Being a part of Temple Rodeph Torah and the Jewish Community means a lot to me. TRT is an amazing place, and I cherish every moment I am here. I love to spend time with my friends at the temple, and I have been challenged to learn here throughout my years in religious school. I enjoyed attending Hebrew high school every week, especially because I was able to pick the classes that I wanted while having fun with my friends. Being Jewish is more than just a religion for me; it is a way of life. I have friends that I met by going to temple, and I make observing Shabbat a weekly event. I am proud to be able to continue Jewish traditions in my home, such as having Passover seders and lighting the Hanukkah candles.
. Throughout my years at TRT, my teachers not only challenged me to learn, but they allowed me to figure out what Judaism really means to me. When I graduated 7th grade, I was excited to start Hebrew high school. I wasn’t forced to go, and I wasn’t pressured to go by my friends. I was excited to continue my Jewish education and made the decision by myself. Every week I loved to go to Hebrew high, and I always learned something new. I am glad that I continued my Jewish education beyond my bar Mitzvah and I will continue my Jewish studies in the post-Confirmation program.
Judaism is very important to me, and I love learning about it. Now that I volunteer as a religious school aide on Sundays, I am able to pass on the knowledge that I have gained to the students in my class. TRT has also given me volunteering opportunities when we have food drives at local supermarkets. It makes me feel good to volunteer my time to help those in need, and the temple allows me to benefit the community as well as the temple. At Temple Rodeph Torah, I always had fun, and I consider the temple to be my second home. I love everyone I meet here and I feel it is the best place to get a Jewish education. While attending RTSY events, as well as other temple functions, I see that many of my friends feel that the temple is their second home too. The temple feels a lot like home and I am comfortable here. Through the many beneficial programs and classes that I have participated in here at TRT, I realize that we truly are a temple community, not just a group of similar people. I am honored and proud to be a part of the Jewish community of Temple Rodeph Torah, and I love to spend time in the temple. Being here means a lot to me, and I wouldn’t like it anyway else.