Frequently Asked Questions about the New Name and the Naming Process
Below are some of the questions we are getting from our congregants. We hope these answers will help clarify any confusion and answer your questions about this process. As always, please reach out to President@ttti.org if you have further questions or comments.
Is the merger a done deal?
The decision to merge our two synagogues will be decided by the two congregations in separate congregational votes on March 6, 2024. Details on how you can participate in this vote will be shared with you soon. You do not have to attend in person to vote.
How did you pick the name of the combined synagogue, and did you get congregational input?
Many suggestions for the new congregation’s name were offered by congregants during and after the townhall meetings that were held by each congregation, and after worship services, at meetings, and in casual conversations. They were all recorded as part of the process of selecting the name that best reflects the values fundamental to our legacies and portrays the vision we hold for this next chapter.
All clergy from both congregations, including Senior Rabbi Emeritus Rick Block and Cantor Laureate Sarah Sager, discussed and narrowed down a list of names that would fulfil those goals. They deliberated on them and consulted with branding and marketing professionals and leaders at the Union for Reform Judaism.
The past presidents from both congregations who represent the history and the future of our legacy institutions, met to deliberate on the name. They discussed the choices and overwhelmingly were drawn to the name that Rabbi Nosanchuk shared in his letter: Congregation Mishkan Or.
Why isn’t the name a combination of our existing names?
It was widely acknowledged that a new future should have a new name.
Why did we get an email from Rabbi Nosanchuk?
If this merger is approved, Rabbi Rob Nosanchuk will serve as the senior rabbi. He was speaking on behalf of all our clergy, in writing the letter to the congregations.