Southeast Texas Christian News – Who is Vandalizing Beaumont’s Temple Emanuel?
In recent months, our lone Jewish Temple in Southeast Texas, Temple Emanuel was vandalized a number of times.
Most recently, someone through a rock through one of the windows.
Like many of our Southeast Texas Christian churches, the congregation of Temple Emanuel in Beaumont is small. Most members are senior citizens. The families that make up Temple Emanuel have been living peaceful, productive lives in The Golden Triangle for several generations.
Jewish temples and the Jewish people are a tremendous resource for Christians.
Many Golden Triangle Christian pastors do not read and write Hebrew. Jewish rabbis and scholars can provide great assistance in interpreting original Biblical texts.
Even the small percentage of Southeast Texas pastors who do read and write Hebrew and other Biblical languages have a world view shaped by growing up in the United States. Networking with Jewish rabbis and scholars can provide geographical and historical context that can be critical for truly understanding The Bible.
Jews are able to share insight into how the world was at the time of Christ – and before.
The Jewish People have been a wonderful asset to our community and communities across Texas.
It was Jews who were the first to join the American Civil Rights movement in large numbers. Many put their lives and careers on hold to stand next to African Americans, march next to African Americans, and to be jailed next to African Americans.
Jews have created wonderful resources for the overall communities they live in. They have created wonderful community centers that are often the primary resource for seniors of all faith to receive instruction in the arts, access to high quality exercise programs, and where there are fellowship activities that provide a buffer from the loneliness that often accompanies old age.
Jews quietly sponsor nonprofit events, assist the poor, and devote their time to civic projects.
When my uncle in Houston developed Alzheimer’s, there was a Jewish community group able to assist him even though our family is Christian.
The Jewish People Provide Living Context for our Faith.
The Bible provides the word of God.
The Old Testament is the message Our Lord provided the Jewish people.
If you visit one of the comparatively few Jewish families in The Golden Triangle for Passover or any of the high holy days, you get a living recreation of God’s commandments for how they should show thanks for his blessings.
That is an extremely rare and valuable opportunity – especially in an area dominated by Christian families. Jewish families are few in number – behind every other denomination: Catholic, Protestant, Islam, and even Hinduism.
If you can find a Jewish family in Southeast Texas to befriend, they can share a great deal of perspective on the messages in the Bible.
These are people Southeast Texas Christians want to keep close – not people you want to drive away.
Many of our Southeast Texas Christian Churches honor Jewish holidays, scholars, and customs.
Golden Triangle Christian pastors readily recognize our link to the Jewish people.
Many Southeast Texas pastors have invited Jews into our churches to provide lessons on the Old Testament.
Several SETX churches have held fellowship events at Passover and other key Jewish ceremonial days.
Chances are your pastor has consulted with a local rabbi or Jewish scholar: eaten with them, prayed with them, and befriended them.
Israelis invite and welcome Americans and Christians from across the world to visit and experience The Holy Land.
Under Israeli rule, Americans and Christians from around the world are warmly welcomed – even invited – to visit the land of The Bible and renew their Christian Faith.
If you feel strongly about maintaining a link to the land where each event in The Bible was carried out, you really need Jews – and Israel to be strong.
When it comes to votes in The United Nations, positive reactions to American policies in the world press, or a phone call of support after a disaster hits the United States, Israel is always on our side.
Jews have no policy of or interest in converting Christians to Judaism.
As Christians, we are evangelical. It is part of our core set of beliefs.
We were asked to take The Word of Christ and spread it across the world.
Jews are under no such mandate. They were called to follow the word, laws, and examples set forth by God.
The relatively small numbers of Christians who convert to Judaism are accepted, but they face a long hard road – lots of education, testimony, and justification for their request to become Jews.
The Jewish faith and Jewish people are proud of their faith, but they have no interest in growing their numbers by converting Christians to Judaism.
Before you close your heart or mind to the Jewish People or temples or Israel, schedule a consultation with your Southeast Texas Pastor.
There is an excellent chance that they will open your eyes to more links we have to the Jewish people and our local Jewish Temple, Temple Emanuel in Beaumont, than we are able to provide in this forum
You just might discover a deep respect and appreciation for the history and legacy of the Jews.
Did you vandalize Temple Emanuel in Beaumont?
It is possible that the person or persons who performed these acts of vandalism is not a Christian. However, we are the largest part of the population.
There have been times when individual or small groups of local Christians have decided they did not like Jews.
The world is not perfect – but every day we have an opportunity to learn.
If we have been successful in our desire to open your eyes to the quality of neighbor Southeast Texas Christians have in Beaumont’s Temple Emanuel and its Jewish congregation and you have regret, it is not too late to turn your action around and make a positive impact.
Let’s face it – the Jewish people have been through much, much worse than a rock through a window.
Come by. Apologize. Offer to fix the damage or to assist with one of their charity events. They will appreciate the gesture – and you will feel better.
The people of Temple Emanuel are not your enemy – if you let them, they will be your friends.
The Temple Emanuel community is small and largely older – they have no interest in harming anyone in any way.
While we do not always agree on every point of faith, there is no question. Jews are our friends – in Beaumont, throughout the United States, and across The World.
- Daryl Fant, Publisher. SETX Church Guide: Your online Christian lifestyle magazine for The Golden Triangle
- (512) 567-8068
- SETXChurchGuide@gmail.com
