CELEBRATING OUR 75th YEAR
In spring of 1948, a group of Cleveland-area professionals were brought together by the desire to create a place for their children to grow up with a world view of Judaism. At the time, antisemitism remained a part of the landscape, and many American Jews were balancing the difficult dynamic of assimilation and spiritual heritage. This group had a vision for a postWorld War II America, with a Jewish education and experience that was relevant, accessible, and innovative.
A temple member, whose parents and grandparents were among the organizers, shares this reflection:
“For my family, it’s a tremendous example of l’dor va-dor. Some of us at temple follow an earlier generation; all of us welcome new generations. It’s the essence of what it means to honor the past while building a future; exactly what it means to go from strength to strength.”
So now, we celebrate ST-KA’s 75th anniversary. We will trace the arc of Reform Judaism in America, and the creation and current landscape of the State of Israel as it, too, marks its 75th year.
We will hear from families of our temple’s founding members, from our past presidents, from guest speakers and artists-in-residence. We will have books to read, picnics and parties to attend — each with the imprimatur of what makes our congregation uniquely us. And above all, we will celebrate!
Happy Birthday, Suburban Temple-Kol Ami!
INSIDE: A Walk Down Memory Lane
ST-KA Then & Now
Founders and Past Presidents Shabbat
Celebrating Shabbat in Honor of Those on Whose Shoulders We Stand
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
by Lori Rosenberg Board Chair and President of ST-KA
by Rabbi Allison Vann
by Brett Shankman
Executive Director
Celebrate
Co-Chairs
Sara Stashower & Mark Heller 75th Anniversary
Tov!
Mazal
Strengthening Our Home: ST-KA’s 75th Anniversary
Campaign
Fundraising
ST-KA
Backyard Birthday Bash!
ST-KA’s
with
food,
fun!
Events
75th
family,
and
Schedule of
(back cover) AUGUST 2023 75th ANNIVERSARY BULLETIN
A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
MAZAL TOV!
75 years! Mazal Tov, Suburban Temple-Kol Ami. We have so much to celebrate.
In 1948, a handful of families began exploring a more connected and innovative congregation that would fit the needs of a changing America. They had courage and vision to create a strong path.
This year we celebrate their trailblazing path, honor our multitude accomplishments, and vision for our future.
Friends, I feel so much pride in serving this significant congregation. It means so much to me to join you in celebrating this anniversary together. During this exciting year, we’ll have occasions large and small to be together. This beautiful anniversary bulletin highlights the opportunities to reflect, recognize, and reconnect. From thanking our past presidents and founders, to learning about the history of our congregation, to the joy of a great party - I can’t wait to share this year with you!
Strengthening Our Home: ST-KA’s 75th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign
During the last 75 years, you, the members of Suburban Temple – Kol Ami, have accomplished so much. AND, we have more to do. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we plan for our future. To make our dreams come true, we need you.
The 75th anniversary campaign is designed to strengthen our home – both physically and financially. The campaign is raising funds to address many capital needs and to strengthen our endowment.
We are actively reaching out to begin conversations with many of you about opportunities to support the 75th anniversary campaign. EVERYONE will be given the opportunity to participate.
We are blessed with a beautiful mid-century modern building, but like all things mid-century, it is in need of some upgrades and repairs.
Among the capital projects to be completed are:
• Renovation of the restrooms
• Replacing our Chagrin Boulevard signage
• Replacing the foyer and Mandel-Gries Social Hall carpeting
• Update the sound board and audio system in the sanctuary
• Update bimah furniture
• Replacing the flooring in the lobby
• Possible expansion of lobby
• Refurbishing of the kitchen
• Updating and upgrading lighting
• And more…
As many of you know, we have been blessed that our early leadership created endowment funds designed to help sustain the congregation. To stay healthy, we must add significant dollars to the endowment. Both aspects of our 75th anniversary campaign are critical to our future. To those who have already made their 75th anniversary campaign commitments, we can’t thank you enough. If you’d like to discuss a gift of support before we’ve reached out to you, please contact me at any time.
