Community Activities
We are here to work together, to find the sparks of the Divine, to repair our world.
We must recognize our own gifts and give of them freely.
At the Congregation of Reform Judaism, I've poured much of my energy inward. Still, the work of building bridges doesn't stop at the synagogue doors.
I created an annual Pride Shabbat in partnership with the JCC, which has become one of our best-attended services of the year and a joyful, public statement that everyone belongs.
I've welcomed local clergy to dinner in our sukkah, preached at the Unitarian Universalist church, and offered the invocation at the city's MLK celebration. I've represented the Jewish community on a panel on religious liberty hosted by a Seventh-day Adventist church, and taught as a guest lecturer at Valencia College, Rollins College, and Winter Park High School.
Whether in a sukkah, a sanctuary, or a classroom, these conversations remind me how much richer our lives become when we invite others in.
Interfaith Assistance Ministries
You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it"
- Pirkei Avot 2:16
IAM Thrift Store Grand Opening: May 2022
High Holy Day Food Drive
One of my proudest accomplishments during my years in Hendersonville was my involvement with the crisis services center: Interfaith Assistance Ministries.
IAM provides crisis assistance with a range of essential items and services including food for a week for each family member, clothing, linens, personal hygiene supplies, heat and utility bills, rent and mortgage payments, medications, pet food, and other basic needs. Helping hands, caring hearts.
I sat on the board of trustees in January 2016. Then, in 2018, I was vice president. Finally, in January 2020, I became president for the last two years. During my time at IAM, I engaged with congregations throughout our county. I interacted with hundreds of volunteers and donors. I am honored to think that my involvement at the board level has helped thousands of people with food, clothing, rent, and more, with friendliness and with dignity. During these compassionate years, the organization hired a new executive director, built a new large facility, created a thrift store, and successfully weathered a pandemic. IAM is a remarkable organization and I am humbled to have been part of it.
Community Involvement
As a rabbi in a small southern town, I had the opportunity to participate in many local events and organizations. I volunteered with the MLK Day of Service, walked with the Hunger Coalition, and gave benedictions and invocations throughout the area. The photo on the right shows the participating clergy from a Creation Care event. Connecting with other faiths and organizations, seeing our community embrace diversity, and making the world a bit better in the process was such an honor.
Creation Care Event
Preaching and Teaching at Churches
One of the great opportunities of being the only synagogue for many counties was the invitation to preach and teach at various local churches. Usually, a couple of times a year, I had the privilege of preaching at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville, a welcoming community of engaged members.
This same was true of St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church where I enjoyed teaching several times. At Providence Baptist Church, Tryon Presbyterian Church, and others, I was a guest lecturer for their Bible study classes and general adult ed classes.
I carried this love into my time in Florida as well and have made connections throughout the Orlando area.
I believe that interfaith dialogue happens in a variety of ways and am grateful for these opportunities.