““Time Flies and Yet, Stands Still””
Time often takes on strange dimensions. How often do we find ourselves saying “where has the time gone?” Or just as often asking “will this ever end.” Time moves on with or without our permission. With this understanding, I felt more focused and able to look back with gratitude, and to look forward with a vision of the future. But I get ahead of myself.
I came to Temple Beth Sholom in 1989, more than a generation ago, 33 years that have passed in a heartbeat. As a single parent with no family in the community, I wanted to re-create that community of men, women and children that Moses gathered in the desert. I was looking to engage my two young children with the fundamental principles of Jewish life. More than that, I wanted them to be thoughtful about their Judaism, spiritually, emotionally and politically, and to never take it for granted. To do that, we needed to be part of something much larger than ourselves. I saw this as a partnership in raising strong Jewish men. Rabbi Glickstein welcomed us unconditionally as he brought my family into the Tent. The impact is observable as I look at our lives today. The two young children I brought with me now have children of their own. Seeing my life in such temporal terms, it felt quite natural to include Temple in my Will. Simply, I want to make a meaningful and long-term difference in the Jewish community that nurtured my family. Beyond nurturing, this community gave us both an indelible identity and faith. And, it gave us the courage to believe in both. It is important to me to return this gift. To give back.
As it is profoundly asked in Rent, how do we “measure a life”? Both my children grew up at TBS. Daniel was active in BESHTY and spent his high school years participating in conventions, trips to Israel, and working as a Madrich. He later formed a Jewish A Cappella group in both college and graduate school. In fact, it was in one group that he met his wife. Incorporating the culture of TBS, when he moved into a new community, he immediately joined the synagogue and, today, serves as a leader in his home away from home. David is a proud alum of Temple Beth Sholom’s Foundation School, and was a member of “Miss Joanie’s” pioneering kindergarten class. Both boys studied hard to please their teacher and mentor Shula Ben-David, who danced at their B’nei Mitzvah. I became a Bat Mitzvah on the Temple’s first family trip to Israel. My husband, Mike Spritzer and I are grateful to our friend Rabbi Davis who officiated at our wedding. Rabbi Glickstein was there to sing Yiddish songs to my mother just before her death. I will never forget that he and Joanie flew to New Jersey to officiate at Daniel’s wedding. Rabbi Pomerantz lovingly participated in David’s wedding and, a few years later, at their son’s Brit Milah. These – and so many more – remain incredibly meaningful and memorable moments in a life. We all have stories about Temple Beth Sholom. My stories underscore, without exception, support, rich human relationships, and meaningful action. Dig deeper and I find a shared faith, loving kindness, comfort in the hardest times, and shared joy in the best of times. As I witness my children with their own children, I realize, too, that our life within this Jewish community has imbued us with lasting values and moral content. Beyond the personal, our Temple community is at the forefront of social issues that will inspire future generations to change this world. I have brought these teachings into the lives of my grandchildren who are never too young or too old to carry these lessons forward. I am deeply proud of this work and of our tradition in the community. Perhaps this helps explain why I have made a covenant to do whatever it takes to ensure that Temple Beth Sholom will always be there for those who wish to be a part of the family. We share deep concerns, tough decisions and, always, a lot of humor. For me, it is important to remember Temple Beth Sholom in my Will because it is here that we reaffirm our identity as Jews, and feel good and comfortable and safe to be Jewish. I take pride and ownership in the future.
— Margie Baron
Past President, TBS