Good morning and gut yontif. My name is Sarah Allyn and it is my honor to serve on the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue’s Board of Directors. I want to begin by thanking the Bethel Community Transformation Center for generously and warmly welcoming us back to their beautiful space that holds such deep meaning for our community. 

When Rabbi Silverman asked me to give this morning’s address, my first thought was, ‘how can I possibly speak in public uncaffeinated?’ And while I typically have little trouble saying ‘no’ (just ask my toddler) I have found on more than one occasion that I cannot turn down our Rabbi. 

I am no Jewish scholar. But I know that throughout our history, the Jewish people have had the courage to rebuild and the fortitude to sustain. I recall the story of the Second Temple.

In 539 BCE the newly appointed Persian King Cyrus issued a decree that the Jews, after years in exile, would be allowed to return home to Judea. Their main mission was to rebuild the ruined city of Jerusalem and reconstruct the Temple. 42,000 Jews returned to the Land of Judah. It took a few decades but by 516 BCE construction of the second Temple was complete. There was a big party. Everyone celebrated. And that’s as far as my eighth grade religious school education takes me in this particular bible story.

After the celebration and some animal sacrifice (I assume) what became of the Temple’s day-to-day? Who sustained it? As it turns out, 50 years after the completion of the Temple, the community in Judea wasn’t doing so great and a man named Ezra was appointed as a sort of cultural leader. Under his leadership, one out of every ten Jews was forcibly moved from the countryside into the city. And the people of Judea vowed, among other things, to pay a tithe to the Temple and to contribute to the maintenance of their community space. Through this shared ownership, the Jewish people flourished. 

This story reminds me of us. Let me be clear, we will not be forcibly relocating anyone. And, God willing, it will not take us two and a half decades to rebuild our second temple. The comprehensive renovation of our downtown building is underway thanks to the generosity of 276 donors and the tireless efforts of Synagogue staff and many dedicated lay leaders. In fact, we are hoping to celebrate our new space (without animal sacrifice) in the spring. The renovation of our beloved building is exciting and historic, no doubt. But what of our long-term sustainability? 

In living our values as a community, members of the Downtown Synagogue are not required to pay annual dues. And we are dedicated to keeping our programs and services, including High Holiday services, accessible to all.

How, then, do we support the incredible staff, programs, rituals, and community outreach that serve over 1,000 people each year, with a true monthly cost of $150 per household? How do we grow our annual budget to deepen and strengthen our impact? We ask you for your support by becoming a Downtown Synagogue Sustainer. With the ease of monthly automatic payments and the flexibility of giving an amount that is meaningful to you, I hope that members and non-members alike will join me in investing in our warm, inclusive, and inviting community to ensure that the Downtown Synagogue will continue to grow and thrive in the city we love.  

In Exodus, God commands the People of Israel to build a tabernacle. Moses wonders if the Israelites are up to the task. The Midrash teaches us that God says “Even (a single) one of the Israelites could do it.” As it is written “of every man whose heart is willing.” God is concerned even with our small individual gifts, and these gifts are as precious as our great collective efforts.

Today, I appeal to each of you. Become a Downtown Synagogue Sustainer. Every contribution is valuable. Every individual gift inspires others to give. 

May your fast be easy, your New Year sweet, and your heart willing. 
Shanah Tovah