The Temple President

Book excerpt: When a new president assumes the leadership of a Jewish temple, he is well aware of the many challenges that he will face. However, he didn't know that during his term of office a dispute between the rabbi and the temple's major financial contributor would develop and threaten the very life of the temple. And while this may be the most obvious problem, there are others also: leaking roofs, local anti-Semitism and a congregation divided among those who are over zealous and those who simply don't care. The president seeks to deal with all these issues while struggling with his own problems and personal conflicts. While keeping a sense of humor, he goes about the business of handling all the challenges and personalities that confront him. Yet, he is not immune to self doubt and at times wonders if God really cares about his little temple. The Temple President blends a healthy dose of laughter with the serious questions about the nature of God, anti-Semitism, and religious traditions.