SYNAGOGUE NEWS
L’Dor V’Dor: Celebrating 120 Years of Congregation Beth Emeth BY BRUCE SACHAIS and RICHARD LITWIN
1906
was a year of remarkable beginnings. Teddy Roosevelt was in the White House, the Chicago White Sox claimed the World
who made this congregation what it is today, as Reform Jews we always look forward, that we may fulfill the words of prophet Joel, that ‘the old shall dream dreams and the youth shall see visions.’” The crescendo of our anniversary year is building toward a magnificent Gala Weekend, May 15 to 17, and we invite the entire community to share in our joy. The weekend begins on Friday, May 15 at 7 PM with a special Shabbat service. We are honored to welcome renowned composer, musician, and prayer leader Elana Arian, whose music will lead us in a worship experience which is open to all who wish to celebrate with us. On Saturday evening, May 16, we will host our 120th Anniversary Gala. This ticketed event will be an evening of elegance and storytelling—a chance to gather, share memories, and invest in the future of our congregation. It is more than a party; it is a commitment to ensuring Beth Emeth remains a beacon of Reform Judaism for the next 120 years. The celebration concludes on Sunday, May 17, with a Member Appreciation Celebration. This family-friendly, informal gathering is designed for all generations to imagine what our next century could bring, featuring fun activities, shared stories, and the warmth of community. We invite you to join us as we honor our past and build our future. To learn more about our Gala Weekend or to purchase tickets, please contact bethemeth120@bethemethde.org or visit our website at bethemethde.org. May we continue to go from strength to strength— L’dor V’dor .
Series title, William Kellogg was busy inventing corn flakes, and Pierre S. du Pont was laying the foundations for Longwood Gardens. Amidst this era of innovation and growth, a small but determined group of 33 men gathered on May 27 to establish the “Temple of Truth” in Wilmington. Today, we know that legacy as Congregation Beth Emeth. As we reach our 120th anniversary, we aren't just celebrating a date on a calendar; we are honoring over a century of Reform Judaism in Delaware. Built upon the sturdy foundations of the early 20th century, Beth Emeth has flourished into a sacred community where generations gather to inspire, support, and elevate one another on our unique Jewish journeys. The theme of this milestone is L’dor V’dor —from generation to generation. It is the thread that connects those 33 founders to the toddlers in our congregation today. In Jewish tradition, the age of 120 holds deep significance, representing the full and impactful lifespan of Moses. For Beth Emeth, this milestone offers a rare moment to reflect on our storied past, savor the vibrancy of our present, and joyfully contemplate our future. We officially kicked off this celebratory year in May 2025. At our congregational meeting and barbecue, the air was filled with nostalgia as we shared vintage photographs and toasted to the vision of our founders. But the celebration is far from over. "Our tradition teaches us that we celebrate our past in order to lean into and achieve our future,” Rabbi Yair Robinson said. “While we rejoice in everything that Beth Emeth has stood for and all those
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