Let
me start by saying that I believe in Temple Am David. I believe in Am David
being a community where everyone shares a commitment to the principal values
and beliefs of Judaism. Temple Am David is a place where everyone can explore
their relationships between God and each other in a caring environment. Temple
Am David has the potential to enhance and enrich the life of any individual
who chooses to become a member of our community. We do this with the guidance
of our Cantor/Spiritual Leader Richard Perlman, who has the ability to guide
us, uplift us, bind us, comfort us and
educate
us. Why
do I feel so strongly about the community we have at Temple Am David? Within
Am David, I believe we are somuch
more than just a group of people. Although we have each joined this community
for many varied and individual reasons, we all share something more. It is
this “more” that I find moving. It is the outpouring of help that
is easily offered when the congregation is advised that a member is sick and
a family is in need. It is the joy of socializing and getting to know new
members, and old ones too at our annual cookout. It is in the high level of
congregant participation during our High Holy Day and Shabbat services. As
a community, we are concerned about the well-being of our members. This involves
a commitment from all of us to look beyond ourselves. It requires trust and
encouragement.
The board at Am David, as a group has taken on the responsibility of constantly
assessing the needs of our community and trying to make sure those needs can
reasonably be met. It is my hope and belief that we, at Temple Am David, continue
on to building a committed and involved community that becomes an extended
family to its members. The rewards of being a member of this community are
many: the close friendships, the shared celebrations, the spiritual happiness,
and the opportunities for each of us to be helpful to others.
Ron Freeman
Affiliated
with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
