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In Might of 1874, Temple Beth-El turned the primary Jewish congregation in San Antonio. We stay a historic pillar of town’s Jewish group 150 years later. We’ve got spent the previous 12 months celebrating 150 years of non secular management, social motion and group affect and look ahead to our grand a hundred and fiftieth Anniversary Gala on March 22 as a culminating celebration meant to unite congregants, buddies and group leaders to honor our wealthy historical past simply as we envision our vibrant future.
A legacy of management and repair
Temple Beth-El, established in 1874 by 44 pioneering Jewish households, shouldn’t be solely the oldest synagogue in San Antonio but additionally one of the historic Reform Jewish congregations in Texas. Over time, it has been integral to town’s growth, serving as a spot of worship and likewise as a hub for training, cultural actions and social justice initiatives. From modest beginnings in a rented house to its current location on Belknap Place, Temple’s progress is a mirrored image of the enlargement of San Antonio itself.
A founding member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now the Union for Reform Judaism, or URJ), Temple Beth-El has change into a part of a broader nationwide community of Reform synagogues that advocate for progressive values, inclusivity and adaptableness inside Jewish traditions. Its long-standing dedication to those ideas — particularly social justice, interfaith dialogue and the evolution of traditions — has been central to its id.
Lately, Temple Beth-El continues to thrive, adjusting to the evolving wants of its group whereas staying true to its inclusive, progressive roots. In 2014, I turned the primary feminine Senior Rabbi, marking a major milestone within the Temple’s ongoing dedication to gender equality and progressive beliefs. At the moment, with almost 900 member households, Temple stays a dynamic pillar of Jewish life in San Antonio, providing a heat, welcoming house for worship, studying and group connection.
A dedication to social justice
From its earliest days, Temple Beth-El has embraced the precept of tikkun olam, or “repairing the world,” with unwavering dedication. The congregation has tirelessly advocated for causes comparable to civil rights, interfaith collaboration and the battle in opposition to starvation and homelessness, striving to create a long-lasting optimistic affect on the broader group.
For many years, we now have collaborated with the San Antonio Meals Financial institution and Meals on Wheels amassing meals, elevating funds and internet hosting impactful packages. This 12 months, our group got here collectively to gather an unimaginable 1,910 kilos of meals for the San Antonio Meals Financial institution, and together with our financial donations, we’re proud to have contributed a complete of 21,388 meals. Our Meals on Wheels volunteers ship 400 meals every month to twenty people, making certain not solely a nutritious meal but additionally significant interplay with a well-known, pleasant face
Our summer time program, CreativKids SA, serves the wants of over 200 native youngsters between the ages of three and 12 for free of charge to their households, no matter their affiliation to Temple or Judaism. CreativKids SA is the one summer time camp within the downtown San Antonio space that gives free actions, along with meals, for a lot of the summer time.
We’re happy with 150 years of service and know that our members and leaders are the visionaries who make every thing potential. Clergy, lay leaders and congregants alike have contributed their time, abilities and assets to make sure Temple Beth-El stays a vibrant and welcoming dwelling for all who search connection and that means.
The a hundred and fiftieth Anniversary Gala
Our a hundred and fiftieth Anniversary Gala will happen on March 22 at Temple Beth-El. This extremely anticipated occasion will likely be a celebration of our Temple’s wealthy historical past and a tribute to the group that has supported it by the years. The night will function reside music, a connoisseur dinner and a reside efficiency by world famend sand artist Joe Castillo.
“It is a once-in-a-lifetime alternative to rejoice our previous whereas envisioning our future,” mentioned Temple’s Government Director Eric Ryniker. “The gala won’t solely spotlight the unimaginable legacy of Temple Beth-El but additionally encourage us to proceed constructing a robust and inclusive group for generations to come back.”
Proceeds from the occasion will guarantee we will present the framework to proceed to encourage all folks by our instructional packages and social justice actions, and can assist to help within the preservation of Temple’s historic constructing. Moreover, the gala will present a possibility to strengthen bonds and domesticate deeper connections throughout the group.
“Temple has stood as a pillar for each the Jewish and higher San Antonio group. Our dome is a historic landmark throughout the metropolis’s skyline and has been an inspiration to folks of all faiths as an emblem for social justice. I’m grateful and honored to be a part of this celebration,” mentioned Temple’s President Mark Eichelbaum.
Trying ahead
Our a hundred and fiftieth anniversary celebration is as a lot in regards to the previous as it’s in regards to the future and this 12 months of celebration has impressed us to look forward with a renewed sense of function and risk. Temple Beth-El stays dedicated to its mission of offering a non secular dwelling for all who search it, whereas persevering with to advocate for justice, fairness and compassion in San Antonio and past.
As I replicate on this milestone, I’m full of gratitude for the generations of leaders and congregants who’ve made Temple Beth-El what it’s at present. Their dedication and imaginative and prescient have created a legacy that ensures that Temple Beth-El will stay a part of the bedrock of San Antonio as we proceed to speculate in the neighborhood within the years to come back.
I invite everybody within the San Antonio group — whether or not you’ve been a part of Temple Beth-El for many years or are simply studying about us — to affix us in celebrating this extraordinary milestone. Collectively, we’ll honor our previous, rejoice our current and construct a future full of hope and promise.
For extra details about the a hundred and fiftieth Anniversary Gala and the right way to get entangled, please go to our web site at www.beth-elsa.org/150years.
