The core values of Congregation Tikkun v’Or (Ithaca Reform Temple) are best described by Spirit, Community, and Justice. These values are integrated into all aspects of the life of our congregation.
Our community espouses living with compassion (rachamim), love (chesed), awe (yirah) , gratitude (hakarat hatov), joy (simcha) and generosity (nedivut) – Jewish values that nurture us as a congregation and as individuals. We treasure the richness and complexity of our community. Our diversity of beliefs and relationships to God are a source of strength and learning. We hold a safe place to share our faith and our questions as we support one another in our search for meaning and purpose in our lives. We offer an array of religious services on Shabbat and holidays, and educational programs for children and adults.
As a caring and loving community, we sanctify and celebrate significant moments in our lives within the framework of Jewish ritual and values. We take to heart “my house is a house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:7) and seek to include those who enter. We treasure our non-Jewish members and celebrate the interfaith character of our community. We welcome LGBTQ+ people, and all who have been denied full acceptance in the broader community. The final word of the Shema – echad, all one – resonates as we join hands with other faith communities, community organizations and activist groups to work toward our shared values.
Inspired by the Prophetic tradition and the historical experience of the Jewish People, we are dedicated to the pursuit of justice and peace, locally and globally. As Torah teaches that humankind was created in God’s image, we honor the inherent godliness in each person. Our community actively seeks to promote racial and economic justice for all, resist antisemitism and Islamophobia, encourage education and dialogue about Israel and Palestine, support refugees in our community, feed the hungry, and protect the environment. We are committed to open and respectful dialogue about these issues and welcome those who feel excluded or silenced.