As the CEO of a Jewish community foundation, I often walk the halls, sanctuaries, offices and schools of many synagogues.
As you might expect, Jewish values are evident everywhere: Toddlers are marking Shabbat in the preschool; youngsters are reciting the aleph bet in Hebrew School; tweens are studying for their bnei mitzvah, as high school students debate the relevancy of Jewish law on the pressing issues of today.
As I continue my walk through the social hall, adults are feeding the homeless and preparing to host them overnight in a makeshift shelter, all part of the shul's tikkun olam efforts. They prepare this meal in what is likely a kosher kitchen, or at least a kosher-style one. If I happen to be visiting a shul on Shabbat, there is undoubtedly a different "feel" than on other days, even if the temple does not observe a fully halachic Shabbat.
Read Full Article »