Add Your Own Ingredient.
- aarrington547
- Aug 11, 2025
- 1 min read
In the classic story Stone Soup, a hungry traveler begins making soup with just a stone, sparking the curiosity of villagers who each decide to add their own ingredients. Together, they create a hearty meal and discover the power of sharing and community.
The story of Stone Soup beautifully reflects the spirit of beginning a new religious school year, through a Jewish lens. In the tale, each person brings a small offering, and together they create something greater than anyone could alone—just as in Judaism, we value kehillah (community), where everyone’s unique contribution is essential.
As we begin this new school year, students bring curiosity, teachers bring Torah and guidance, families bring support and love and every Temple household, through their membership commitment, provides the framework for it all to be possible —each one fulfilling the mitzvah of Talmud Torah (Jewish learning).
Like the soup, the learning and growth Temple can provide is at its richest when we come together with generosity, intention, and shared purpose. This reflects the Jewish value of arevut, the idea that all Jews are responsible for one another. With each small act—just like each ingredient—we build a warm, meaningful, and sacred year ahead for our students.
Community is built not from one big thing, but from many small, heartfelt contributions.
If you haven't already made your “We Are Temple” contribution through a one-time gift or increasing your membership support, we invite you to add your own ingredients today and discover the beauty of contributing to your sacred community.
-Ellen Barshop
Director of Congregational Learning
8/11/25
