At Temple Beth Israel we strive to: (explore) all facets of Jewish life; (engage) in Jewish education, cultural enrichment, and community development; (expand) our hearts, minds, and souls. Founded in 1859, Temple Beth Israel has continued to foster progressive values and integrate inclusive styles of worship, creating a stronger, more vibrant Jewish community. We invite you to take part in our family as we learn and grow together.
Our vision, values, and mission were literally built into the sacred space we are in today. They’re embedded in the sanctuary windows that give light and splendor to our place of worship. after all, The purpose of a window is to see where you’re going. and that’s exactly what ours do.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
The Name of God embraced by a Magen David represents safety and security. The Temple strives to be a safe place for all who enter - To safeguard Jewish identity and culture. To surround ourselves with the divine presence.
COMMITMENT TO LEARNING
The Holy Bible represents a commitment to learning. The Temple strives to expound upon the wisdom that our Torah provides - To help our youth and adults become educators of our ancient tradition for future generations.
INTEGRATION OF UNIQUE GIFTS AND SACRIFICE
The Altar on which the Israelite nation brought incense represents sacrifice. The Temple strives to integrate each person’s unique talents and gifts they willingly sacrifice to our community - To honor those who beautify our Temple in song, spirit, and generosity.
ROLE MODELING RIGHTEOUS BEHAVIOR
The Burning Oil Lamp represents righteousness. We acknowledge that Jews are called upon to be a light unto the nations. To be role models. So too the Temple strives to serve as a foundation for righteous action - To model the type of behavior we hope to see in the world.
LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
The Burning Bush represents a call to leadership. The Temple strives to support its leaders - To foster care and commitment for those who serve on our committees, governing boards, and in the community abroad.
REASON, FREE-WILL, AND INTELLECT
The Menorah represents illumination of the intellect. The Temple strives to use reason and logic in our organizational practices - To exercise our freewill to make choices that benefit the world we live in.
SUPPORT OF SOCIETAL INFRASTRUCTURE
The Ten Commandments represents Law. The Temple strives to uphold the laws of God and the laws of our country - To help institute and promote laws and provisions that protect others, uplifting the sick, fallen, and hungry. Just as we are made in the image of God, we too strive to form order out of a chaos.
MOBILITY OF JEWISH ETHICS AND TRADITION
The Ark of the Covenant represents mobility of the Jewish tradition. The Temple strives to endow its members with ethical Jewish values to take with them wherever they may wander off to. But also, that those who wander back to Macon will always have a home at Temple Beth Israel.
AWARENESS AND ALIGNMENT OF ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS, VISION, AND VALUES
The All-Seeing Eye. The most important symbol that ties everything together. The eye represents awareness. The Temple strives to be aware of these goals that our founding members set for us - To reflect remain aware and reflect regularly on our purpose, our goals, and our focus as an institution.