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Temple Dor Dorim is really on the Move! Weston’s Vibrant Reform Temple Offers Something for Everyone

from Our City Weston: January 2023

by Our City Media

from Our City Weston: January 2023, page 57

Article from: Our City Weston: January 2023

Batter up Residents from The P...

■ COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Temple Dor Dorim is really on the Move!

Weston’s Vibrant Reform Temple Offers Something for Everyone

After 26 years as the only Reform Temple in Weston, the synagogue in the last four months has welcomed a new Religious School Director, Executive Director and in the past few years has added a new Rabbi.

Temple Dor Dorim began its rapid and unprecedented growth from humble beginnings, in 1996, with just eight families. Today, over 300 families belong to the Temple and almost 200 children attend their Early Childhood Center. We sat down with Executive Director, David Pasternack, to learn more.

It sounds like it is an exciting time at Temple Dor Dorim!

DP "It is! We are really building the Temple again. In fact, our membership is growing for the first time since COVID. We have an extremely active membership with something for everyone. Many months, we host over 50 events."

Wow, what types of events does the Temple host?

DP "We have many exciting events, including Religious School, Torah Study, Bingotini, Shabbark Shalom, Run-A-Latke Color Run, Empty Nesters, and many engaging Israel Solidarity speakers, to name just a few. Our award-winning Early Childhood Center, under the accomplished hands of Sheila Woldenberg for 25 years, is the only NAEYC accredited school in Weston, and just received our next five year recognition. The learning and activities conducted at our Temple follow a very high national model not easily achieved."

What has been the key to the Temple’s lasting success?

DP "The lasting success is truly the people. We have a very caring membership who is always there in good and bad times. Our events are not the ordinary type; they always have a cool flair. Our upcoming 25th Annual Gala; Welcome to the Jungle on Saturday evening April 29, 2023 is not to be missed. It is one of our most fun and successful events, and is our largest fundraiser of the year.

This event will provide our congregation with funding for youth scholarships along with educational and innovative programs and financial assistance for many in need. A portion of the funds raised by the event will be contributed back to our community to HAAPE. This is an all-volunteer organization striving to improve the lives of Young Adults with Autism. Please join us in supporting our Gala efforts."

Tell us about your youth programs.

DP "Youth Programs at Temple Dor Dorim connect our youth to synagogue life and focus on building lifelong Jewish identities and friendships. We have four groups available for children in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Our programs blend social experiences with Jewish themes, holidays, values, and community.

Our youth groups offer a variety of events. Programs have included a Progressive Dinner Sukkah Hop, theme park trips, game nights, scavenger hunts, opportunities for social action, and more. Our oldest youth group is led by a teen board who work with one another on program planning and practice leadership skills.

Our experiential Jewish programming is planned and facilitated by our teens, for our teens. They also take the lead on our Temple-wide Purim Carnival, lead our congregation in worship at a special Shabbat evening service, and partner with other area Reform congregations. Temple Dor Dorim's Youth Programs promote strong Jewish friendships and connections to the Jewish community."

When are services held?

DP "We offer Services for all Jewish Holidays, and every Friday at 6:30 pm along with our first-of-the-month Shabbat Dinners. All are welcome. We also have fun tot Shabbats such as our upcoming 'Frozen' themed Shabbat on Saturday, January 14 at 10:30 am."

▸Temple Dor Dorim is located at 2360 Glades Circle in Weston. Temple is led by