Arrival of the pandemic with its disruptions and isolation only clarified years-long problems of attrition that Temple Emanuel of the Merrimack Valley in Lowell, Massachusetts (TEMV).
Established in the late 1940s, the congregation was now running out of both finances and people.
They pared down to the essentials by holding services in a rented commercial space.. Maintenance of the temple building proved overwhelming so it had been sold several years ago. The congregation’s most important objects came with them to the rented space: mezuzot, books, Torahs, and a solar-powered Eternal Light which was a manifestation of the congregation’s early adoption of environmental awareness.
Member engagement had become difficult, although those who were engaged found a place worthy of the 2019 Belin Award for “Audacious Hospitality,” a recognition of excellence in the Union for Reform Judaism’s focused effort on racial equality, diversity and inclusion.
URJ, a national partner, recommended the services of JCLP.
The board of directors decided to dissolve TEMV as of June 30, 2023. Some members were shocked. Those who were regulars at services—which in recent times had been entirely remote—were not. “We knew it was the right thing to do,” says Karen Lipshires who, as president of TEMV has been the one leading her congregation through a daunting and emotional process.
“Noah Levine is helping us do this in a methodical and sensible way. He is compassionate and understanding and shares what we could do, not what we have to do. He helps me frame things as well as balance emotions and practicality.”
This tireless temple president believes in the power of delegation and that people contribute to the best of their ability. Her congregation did. One longtime member who lived close to the old building is now keeper of the archives. Other volunteers have taken on other tasks.
There will be a de-consecration service. And one final bar mitzvah before that.
Although past High Holiday services have been open to anyone, this year’s final one may be “family-only” with a possible later social celebration for anyone interested.
The three Sifrei Torah, including one identified as originating in a Czech community lost to the Holocaust, and other religious objects will find new homes. So will whatever else remains.
The congregation’s 35 member-families live in a broad geography. The part-time rabbi who has been working with the temple will help to identify other congregations or havurah communities that people could join. A member survey will determine which organizations will receive whatever funds remain once TEMV dissolves.
Everything required to assure the endurance of the legacy of Temple Emanuel of Merrimac Valley will be accomplished by then, thanks to a diligent president and other leaders, along with JCLP’s considerate counsel.
August 30, 2022