Many changes have occurred within Temple Shalom during the past two years. Some had to do with COVID. Others had to do with rabbinic leadership change and the desire to make a difference in a troubled world. Most have been good and have made us stronger.
In early 2020, Rabbi Adler decided to leave us one year early, during the 18-month transition period. The rest of our presidency included looking at what Temple Shalom wanted in a new rabbi, writing job descriptions, and working with the CCAR and HUC to seek a part-time rabbi or a student rabbi. Since our search didn’t produce acceptable results, we were ecstatic when Rabbi Laura Lieber and her parents, Mike and Eileen, made a proposal to fly Laura to Fayetteville once a month from October ‘22 to May ’23. Each weekend with Rabbi Laura will be filled with a Shabbat service and meal, an educational or social experience, and something for Religious School students on Sunday. We can also expect to hear much more from Cantor Sammi Stinson and her husband Jonathan as she leads all services in July and August and during the High Holy Days.
Security has become a major issue during the last two years. We have continued to support an off-duty police officer during services, religious school, and large events. We have been making slow, but steady progress implementing our 2019-2023 FEMA Non-Profit Security Grant. This past year we have also been encouraging members to be trained on safety procedures in case of an emergency or threat. This will be ongoing as we near the end of our security grant.
One of the most active committees in the last two years has been our Caring & Social Action Committee, led by Diane Serenson-Ungar. This committee tried to keep up with those who were ill and/or had a need for meals or errands. The committee’s social justice work has included the Social Justice Book Club and speakers to help us address hard-to-discuss topics. Another very meaningful commitment and one with the largest congregational involvement, has been the sponsoring of African refugee families and furnishing apartments for Afghan families. The two families being sponsored at this time have multiple needs – getting jobs, learning English, transportation to activities and classes as well as doctor’s visits, and learning to socialize in both the Canopy refugee community and the Fayetteville larger community. I can safely say that at least 17 Temple Shalom members have been involved in making life much better for these refugee families (plus another family in 2021).
Toby and I were honored to lead this congregation through the chaos of the last two years. We tried to get the goals of Temple Shalom more aligned with those of the Union for Reform Judaism and the Reconstructionist movement. Change in today’s world is necessary, yet difficult. We know not everyone was comfortable with our congregation’s approach toward inclusion. Not everyone wanted to discuss hard topics. We are grateful for the support and leadership of our 2020-2022 Temple Shalom Board. We know that, as we pass the baton to Erin Cohen and Melissa Woods and their new board, Temple Shalom will continue to flourish and grow.
With gratitude and love,
Sharon (and Toby)