you for being part of TBT and helping to foster this light in so many different ways!
- Sarah Mervine