A Visit to the Temple: Sabbatical Shabbat at Temple Beth El
Temple Beth El http://www.bethelsp.org/ (Trinity's neighbor for the last 60 years) celebrated their homecoming into their beautifully renovated facility. Temple Beth El has been in San Pedro for 92 years (3 less than Trinity's 95).The renovation sent them into partial or full exile for the last whole year, and cost 5.5 million dollars. The entire cost is covered by donors or by pledges. The results are stunning and beautiful. I told Rabbi Chuck and Cantor Ilan that they have caused me to be a commandment breaker frequently. "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house." The whole community gathered outside of the Temple at 6:30pm on Friday, June 3rd to cut the ribbon, dedicate the mezuza, and hear from elected officials.
The Rabbi called me as a representative of Trinity, as well as the Pr Sunny Kang from St Luke's Presbyterian, forward to thank our respective communities for gracious hospitality during their days of exile. More on that later, but I took a panoramic photo of the front of Temple Beth El facing the front of Trinity. Ed Kise was even present helping with parking, welcome, and security. Ed is amazing, and a terrific representative of the kindness of Trinity (and the Trinity). The Rabbi said some very kind words about Trinity's generosity and hospitality. I was very proud! Afterward, our US Representative, Janice Hahn made a point to come up to me and say how moved she was hearing about such a open hearted welcome from Trinity. She said, "That should be a news story, but I guess good news stories don't make it on the news that often."
The mezuzah is what sets a physical space apart as a Jewish space-home or sanctuary. It contains a parchment with an inscription of at least a portion of Deuteronomy 6.4-9.
Shabbat Service
After the 6:30pm dedication, we moved into the building and the sanctuary for Shabbat Service at 7:30pm. There were a few moments I was moved during prayer.
-They love sabbath, and why wouldn't they. It felt like a party at times and being led by quiet waters at other times. Sabbath is here! We don't have to work like slaves 24/7! At one moment, the whole gathering stood up and faced east to greet sabbath like a beautiful bride coming to meet us! Sabbath is here, isn't she beautiful! The Christian question, "Do you *have to keep the sabbath?" would feel so foreign in this environment. Sabbath is pure beautiful gift!
-Like Trinity, they were all ages. I think any generation coming to their service would feel like they belong. Music was varied in every way. They had a small kids choir that usually supported the vibrant congregational singing. Sometimes they supported the strong melody, and sometimes they enhanced with a beautiful descant.
-The Psalms provide the main material for their prayer. Their call to prayer is the same as it is in the historic Christian prayer services (Morning Prayer or Matins and Evening Prayer or Vespers-Evensong). "O Lord (Adoni), open our lips, and our mouths will tell of your praise" (from Psalm 51). The Cantor and some worshippers rock forward during this invitatory, as they transition from the domain of this world to the kingdom. Or maybe like Abraham Heschel would put it, from the world of space to the world of time.
-As they sang from Psalm 91 about living under God's covering wings, children and youth sat or stood near their parents (especially their dads, it seemed) and found covering under their arms and prayer cloths. Even the Cantor's daughter went up to the ambo with him and snuggled in close with a big smile that I interpreted "I am loved-I am secure-I am my father's beloved daughter." That was very moving.
-They took ample time for prayer for issues people were facing now, including prayers for healing. Many people interceded for loved ones, and the Cantor and Rabbi were gracious to name me in prayer (they had been following my recent heart issues). Very compassionate.
2 Reasons
1. Our church bears the name of a great man, who said reprehensible things about Jews. You can find a ton of information online. I appreciated Eric Gritsch's article: http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-39/was-luther-anti-semitic.html
There is a ton of context, as is true of any historical figure and historical controversy, but none of the context makes Luther's writing/words defensible. He will have to rely of justification by faith alone, too. It is no secret to Jewish people that Luther said these things. They have every right to have a protective stance when dealing with us. Being hospitable to Temple Beth El for these months can never atone for our past sins of commission, or our silent sins of omission. But, I pray that our freely given hospitality can be interpreted as good will. I would also say that if we were waiting for a time when we could repay our debt in full, we would wait a long time. Too long. Reconciliation can't take place somewhere else. It can't happen later. We have the opportunity to love our neighbor, and be agents of reconciliation-here and now. I'm glad we did it (though imperfectly). I had warm conversations with many Temple members last night, and many others over the last months. I hope when they and their children think of us they don't think of Luther's tract "On the Jews and their lies" but think, instead of Trinity and our Christlike open arms.
2. Abraham and Sarah and Covenant, Israel and wrestling, Moses and Torah, Esther and brave intercession, Ruth and inclusion, David and forgiveness and wholeheartedness, the prophets and justice and righteousness, and many other heroes and villains, saints and sinners who have relied on the steadfast chesed of God. We owe a debt we could never repay for the benefits of being grafted into this story of the family of Jesus. "Do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you" Romans 11.18. I love our roots. I pray our future will be marked by humble neighborly love.
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