Our project to digitize the TBA archives is well underway. As we look at the many documents that have been collected and organized by Elaine Israelsohn, our Temple Archivist, you can’t help but be surprised by how things have changed but also how things are the same.
Today I came across a carefully prepared program used for the high holidays in 1947. Holding this program, seeing the folds from the repeated opening and closing, reading the Rabbi’s notes to the congregation, and even the the doodles on the back cover, all make holding this small piece of TBA history special. What came to mind is the great effort, on the part of so many people, that went into putting this High Holiday service together. And that this level of commitment still exists at TBA today.
The past weeks at TBA have been filled by what some might see as extraordinary sequence of events of all kinds. The many different types of services for adults, children and families, our community learning day, special guests like Judith Black, last Saturday’s coffee house, Neverland Theater rehearsals and more. If you go back and look at the number of events that our congregation has hosted, and our members have organized, it is nothing short of astounding.
That said, the next weeks at TBA are going to be even more busy. Because the Rabbi is away in Israel, members have seized the opportunity to take a more active part in running services. We also have a “club Shabbat” this coming Saturday that is combined with a visit from a gifted cantorial student, Jeri Robins, to preside over services. There is no doubt that the energy level will be soaring to level only the kids can make happen. No matter how often you attend services you probably don’t want to miss this one.
In at least one respect TBA is not any different now than it was sixty plus years ago. The members of our congregation work very hard planning activities that bring us together to celebrate, to learn, and to grow. The only way our friends know that all of their hard work is worthwhile is when someone they haven’t seen before comes to an event, and after a few short minutes is sporting a smile. If you haven’t been to TBA in a while you should come to some of the events over the next weeks. If you have been, bring a friend who hasn’t smiled in a while.
If you are interested in the history and want to learn more about the people who lived where we live now, but many years ago, you should consider spending some time looking at the archives. Whether you have an hour or a day you can help the web team review the documents that have already been collected and organized. Work can be done with us at TBA, or at your home using the internet. Contact Jeff or Deb if you are interested in helping out.
