Marc Lee Raphael

Pictured here is Marc Lee Raphael, former Rabbi of Congregation Beth Tikvah and OSU Professor. He served as part-time Rabbi for Congregation Beth Tikvah from 1971-1974. His liberal politics, social action concerns, and strong interest in Jewish education fit well with Beth Tikvah's traditions. His prayer for the new year alluded to peace marches, social justice, civil rights, and the generation gap. He also endorsed specifically Jewish public concerns, including soliciting purchase of Israel Bonds. Because Rabbi Raphael served Beth Tikvah only part-time, he simultaneously took a teaching position in Jewish history at Ohio State University. The liberal social action orientation of Rabbi Raphael found expression in his choice of liturgy. In conjunction with the student cantor serving the congregation, James Lee Kaufman, he designed prayers and songs drawing from modern pop sources as well as Jewish tradition. Congregation Beth Tikvah began in 1961 on the corner of North Broadway and High Street in Clintonville. They outgrew that space and moved to 3199 Indianola Avenue in 1968. In 1979 they purchased land on Olentangy River Road in Worthington and moved into their new building in 1980.