The Temple is a Place for Responsibility/Action!

This semester’s interfaith text study ended with a session discussing social responsibility. My group talked a lot about the centrality of social action to each religion represented (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). We also discussed the importance of standing up for other people as a key facet of social responsibility. Sometimes we find it easy to think about helping those who we consider less fortunate than us, but all people need to be surrounded with a community who builds them up and supports them as needed. Faith communities offer this built-in support, which leads to our need to reach out to those outside of our particular communities. Our discussion especially seemed to draw us together during this last text study.

After the study, we visited the sanctuary at Plum Street. I have attended services there before, so I was not looking at the space for the first time – but there is so much to see that each time something is new. As I examined the hand-painted walls, I found new designs. I learned more about the restored organ and pipes this time. We looked together at one of the Torah scrolls and talked about the preparation that goes into each scroll. The story of Isaac Mayer Wise’s appointment and leadership were recounted. We considered the Moorish design of the amazing space before us.

Next month we will reconvene for dinner and to talk more about the experience – but I hope to also keep up with new friendships formed through this group. I have had a wonderful time considering various points of view deeply. Through initiatives like this text study, we may engage meaningfully with people very different from us and impact the world!