Retelling our Personal Stories - Ellen Agler on Parshat Bo

I am struck in this week’s Torah portion, Bo, by the power of story-telling in our Jewish tradition.  We are reminded that Moses was commanded by God to perpetuate the memory of the exodus from Egypt by retelling the story of the Jews’ successful flight from oppression under Pharoh.  During Passover we put ourselves in the shoes of those who came before us; have a modern day taste of the bitterness of slavery our ancestors endured and celebrate.  Though observance of retelling this ancient Jewish story has changed somewhat over time, we still tell it each year as Moses was commanded.

What is the role of story-telling in modern Jewish temple life?  As the administrator of a large urban congregation I hear many stories from our congregants.  Their stories come from deep places rich with old memories and from more recent experiences.  Listening to stories is profoundly affecting, and these conversations drive decisions that fundamentally affect how we “do business.”

When today’s American Jews who affiliated with well-established temples tell their stories, it has a significant influence on the temple. For example:

·        Individual stories of financial challenges drive temple practices around dues;

·        Meaningful family traditions around b’nai mitzvah impact selection of a date and ritual elements of the ceremony;

·        Volunteers are highlighted as we honor them in the temple publications;

·        Members’ personal stories drive the Just Congregations model for tikkun olam and guide the social justice initiatives our community pursues, and;

·        What is meaningful to members about their affiliation guides the temple’s strategic plan.

 

Personal stories shared by our members are of central importance and, as they are retold, become a part of the fabric of how organizational aspects of temple life are “observed” today.

Yes, the temple business must run smoothly.  There are budgets to meet and staff to supervise. Members expect there to be air conditioning when it is hot outside and heat when it is cold.  Lights should come on when it is dark and the sound system in the sanctuary project words and music from the bimah clearly and with lovely tones.  When all of that is in place and working well, we are happy.  But, a well-run building and balanced budget alone do not sustain a temple community.

This week’s Parasha leads us to ponder the central role story-telling plays in Jewish life. Moses carried forward the story of the Jews’ exodus from Egypt for succeeding generations. It remains as a fundamental Jewish observance even today.  It reminds me that we are doing our jobs as temple leaders best when we respond to the modern day needs of our members as they are communicated through the stories they tell.

Ellen Agler is the Executive Director of Temple Sinai, Washington, DC