Pocatello, Idaho,USA (26/07/2009)

Our community is called Temple Emanuel and our address is 306 N 18th Street; but mail should be sent to PO 685, Pocatello ID, 83204.  We have a websight too, with a short history of Idaho Judaism.

 

We are certainly close to the outerlimit of diaspora here, since Jerusalem is indeed "on the other side of the world."  But of course space isn"t everything.  Our bi-monthly Shabbat services are quite small, with 10-20 people attending; but discussions of Torah are often quite interesting.   Our community Seder is larger (perhaps 90 people, two thirds Jewish) attend; and perhaps 50 people appear at our High Holiday services at one point or another. 

 

Our religious practice is lax but -- I think -- often authentic at some level, and sometime intense. 

 

Pocatello is a town of 60,000 with a University, several industries, nice scenery, and a large, friendly Mormon population.  There"s lots of space and the light is exquisite.  Skiiing is close by.

 

People in our town are INTERESTED in religion, and interfaith dialogue is often fruitful, it seems to me.

 

We feel close to the Jackson Hole Jewish Community (I visit them several times a year) and we have cordial relations with the Chabad people in Boise as well as Rabbi Fink of the Reform congregation.  Judd Grossman of the Jackson Community is a superb folk-cantor, a good friend of  mine. Soul Train provides a magnificent bridge to the rest of Judaism.

 

What else can I say?  I"m a decent -- but slightly "spacey" -- contact person.  John Reichman is our President; Debra Shein (better at email than John) our Vice President.  Feel free to write any of us.

E mail adress: levecari@isu.edu