Our Values

The Jewish values identified by the TBH Board  are the following 12, symbolic of the 12 tribes of Ancient Israel—the communal organization of our ancestors—and the 12 stones of the hoshen mishpat, the breastplate of the High Priest who was the communal leader in the Holy Temple:

Kehillah—Community and Shared Values

We hold that Jewish life is lived in community through a shared vision and future, and Judaism teaches that the community has obligations to the individual and the individual has obligations to the community.

Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh ba Zeh—Collective Responsibility

We are a part of the Jewish people, which means we embody commitment to each other, our congregation, our greater community, our nation, the needs of humanity and specifically to the Jewish people at home, abroad and in Israel.

Limud Torah—Study

The study of our traditions, sacred texts and our literature is the source of our wisdom and understanding. Through our creative engagement with our textual tradition, we seek to inform our contemporary individual and communal life.

Tefillah—Prayer and Spiritual Practice

We are committed to creative exploration of Jewish spirituality and practice to make Judaism meaningful in our time.

Mitzvah—Ethical & Ritual Practice

We embrace the ritual and ethical expression given through the mitzvot, commandments, which give opportunities for sacredness in our daily lives, throughout our calendar year, during the course of our life cycle and within our interpersonal and communal relationships.

Tzedakah—Justice & Charity

We strive to help those in need by sharing resources and eliminating barriers. Our actions within the TBH community and towards others outside the community are infused with the principles of fairness and consideration, generosity and compassion.

Tikkun Olam—Repair the world

We seek to develop, promote and support inclusive opportunities for members of our community to engage in ma’asim tovim (good deeds) that promote peace, justice and understanding, serve those in need, and work to protect the earth.

Gemilut Hasadim—Acts of Lovingkindness

Through acts of kindness and caring, we support each other during times of joy and times of need, sharing both happiness and sorrow. We strive to create a community of fellowship (havurah) and social connection.

Hachanasat Orchim—Welcoming & Inclusivity

We strive to be an open, welcoming, accessible and egalitarian congregation. We embrace diversity by welcoming people of all races, sexual orientation, economic circumstances, religious backgrounds, and spiritual observance.

Simcha—Celebration

We seek to make our life and congregation one of gladness, celebration and fun.

Le dor v'dor—Connecting the Generations

We are committed to the transmission of Jewish values, knowledge, tradition and identity to generations yet to come, just as we were left a legacy and foundation by those who came before us.

Tarbut—Culture

We embrace all expressions of Jewish life and identity, cultural as well as spiritual.