Member Profile
The Price Family at Jenny's Bat Mitzvah
Wendy and Michael Price have been members of Temple Shir Tikva for more than 30 years, and in that time, they have seen and participated in a myriad of change and progress at the Temple. The Prices raised their three children, Jenny, Ben, and Nina here, and celebrated many lifecycle events as a family. In fact, Michael’s own Bar Mitzvah was officiated by Rabbi Blumberg, who also performed Wendy and Michael’s wedding ceremony, and most recently, co-officiated Jenny's wedding. To say that Shir Tikva has been a long-standing part of their lives is an understatement.
After decades of living in Wayland, the Prices moved to Boston a few years ago, and yet they have remained dedicated members of TST. As Wendy notes, “Even though we moved into the city, we wanted to stay connected to the Jewish community that was so integral to our lives. It also feels imperative to us to support Jewish life as a whole.” Noticeably, multi-generational member stories like those of the Prices are not uncommon in a special community like Shir Tikva’s. From the founding generation of TST congregants, to the scores of new members welcomed in recent years, the Temple’s numbers continue to grow and flourish. The Prices credit the clergy, namely Rabbi Blumberg, Cantor Hollis, and Rabbi Danny, for being deeply supportive of their family over the years. Michael notes that through their most vulnerable times, it was the outreach from the clergy that provided incredible comfort to him and his family. That level of comfort has persisted throughout the Prices’ tenure at Shir Tikva. They remark, “We walk into Shir Tikva, and feel so welcome.” There is a profound sense of comfort and ease from being surrounded by familiar people with whom one has journeyed through life.
Rabbi Blumberg with Jenny Price and Mike Shearer at their Wedding
9
Member Profile In the past few years, the Prices have been able to connect with those familiar people at the outdoor High Holy Day services held at Camp Chickami. The family views this new offering as an example of an inspiring recent innovation in Temple life. Michael loves the openness of the setting and the casual atmosphere and observes that the experience “has drawn me back into the religious part” of Shir Tikva. Wendy reflects on her Adult B. Mitzvah at the Temple, noting fondly her feelings of success in accomplishing the milestone event. More recently, Wendy turned to Mussar classes, which she first began as a means to participate in an activity with her friends. The group all quickly grew to love the learning and bonded together in their new Mussar connection. Their cohort completed the entire course track, and now Wendy hopes to begin the newly developed graduate level courses. Looking back, Wendy and Michael are reminded of all the benefits they have received as members of Temple Shir Tikva over the years, and how much it means to them to continue to invest in the Temple in return. Joining and maintaining their membership in the Koach Leadership Circle was a meaningful decision for them, as sustaining their spiritual home- no matter where they liveremains an important priority in their lives. The Prices are grateful for the long-standing Wendy and Michael Price relationship they have had with Shir Tivka and are eager to explore the coming years with the synagogue community.
10