Urban Journeys: Temple B'nai Israel

Urban Journeys

This is one in a series of adventures in which I undertake a new and exciting pilgrimage journey to a local religious, cultural, or historic landmark in my immediate area.  The purpose of these mini-expeditions is to deepen my faith while broadening my horizons of what it means to live an embodied and committed spiritual life.  Feel free to add to the discussion in the comments section below.

A Torah Trek

Founded in 1903, Temple B'nai Israel is the first permanent Jewish house of worship in Oklahoma.  It's a vibrant center for Reform Judaism, is inclusive and diverse, and welcomes people from all backgrounds to worship, study, and participate in meaningful acts of service.  With a strong focus on social justice and community engagement, I knew that Temple B'nai was a place I wanted to visit.  I set out on my pilgrimage walk just before Thanksgiving Day in the fall of 2017.  My intention was to stay open to new experiences and to practice gratitude on the way there and back.

A neighborhood gratitude tree, a busy Oklahoma freeway, a tree sparing sidewalk,
​a local hospital complex, and the Torah

Along the Way

During my walk, I passed through quiet neighborhoods, across busy byways, alongside a street construction zone, and past businesses and convenience stores.  There were very few fellow travelers out on foot because it was mid-morning, and cold.  But the skies were blue, the sun was bright, and there were opportunities for gratitude all along the way. 

In one of the neighborhoods, I noticed a tree that had sticky notes tacked to it, with extra pens and paper placed on the ground nearby.  As I got closer, I read the notes which had been left by others.  They said things like, "I'm thankful for my wonderful family," and "I'm grateful for my dog," and "I'm thankful for everything I have."  It was a gratitude tree!  I was surprised, because this was early into my trip and already gratitude was a part of the journey.  The spirit of Thanksgiving was in the air.  This small act of intentionality was a sign to me of the good things that surround us everyday, if we only take the time and energy to look for them.

Down the road, I also passed by a community sidewalk which was purposely constructed around an existing tree.  A small detail, but one that could make a big impact.  The tree is a live oak and its leaves stay green all year round.  It provides shade to people waiting for the bus during the hot summer months, and it gives a burst of green during the fall and winter when other trees and plants have gone dormant.  The tree could have easily been removed, but it wasn't, and as a result people will benefit from this small and generous act for years to come.

The large wooden doors leading into the main sanctuary

Arrival

When I arrived at the temple, I was struck by the beauty of the woodwork throughout the facility.  Large panels, sturdy doors, and entire walls lined with natural wood all made a strong and warm impression on me.  In an age of manufactured products and disposable materials, it was refreshing to see a more timeless element prominently included.

The Holocaust remembrance room

One of the most moving experiences of my journey was being able to visit the Holocaust remembrance room inside the temple complex.  An eternal fountain has water that flows across words of sorrow and hope and then out into the world underneath a glass wall.  I spent time studying the faces of actual temple members and their families who lost their lives through the atrocities committed during World War II.  The room is constructed to resemble a concentration camp bunkhouse, which adds a chilling and poignant effect.  We all must remember the pain from the past, while carrying hope for the future.

“I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation.  We must always take sides.  Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."

- Elie Wiesel

The temple's historical marker from the State of Oklahoma

Talking the Walk

During my visit, I had the pleasure of sitting down for an interview with Temple B'nai Rabbi Vered Harris.  Listen to the inspiring and thought provoking conversation below, as Rabbi Harris and I discuss the following questions:

• How do you personally practice living an embodied or committed spiritual life?
• What is the most important thing that people need to know about Temple B'nai Israel?
• What do you think people are looking for in religion or spirituality today?  Why?
• What does "life's a journey, not a destination" mean to you?
• If you could change one thing in our world today, what would it be?  How? 

​HIGHLIGHTS:

• Only yes moves us forward.  No keeps us stuck.
• There is an opportunity between every in-breath and out-breath.
• People are looking for something greater than themselves, and a process for purpose.
• The world is better because of who I am today, and because I am not who I was yesterday.
• My hope is that decision makers will be able to have the humility to build consensus.

Me and Rabbi Vered Harris in front of her office library

"A religious man is a person who holds God and man in one thought at one time, at all times, who suffers harm done to others, whose greatest passion is compassion, whose greatest strength is love and defiance of despair."

- Abraham Joshua Heschel

What does it mean to you to live an embodied and committed spiritual life?  Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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​Charles Gosset is a Certified Professional Life and Leadership Coach (ACC, CPC) and founder of Full Integration Coaching, LLC.  He helps big-hearted people with huge drive lead exceptional lives. You can find out more about him and the transformational services he offers by visiting: www.fullintegrationcoaching.com.

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