B’shalom,
75th BACKYARD BIRTHDAY BASH!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27th, 12 PM - 3 PM
• COOKOUT • COTTON CANDY • ICE CREAM TRUCK •
• ART TOURS • INFLATABLE BOUNCE HOUSE •
• OUTDOOR GAMES & ACTIVITIES •
FOOD & FUN FOR ALL AGES!
RSVP not required, but it’ll help us with planning!
Israel is 75.
Don’t know how you feel?
Love Israel and are also angry?
Don’t love Israel?
Love Israel and want to love her more?
Let’s talk about it together.
Introducing a shared congregational read:
Can We Talk About Israel? A Guide for the Curious, Confused, and Conflicted by Daniel Sokatch
Daniel Sokatch is the chief executive officer of the New Israel Fund (NIF). Sokatch has been named four times to the Forward’s “Forward 50,” an annual list of the fifty leading Jewish decision makers and opinion shapers. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and other publications.
Join us for a zoom with author Daniel Sokatch, Thursday, October 12th at 7pm
Rabbi Vann will lead a follow-up discussion on October 26th at 7 pm. Watch your Temple Times for details.
Books will be available for members as a gift beginning on Rosh Hashanah eve.
To begin reading earlier, you may order the book on Amazon or your favorite bookseller.
“after you’ve read it, you’ll be able to hold your own in any Israel conversation, at any dinner party.” (New York Times Book Review)
75th ANNIVERSARY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
AUGUST
Founders and Past Presidents Shabbat
Friday, August 25th
Honoring our Founding Families and Past Presidents. Come early to enjoy schmoozing and exploring the building during our 5 PM Pre-Oneg, and stay afterwards for a special Dessert Oneg after the service
Backyard Birthday Bash!
Sunday, August 27th
From lawn games to art tours, from lunch on the grill to an ice cream truck, it’s a celebration for all ages to enjoy!
SEPTEMBER
Shabbat Service honoring Rabbi Shana
Nyer’s 10th anniversary featuring Artist-in-Residence Sheldon Low!
Friday, September. 8th
Join us as we celebrate Rabbi Shana’s (belated) 10th anniversary!
OCTOBER
“Can We Talk About Israel?”
Thursdays, October 12th & 26th
Book discussion with Author Daniel Sokatch via Zoom on the 12th and a follow-up discussion on the 26th with Rabbi Vann
MARCH
Rachel Gordan, PhD, Author & Historian speaks about the History of ST-KA
Friday, March 1st
As author of “Suburban Temple and the Creation of Postwar American Judaism” chapter in the book “Cleveland Jews and the Making of a Midwest Community”.
APRIL
Rabbi Vann’s “Bat Mitzvah” Weekend featuring Artist-in-Residence
Dan Nichols!
April 12th - 14th
Celebrate Rabbi Vann’s 13 years at ST-KA!
Watch your monthy Bulletins and Temple
for more
Did you know that ST-KA has an extensive collection of fine art hidden in plain sight? Throughout our 75th anniversary year, ST-KA Member Jane Glaubinger will lead art tours inside and outside of our building. Your first opportunity to explore these “hidden treasures” with Jane will be Sunday, August 27th during our Backyard Birthday Bash!
Tour group sizes will be limited. Watch your Temple Times for registration information.
Friday, March 1st
We are excited to welcome Rachel Gordan, PhD, Assistant Professor of Religion at the University of Florida, who will speak to us about the history of ST-KA. She is the author of “Suburban Temple and the Creation of Postwar American Judaism” in the book “Cleveland Jews and the Making of a Midwest Community.”
Dr. Gordan received her PhD from Harvard University in North American Religions, her BA from Yale in American Studies, and her MAR from Yale Divinity school. As a scholar of American religion, she researches Judaism and Jewish culture from the early 20th century to the present, with a particular focus on the immediate Post-WWII era, middlebrow culture, and American Jewish literary history.
on these and other events as it becomes available!
AGAM. CHAGALL. MAX. LICHTENSTEIN.
Times e-mails
information
Shabbat with Rachel Gordan, PhD
