Rabbi Jonathan Bienenfeld
The Young Israel of Cherry Hill is a community whose members each stand out and contribute their individual talents to enable the whole to shine. Our small size makes every member invaluable, but our mutual respect and cooperation is what connects us into a single unit. Truly, “We Are One” - not by necessity, but by choice.
We are one because we are inspired by the ideas of our fellow community members. We are one because by seeing the world through the eyes of our friends, we find our own lives enriched.
Is it possible that such a lofty outlook can be at the mercy of something as finite as brick and mortar? Unfortunately, yes. The complicated mix of physical and spiritual, of finite and infinite, that exists within one individual body, is a phenomenon that exists on a communal level as well. The sense that “We Are One” is an attitude nurtured by sharing the same physical space, and is born out of the communal experiences of davening and learning together, and of enjoying each other’s company. For these experiences to continue, we must expand our shul to accommodate our growing population, our ever-widening circle of friends and neighbors. We need a larger body to accommodate our burgeoning soul.
Our sights are set high - but, after all, “We Are One.” With a unified effort, we will achieve our goal. I look forward to embarking on the journey with you.
B’vracha v’hatzlacha,Rabbi Bienenfeld