Happy New Year and Shabbat Shalom. I hope you have all started this year great and are weathering the cold weather. I wanted to reach out to the entire congregation with some updates.
First, I would like to share a personal message from the Rabbi:
Dear Friends:
Over five weeks ago Glenn collapsed before services, suffering from a traumatic brain injury caused by a congenital problem. He is currently in a facility where he will be for the foreseeable future.
There are no words sufficient to tell you how much we appreciate your love, concern, and support as all of us begin to adjust to this new circumstance. If you would like to express concern or love, we truly appreciate notes and e-mail. Please be assured, even if we do not respond, that your wishes help to strengthen us. I especially want to thank Jennifer Fessler, the Board, the Senior Staff and Temple Staff who have kept everything at the Temple moving forward in my absence. They have all done an incredible job of responding to this challenge, especially in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. I am blessed to be a part of such a warm and supportive community which will make my return to work in the near future that much easier. I have always returned to work after difficult moments and I will again.
I wanted you to hear this update from me, and when there is anything new to share I promise I will let you know. This is an incredibly challenging time for our entire family, and yet still we count our blessings, and recognize the profound gift of being embraced by the love and strength of the incredible Temple Shaari Emeth community. Please continue to keep Glenn in your prayers for healing and wholeness.
L'shalom, Rabbi Melinda Panken
Secondly, The senior staff and clergy have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that our community continues to flourish while the Rabbi takes the time she needs to handle family matters.
Rabbi Panken has been instrumental in all of the planning for the next several months. At Rabbi's request, she will be taking the remainder of January to be with her family. She has been participating in the Assistant Rabbi Search Committee, and she has also been participating in ensuring our Youth Scholarship program continues to operate. During the last week of January we will begin to plan for February and I will be sure to give you an update at that point on when and how the Rabbi will be returning in February.
While Cantor Wally and Cantor Siet have been available handling all life cycle events, there were often times when any one of us needed spiritual counseling and turned to Rabbi Panken. During this time, please call the temple office at (732) 462-7744. Cantor Wally and Rabbi are connected with several Rabbinic Colleagues and we will connect you with the right support.
We have invited many special guest clergy to join us on Friday nights and lead our teachings during services. This will continue through the end of February. We also have enjoyed Torah Study by many lay leaders here in our community. Melissa Pescatore has been leading our confirmation class and will be joining this group of amazing kids down to Washington DC for the Annual RAC Trip. Adult Education is continuing as planned under the leadership of David Gronlund-Jacob. So much more is happening throughout the building. Please look for the weekly emails with the schedule of events.
I always say it takes a village, and I am so proud of our community to have pulled together to be the village Temple Shaari Emeth needs. In any environment, we are unable to plan for every situation. If there is any questions or concerns that you would like to discuss please feel free to reach out to me, directly, at (732) 688-2850.
