TORAH TIMES - SPRING EDITION 2018

A Message from Our
Membership Director
Dear Families,
GABY RASCOVSKY
As Dr. Ron Wolfson suggests, one of
the goals for an institution is to plant
the seed in our communitites to
become a “Relational Jew”. A Jew who
views Judaism as on impacting virtually
all of one’s relationship. Jewish identity
is not measured by how many services
we attend a month, or whether we
light Shabbat candles or not. These are
just indicators of Jewish identificaton.
Internal Jewish identity is shaped by
the relationships in one’s life.
So, as a professional, here are some
questions I exercised to identify our
steps in offering opportunities from our
shul and to become the Relational Jew:
Do we see ourselves as part of a Jewish
family? How do we relate to being a
Jewish father, daughter, grandfather,
sister, partner, or spouse?
Do we find ourselves among a network
of good friends; friends who will be
there for me in good and bad times?
Do we engage in life long learning
about Judaism? Do we try on Jewish
practices? Do we commit to living a
Jewish life? Do I belong and support
my community? My synagogue?.
Truthfully, we are a big family, with
a lot going on week after week, but
we quite know each other. We are
exposed, embraced and surrounded
by families that will be here and there
for each other in bad and good times.
We give endless opportunities to
transform into the desired Relational
Jew by chosing the experience that
best fits our interest or our family. We
are here for you, and without you we
would never be who we are.
As a Membership Director, I invite
you once again to take advantage of
the many opportunities offered in our
snynagogue and if you haven’t done
so expand your Jewish relationships by
connecting with others through different
paths; the ritual, the social, the communal
or the cultural. “ When you find meaning,
and understanding of the significance of
life; you find purpose - an imperative to
do what you are put on earth to do during
your life; you find belonging - a community
of people who are there for you and with
you; and you find blessing - a feeling of
deep satisfaction and gratitude, a calendar
and life cycle of opportunities to celebrate
gifts of life”.
This is how we embrace the Relational Jew
here at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus.
If you have any questions, please feel free
to contact me at grascovsky@btbrc.org or
305-932-2829 x 7821 at any time.
Sincerely,
Gaby Rascovsky
Membership and Religious School Director
Spring Edition 2018 l Adar-Nissan-Iyar 5778
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