Thinking Torah Blog

Gathering this past Sunday for the annual Erev Thanksgiving service with our friends at Saint Clare’s was truly wonderful. This year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Genesis—a historic and visionary partnership of co-ownership and relational living between our two congregations. Seeing our sanctuary filled with so many members from both communities was a powerful reminder of the shared journey we’ve undertaken together.

In this week’s Torah portion, Toldot, we read about Isaac re-digging the wells of his father Abraham, which had been filled in over time. These wells, originally dug by Abraham, were essential sources of life. Yet they were more than physical landmarks—they served as metaphors for places of meeting, courtship, and connection. By re-digging the wells, Isaac not only restored a practical resource but also renewed their symbolic and spiritual significance. Important sources of life require care and must be periodically reestablished.

Our Genesis partnership with Saint Clare’s has been such a wellspring for both our congregations—a source of connection, inspiration, and vitality. However, as I looked around at the Erev Thanksgiving service, I noticed an absence of members in their 30s, 40s, and 50s from both communities. This partnership, while still sustaining us in many ways, will not remain a wellspring unless we foster greater engagement from younger generations.

There could be several reasons for this shift. Perhaps the Genesis partnership doesn’t resonate as strongly with younger members, or perhaps we as leaders haven’t done enough to encourage and sustain interest. Whatever the reasons, it is essential that we, as a community, reflect on this together. Allowing the partnership to fade through inattention or inertia would be a profound loss.

The TBE board is actively engaged in discussions about strengthening our partnership with Saint Clare’s, but we need to hear from you—our members—about what Genesis means to you and how it can continue to serve as a well of meaning and life for both congregations. With your active involvement and vision, we can ensure that Genesis remains a vital and cherished part of our shared story for generations to come.