WELCOMING DIVERSITY

We are often asked to describe the Isaac M. Wise Temple. That is not a simple task, for our congregation is a family of diverse families, each with different needs and goals.  We understand that people enter Jewish life through different doors.  That is why we offer so many programs and opportunities for enriching your Jewish life, above and beyond the services you expect – programs that connect our members to their spirituality, their families and their community. Therefore, no matter where you come from or what you seek, we believe there is something for everyone here at Wise Temple.

Our congregation prides itself on the fact that we embrace diversity.  For many years, Wise Temple sponsored a very active Outreach committee, whose charge it was to make “interfaith” or "non-traditional" households feel more welcome.  As time went on, it became clear that this committee's work was superfluous, for indeed, the entire Wise Temple family had become an “Outreach committee.”  Through our programs and activities, we have found that our congregation is inherently sensitive to the differing situations that comprise the life stories of our members.  For example, some households have two adults who grew up Jewish; others have at least one adult who came to Judaism later in life – either formally (through conversion) or informally (choosing to be part of a Jewish home while not converting to the religion).  

In addition to interfaith households, we recognize that there are many other characteristics of diversity in a congregational community such as ours.  We are a rich tapestry of circumstances and possibility.  What comprises this tapestry?  Some households are comprised of single adults, while others are married, and still others may be single, divorced or blended families.  Some households in our congregation are widows or widowers.  Some households consist of one or two adults – gay or straight – and no children; and some households consist of one or two adults with child(ren),  some of these children are biological, and some are adopted, including international adoptions.  We do our best to honor these differences, seeking to be sensitive and inclusive of everyone.  So while our life stories may all be different and defy easy categorization, we are all at home and have a home in the Wise Temple community.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Wise Temple's commitment to diversity and possibility, please do not hesitate to contact any of our Senior Staff members.  We are always happy to discuss any issue that might be on your mind and to help you feel at home in our congregational community.

8329 Ridge Road | Cincinnati, OH 45236 | 513.793.2556 | welcome@wisetemple.org