Rabbi’s Report

Submitted by: Adam F. Miller

“Am Echad Im Lev Echad – One People with One Heart”

This year saw Temple Shalom coalesce as “One people with one heart.” The message of One Family resonates through the halls of the synagogue. I hear One Family talked about within the halls of the synagogue, and outside in the community. One Family gained strength bolstered by Shabbat dinners in the homes of members as well as monthly Shabbat dinners at the Temple, ongoing Caring Community efforts, and our leadership mentoring program. The emphasis on relationships also changed the approach to programming this year. Key events including: Josh Nelson and Neshama Carlebach as scholars in song; the J Street Challenge film; visits with Rabbi Duchovny from the Ukraine, Ambassador Ettinger from Israel, and Dr. Stephen Berk all incorporated rich dialogue and interactive sessions. Most importantly, many stayed after each program to talk with each other, and continue the conversation. Several of those events included wonderful partnerships with other community organizations such as the Jewish Federation of Collier County, GenShoah, and the local chapter of ZOA.

Our relationships also extend beyond the walls of our congregation – with a wildly successful Mitzvah Day. This year we surpassed 50,000 meals with Meals of Hope and had our largest attendance to date. Beginning with my solidarity mission during the Gaza conflict, we have also focused strongly on Israel this year with several acclaimed speakers. In addition, I am thrilled to be leading the first Temple Shalom congregational trip to Israel in several years. With almost twenty participants, I hope this will be the first of many trips linking our Temple with Israel. Relationships have been strengthened this year within our Temple Family, and it has been a time of transition. The lay leadership and staff stepped up this year in the absence of an Executive Director to keep the Temple running smoothly. This is also the year we say farewell to Caren Plotkin, retiring after seventeen years as our Director of Education. We thank Caren for the positive impact she has had on our children and families over the course of her tenure, and look forward to keeping her part of our Temple Family in the future.

We are One Family at Temple Shalom, and that sense of Family continues to grow stronger. May the next year bring us more blessing, hope, and times to celebrate together.