News and Updates President's Message

As we step into the secular new year, our Temple community finds itself in a truly meaningful moment—one rooted in gratitude, growth, and new beginnings.

This year, we have the privilege of honoring Rabbi Barras for ten remarkable years of service. A decade of leadership is no small milestone. It represents countless sermons that lifted our spirits, pastoral moments that helped us through life’s challenges, and a steady, compassionate presence that has guided our congregation with wisdom and heart. We are blessed to celebrate this anniversary and to recognize the profound impact Rabbi Barras has had on shaping who we are today. There is no shortage of opportunities to celebrate him…I hope you will participate throughout the weekend and for years to come.

As we celebrate the last 10 years we are also celebrating the future as we welcome our newest members who are joining us from Temple Beth Or. On January 23rd we will have a special welcome Shabbat – I hope you will join in to make them feel at home here at Temple Beth Am! Our community is blessed to have them as they bring their unique gifts to our congregation.

At the same time, we look ahead with hope, energy, and excitement. Our Temple is entering a season of vision and renewal, embracing opportunities for growth and laying the groundwork for the years ahead. I hope you can feel it—in our programs, in our leadership, in our evolving sense of purpose. New initiatives, new pathways to learning and spirituality, and new ways to build community are already taking shape.

• • We are strengthening the foundations that support our synagogue family:
    Expanding meaningful worship and spiritual engagement
  • Investing in education, from our youngest learners to our lifelong learners
  • Enhancing the way we gather, celebrate, and support one another
  • Building structures—both literal and organizational—that will carry us forward

As we honor our past and celebrate this important rabbinic milestone, we also embrace the promise of what comes next. The coming year offers us a chance to dream boldly, to deepen our connections, and to reaffirm the values that make our community strong.

May this new year be filled with blessing—for our Temple, for our leadership, and for every member of our community. Together, we will continue to build a vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring spiritual home.

Here’s to new beginnings, to honoring our journey, and to all the good things yet to come.

Shelley Jacoby