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TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL
MISSION STATEMENT / FUNDAMENTAL COMMITMENTS / VISION STATEMENT
March 2002
MISSION STATEMENT
Temple Beth Israel is an Australian Progressive Jewish Congregation that provides a spiritual community through a contemporary approach to Jewish practice and a commitment to Jewish Tradition, Culture and Education.
FUNDAMENTAL VALUES
The fundamental commitments of the Temple Beth Israel community are:
- Judaism as a God centred way of life, based on Torah and the inspirations for living that it provides.
- Practice of Jewish traditions that connect us with Am Yisrael and our heritage, and enrich our lives in the modern world.
- Progressive Judaism, which entails a commitment to social action (tikkun olam), religious pluralism, egalitarianism and an acceptance of diversity in ethnicity and lifestyle.
- Zionism and the ideals of religious pluralism in the State of Israel.
- Programs for Progressive Jewish Education and study for adults and youth.
- Jewish continuity and growth.
- Good governance and fiscal responsibility.
- Nurturing a community in which all the members are involved in responding to the needs of one another in all aspects of community life.
- Commitment to the mutuality of Australian Society and Progressive Judaism in enhancing the well-being of the broader community.
VISION
Our vision is to:
- Maintain a congregation that is sensitive to the diverse needs of our Progressive Jewish community.
- Provide services of worship embracing Progressive Jewish values and practice for those Jews who subscribe to these values and who choose to practice Judaism in this manner.
- Provide facilities consistent with the current and future needs of the entire membership of Temple Beth Israel.
- Institute programs and activities that foster an ongoing thriving community, welcoming and supporting Jews who are building commitment through all cycles of their lives.
- Guide our community as it seeks to develop the spiritual, religious and communal expressions of Progressive Judaism.
- Maximise participation in all forms of Progressive Jewish life.
- Encourage and support Progressive Jewish education and study for adults and youth.
- Promote opportunities to become involved in all aspects of community life.
This Statement should be read in conjunction with the Strategic Plan (1993) currently under review.
