Dear Temple Beth El,

It was so hard for me to leave because I considered Temple home. In case I haven't said it, I love this place. I grew up here. I learned here. I made friends here. Most importantly, I found myself here. This was a hard week as it was the first time in many years that I wasn't here for the high holidays. Even though I'm not physically in the building, I know that the impact of this place will always stay with me. I'm so grateful for everything that has happened to me because of my love for Temple, so thanks for everything!

Thanks for giving me a place to grow up.

Ever since I was 7 years old I attended Hebrew School and services for various holidays. I learned valuable lessons that have helped shaped me into who I am today. All my teachers accepted me and taught me why it was so important to value my religion. My week wasn't the same if I wasn't at the temple at least twice. I've learned to see why being Jewish is special and I definitely learned to be myself.

Thanks for giving me my best friends.

I met my best friends when I started the education program here. i didn't know they would be my best friends at first, but it was easy to see that we had things in common. It's so nice to know that my closest friends share the same values and beliefs as I do. As I got older these people remained by my side. I made more friends when I joined the youth group. I can talk to these people about absolutely everything. I truly value the relationships I have made here especially the friends that turned into family.

Thanks for giving me leadership and volunteer opportunities.

Without several aspects that come from this Temple, I wouldn't have gained leadership skills. I have gotten the chance to work with kids of several different ages,plan events for the Temple, and explore other volunteer opportunities in various states. I really have had my best experiences here without a doubt. I honestly am so grateful for these connections I have. They helped me prepare for my life in college and taught me not to be scared of change.

My love for Temple grew as I grew. It's a place of such high value and respect for me, and it's my second home. I am very happy to have had these experiences. The friends I made here are the most important people in my life besides my family. In all my public school years, I didn't have teachers that cared so much about my education. My teachers at Temple Beth El are people I look up to and go to whenever I need advice. I can easily say that I would not be the same person if I didn't have Temple Beth El.