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Following up on the publication of Genesis of Ann Arbor first President Robert Creal's recollections on the Founding of Genesis, here we reprint the speech he delivered on the occasion of Genesis' dedication ceremony on May 31, 1975. Most intriguing are his reflections on how our common core commandment, "You shall love your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might"—which for Jews is known as the v'ahavta ("and you shall love") part of the shema—underlies our shared purpose in establishing Genesis.
Just one year ago, the respective congregations of Temple Beth Emeth and St. Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church officially began the process which today we celebrate as that unique entity called Genesis of Ann Arbor.
To me personally, the beginning occurred one late March evening a year ago when I had the good pleasure of first meeting Dr. Paul Vanek. Paul, on behalf of Beth Emeth, and I, on behalf of St. Clare, sat down to discuss how to discuss the possibility of accomplishing what we agreed upon in concept last June and finally approved last November - the joint ownership of our worship and fellowship facilities and the creation of Genesis of Ann Arbor.
As many here will appreciate, I have been very excited about this whole idea since the thought of it was first mentioned to me by Doug Evett prior to my initial discussion with Paul Vanek. My enthusiasm and interest have been sustained from the beginning by a remembrance of the summary of the Ten Commandments in the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer which was a regular part of our Holy Communion Service and I am told by Sheldon Berry is a part of the Jewish Worship Service.
Most Episcopalians here, I am sure, will remember the Celebrating Priest reciting the Anglican version: "Thou shalt love thy Lord Thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. "Love Thy God" — This is what primarily draws us here to our Church and Temple. "Love Thy Neighbor As Thyself" — What better way for us to show our love for our neighbors than to permanently share with them a common house of worship? These words could well serve us all in the years to come in our continued relationship under the auspices of Genesis of Ann Arbor.
What will Genesis of Ann Arbor be in the years to come?
First, of course, will be the farewell to Bruce Warshal, and the welcoming of a new Rabbi to the Temple. We will miss Bruce as a teacher, scholar and friend. It won’t seem the same without him. But I know the Temple will find and call a new Rabbi who will be well suited and qualified to lead a vigorous congregation and who will contribute greatly to the harmony and success of the Genesis relationship.
Second, we all look forward with anticipation to the classroom, social hall addition to be erected sometime within the next three years. This will obviously make for a better utilization of our facilities by both congregations and will give us a greater opportunity to expand their usage by the community.
Third, I foresee expanded participation by members of both congregations in activities which are of mutual interest to both groups. As we have in the past had joint Bible Studies, joint work crews, The Peace Seders and a celebration such as we are having today, I anticipate with excitement a future which will bring activities giving us all a little better understanding of each other—a little more brotherhood—a little more sense of loving thy neighbor.
Genesis of Ann Arbor has had a highly successful beginning. Its future and the future of St. Clare and Beth Emeth provide unlimited opportunities to show that men and women of different backgrounds and faiths, but of goodwill, can live and worship in peace, harmony and love.
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