Quite often newcomers who may become members of our congregation will ask, "Why is this temple different from all other temples?" One of our wise Board members will usually respond, "I'm glad you asked me that question because once, when I was a wandering Aramean in the Valley of the Merrimack, I, too, wondered what made this temple not only different but special. So I will try to re-tell some of what I was told in my generation and what I have learned in many full moons as a member of Temple Emanuel."

The Temple Emanuel congregation is a small, closely knit community which has always valued the strengths of individuality, simplicity, and cooperation. As one of our past presidents, Tony Morton, is fond of saying with pride, "This is a do it yourself congregation." Most of the "work" of our community is contributed by volunteers. It is safe to say that we are an intentionally low budget organization, with perhaps fewer paid positions than any other Reform congregation in the Northeast Council (New England and northern New York) of the Union of Reform Judaism, the official movement of Reform Judaism in North America. We encourage maximum participation of all members to the degree that they wish to. All committees of the congregation welcome members to join in the many activities which comprise the temple year. The more active our members choose to be, the richer grow the resources and breadth of our programs in worship, celebration, education, and social action.

In what ways do we value and practice simplicity? We have never sold tickets of admission to any religious service or observance, whether it be for the High Holidays or for special celebrations of the other holidays and festivals of the Jewish year. We do not set aside special reserved sections for temple members for any religious activity. We rely upon voluntary contributions for virtually all of our Temple activities and functions. The religious school does maintain a fee schedule, but a modest one by comparison with other once-a-week congregational schools. Membership dues are arranged on a sliding scale; our treasurer, an elected temple officer, is the only member who maintains and has access to our financial records. We have no dedicatory plaques to "honor" special donors, benefactors, or members of long standing or special service. There are a limited number of special funds established in memory or honor of members or their families. Most of these special funds make possible particular charitable or religious activities, all approved by the officers and Board members.