Being the biggest Jewish temple in the United States, Temple Israel stands in West Bloomfield. However many people do not know what a temple is or how one can be beneficial to the communities that they stand in.
Temples play a vital role in bringing together people from all walks of life within the Jewish culture. Jonah Owen, a student who works at the temple said, “Temple Israel stands out as a beacon of cultural preservation and spiritual enrichment.”
The definition of a temple is: A synagogue, also called a temple, is a place of worship for Jews and Samaritans. It has a place for prayer where Jews attend religious services or special ceremonies such as weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs.
However, temples serve as more than just places of worship; It is a vibrant hub of community life. Jonah Owen continued to say, “Temples bring together all peoples of our culture, whether they are religious or not, they build a community in such a vast religion and teach the future generations to keep it going.”
The temple acts as a catalyst for social connections, fostering friendships and support networks that extend beyond the walls of the synagogue. With hosting many events from all different cultures and religions, Temple Israel not only builds its own religious community but also the community of West Bloomfield. Just last week they hosted The Michigan Week Award Ceremony, honoring members of West Bloomfield for being involved in the community.
Owen stated, “At the heart of Temple Israel’s mission is the preservation of Jewish culture.”
One of the remarkable aspects of Temple Israel is its commitment to engaging the youth in the preservation of Jewish culture. Jonah Owen spoke about this too, “Temple Israel especially, being one of the largest congregations in the country, uses song and dance and their youth to guide whoever wants a soulful experience to a happy understanding of the culture.” Overall the temple recognizes the importance of instilling a sense of pride and understanding in its younger generation.
Temples bring together all peoples of Jewish culture, whether they attend it religiously or as member of the community. Temples build a community around the Jewish religion and foster a place where the community of West Bloomfield can grow together. Jonah Owen finally said, “There is nothing like the family you find at temple.” Finding community is important among cultures, and Temple Israel has created an environment for the city of West Bloomfield to thrive together.
