I never forgot what Marianne Williamson said 15 years ago. During a Palm Sunday Service at Unity Church in Detroit, she remarked that a spiritual revival would arise with African-American women. At first, I thought of Oprah. But then I looked around me in my own small circle and I see what she meant.

My friend Audrey summons divinity without religion. My friend Julie finds the spiritual in everything – from a blade of grass to a hawk in the sky. My friend Ernestine effortlessly walks and breathes spirituality. And now, Abby.

Abby is a spiritual warrior. The founder of a Jewish-inspired Interfaith synagogue, she is taking us beyond religion as we’ve known it. Temple Echad transforms your yiddishe mama’s schul into a different and uplifting experience. Here’s how Temple Echad is different and refreshing.

Organizationally. Abby is a trained social worker and spiritual director, and a rabbi in training. She is devoted to her mission: “More Love, More Life.” She’s creating a post-religious community where no membership is required. Anyone can participate.

Racially. Not only is Abby African-American but so is Robert Chester, who serves as Cantor. Religion doesn’t matter and neither does race. Her congregation is growing into a racially diverse family. Traditional markers of identity fall by the wayside.

Socially. Temple Echad partners with other organizations that seem to bring people of different generations and classes into the same community. She has partnered with a DJ company and a street paper vendor. She overcomes divisions of social class by bringing together the economically low and high under one roof of love and joy. To share in a spiritual service with those you might not otherwise meet is balm for the soul.

Religiously. Although Temple Echad is Jewish-inspired, there is no Ark, no Nir Tamid (eternal light), not even a Torah. Its Siddurim are intentionally absent of Hebrew. The point is to make everyone feel welcome. At Temple Echad, sacred scripture is found in the lives of every individual. Those present become the sacred text. Instead of reading from the Torah, participants hear the life-story of a volunteer who prepares for the occasion. 

Geographically. Abby prefers that Temple Echad NOT be associated with a building even if it is rented. People can become conditioned to spirituality when in or near “their” building or over-identified with it, she says. Instead, Temple Echad alternates between two different  locations. There are plans to hold welcoming programs in unconventional places as well. Physical barriers are crumbling, opening up the whole world, face to face.

Temple Echad holds services every Friday evening including a monthly “recovery” service. This coming Shabbat/Sabbath, Christmas Day, Abby shares her life-narrative. I have no doubt that her words will leave a trail of images both of falling barriers and rising bridges. Thanks to Marianne for noticing.

Check the Resources on this website for ideas and programs that take you beyond religion.