One of the traditional names for a Jewish congregation is “Bet Kenesset” – “House of Gathering. Beyond serving as a place of study and worship, a synagogue (the Greek translation of Bet Kenesset) is a community center. It is a place for Jewish people to gather to share many activities, including helping other congregants in need, discussing the issues of the day, and simply enjoying each other’s presence. One of the other important attributes of a synagogue is that the congregants themselves serve as the leaders. Through committees, a great deal of the planning and implementing of programs take place. Temple Judea is dedicated not only to offering a good product (i.e., exciting programs for the congregational community and beyond), but also to having a good process in which as many Temple members as possible become involved in committees or in the auxiliaries of Brotherhood and Women of Temple Judea. The youth program of our congregation is another terrific avenue for participation, offering activities for almost every age. Our dynamic youth culture is a great way to begin a life-long involvement in the congregational community. Temple Judea is about many things, but nothing is more important than fostering a warm sense of community and acceptance. We hope that all of our members will get involved.