The Next Chapter at TKC

My first time at Temple Kehillat Chaim was in 2017, when I was applying for the rabbinic position. Jodi and our ten-month-old Asher came along. Ezra wasn’t born yet. During that visit, we found a wonderful, down-to-earth community. Small by some typical synagogue measurements, but with a big heart, genuine warmth, and a spirit of welcoming that was immediately real.

In the summer of 2018, I officially began as only the second rabbi in TKC’s history, after Rabbi Winokur. I’m proud and grateful to have recently been offered and to have accepted another eleven years.

We’ve now been here almost eight years, and a lot has happened in that time personally, as a family, and in the world at large.

Shortly after beginning at TKC, Jodi and I learned that we were expecting our second child, Ezra. Not long after that, my father was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 pancreatic cancer. As we settled into a new home and new community, we were also preparing to welcome one family member while struggling to say goodbye to another.

In February 2019, I lost my father. In March 2019, Ezra was born.

TKC in typical and wonderful fashion was caring and sensitive in both directions, offering support, patience, and kindness when our family needed it. Even though we were still new to the congregation, TKC became a steady and comforting place for us.

Well, mostly.

That same year, I tore a muscle in my leg playing on the TKC softball team, which put me on crutches for a while. Jodi still reminds me of the time we had a two-year-old and a three month old and I could barely walk. And in what felt like a truly memorable inning, I wasn’t the only one with a season ending injury. Jason Simon broke his ankle, and Dan Eifert hurt his back. Misery loves company, right?

Then came 2020, with Covid and all of its challenges. I remember the very first Shabbat service we held over Zoom. A few dozen people showed up eager to see familiar faces, connect, and share stories. I was also figuring out Zoom on the fly, along with a few other technical details.

For example, I wanted to appear dressed for Shabbat, even on Zoom. So I wore a button down shirt and shorts. Because why not? Unfortunately, the Shabbat candles were just out of reach, so I had to stand up to light them, revealing my outfit to everyone assembled. There went the illusion. And since I didn’t have challah, I used a bag of Cheetos instead, to the horror of some. Seymour was kind enough to start dropping off challah after that.

As awful as Covid was, with all its isolation and restrictions, it was made more bearable by community, even online community. And how powerful it was when we could finally gather again. We all learned just how much we value being together, seeing faces, and sharing space.

Covid wasn’t the only challenge. October 7, 2023 marked another painful turning point, bringing fear, grief, and deep uncertainty for Jews everywhere. Being together as a Jewish community during difficult moments has continued to offer strength and comfort.

At the same time, there are so many joyous memories from the past seven and a half years. It’s hard to list them all. We just celebrated our fourth Broadway Shabbat, each one better than the last. Last Purim, we brought Shushan to life in our Social Hall for King Ahasuerus’s feast. A few years ago, we marked TKC’s 40th anniversary and next year we’ll celebrate 45 years. I’m confident it will be another meaningful milestone.

I love Sunday mornings when our kids come in excited to be here, seeing their friends and engaging with their heritage through religious school and youth groups. I love Shabbat evenings that bring people together for music, rest, and connection. I love adult learning on Shabbat and during the week that sparks thoughtful conversation and meaningful questions. And so much more.

One of the remarkable things about being a congregational rabbi is that the role is as varied as life itself. I’m given the privilege of being with people through every stage of life, from birth to death, moments of great joy as well as moments of sadness. Everyone experiences peaks and valleys, and what makes our kehillah special is that we don’t walk that journey alone. We share it with one another. It is truly an honor to be part of that.

Recently, I renewed my contract with TKC for the next eleven years.

I receive that with deep gratitude, gratitude for your trust, for our lay leadership, for our dedicated staff, and for the countless ways members of this congregation care for one another and sustain this community.

Of course, there are challenges ahead, and there is still much to do. Some say we’re the best kept secret around. We shouldn’t be. All of us can see ourselves as part of the TKC welcoming committee, telling friends and neighbors about this place and inviting them to experience what we already know.

I don’t think of the kehillah as an institution, at least not primarily. We are a community. We are people first and foremost. Jewish community is not something we consume, it’s something we’re part of. It enriches us as we enrich it.

May the next chapter of TKC be one of deeper connection, meaningful learning, joyful Shabbat, and a community of life in both name and spirit.