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Dear Friends,
Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple (“people of kindness”) and The Temple-Tifereth Israel (“glory of Israel”) have each made history for 18 decades, as two independent Cleveland synagogues. Thousands have been touched by our commitment to imbue the world with justice, kindness and caring. We’ve been proud leaders within Reform Judaism, fostering innovative family learning, meaningful worship, and dynamic acts of loving kindness.
At this pivotal moment in our shared history – a vote to unite and form a new community– one key question has been “What will a new, unified community be called?” Since our lay leaders first discussed joining together 18 months ago, we agreed a new name would be essential to guide us toward the bright future we envision. Anshe Chesed (“people of kindness”) and Tifereth Israel (“glory of Israel”) are values precious to our legacy. Hundreds of you have suggested new names meant to shine a light on the era in which we presently live and our capability to thrive in the future.
Today I am sharing with you the name to which we are overwhelmingly drawn – Mishkan Or, משכן אור, a dwelling place of light! This new name for our unified congregation would be unique, which is fitting as Jewish leaders in Cleveland and across our movement have marveled to see this unification unfold between two vibrant historic temples.
Why does Mishkan Or, משכן אור speak to us, to this moment in time, and to our shared values?
The Mishkan (משכן) in Torah refers to a dwelling place. For our ancestors, the Mishkan was a portable tent-like structure carried on our backs as we traversed the wilderness. No matter where we lived, the Mishkan enabled us to draw together and feel unity with one another. Within the Mishkan, we felt the presence of transcendent holiness immanently between us.
The term Or (אור) in Hebrew means light. As the narrative of Torah began, the light of creation was presented universally for all humanity. Then in the Book of Exodus, light emanates from a burning bush. In that light’s presence, Moses was commissioned to lead our ancestors to redemption from slavery and oppression. Today we each remain committed to fight oppression and injustice. And like Moses, we need partners in leading this effort. To symbolize Moses’ trust in his new partners, he lit torches they held in their hands, sharing leadership by sharing light, indicating he was forming a team capable of sharing vision, insight, and determination. Echoing the daily prayers of our faith, we’d yearn to see an Or Chadash (אור חדש ) a new light, shine upon Zion, and for the world to witness that light’s radiance. Imagine the light we can shine into the world together!
Over the course of recent gatherings and conversations, you’ve shared with our temple lay leaders and clergy your hope that our community could radiate light and hope in the modern world. You need to know: I share that vision! Especially in recent months as antisemitism spiked and an unprecedented October 7 attack against Israel and a war has ensued, I’ve felt the critical importance of naming what we stand for, and how the world can be a more just place because of the work of our community.
All of the past presidents from each of our temples have been moved by the name Mishkan Or among many meaningful possibilities. Our leadership has held instructive consultations with communications professionals, savvy to the practical dimensions of marketing a new congregation’s message. We sought and received substantive insights from The Temple-Tifereth Israel’s Senior Rabbi Emeritus Richard A. Block and Fairmount Temple’s Cantor Laureate Sarah J. Sager.
Together, we propose to become a Mishkan Or (משכן אור), a dwelling place of light, a truly worthy aspiration! Why come together? To found in partnership with you a new community that will address this dynamic era in Jewish life with growing light and shared vision!
You’ll hear soon from each congregation about the process to vote. But as soon as you wish, reach out to me at [email protected]. I invite you to share your dreams for what we can accomplish together with me or any of the remarkable clergy or board directors of each of our temples. We are counting on your reflections and commitments to our Mishkan Or, a bright new light in Jewish life, a name for the collective hopes for an enduring future.
Should we determine together by the votes of the members in good standing of both congregations to move forward with unification, a Mishkan Or will emerge. I know I am grateful to all the leaders of our communities present and past who have led us to have the courage to found together what is most needed in Jewish life right now: a dwelling place of light, hope, justice and belonging. Like the founders of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple and The Temple-Tifereth Israel, we feel confident in the emerging proposal. I am honored to offer my partnership to you in the founding of Mishkan Or, a new congregation. I am convinced that in voting to unite, we may be taking one of the most consequential Jewish actions of each of our lifetimes.
L’shalom Al Yisrael,
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