3405 Gulling Road, Reno, NV 89503

President’s Message Blog

From Our Temple President

Regular Newsletter Articles

Tova McGilvray was “Battle Born” and raised in Reno, Nevada, and is a graduate of UNR’s writing program. Her mom and bonus-dad still live in Reno, and all three are members of a different Reno Jewish congregation. She has worked in Title and Escrow since 2013 and looks forward to a long career helping people make Reno their home. Tova trained most of her life as a dancer and thespian, and cut her teeth at leadership managing, and choreographing theatrical productions. Her experience co-founding the Nada Dada Art Show exposed her to the plight of the residents in Reno’s weekly motels and introduced her to community activism. While always identified as a Northern Nevada Jew, it was not until joining Temple Sinai that she found a home where she could practice community service from a proudly Jewish perspective. A Temple Sinai member since 2017, Tova is a past chair of the Temple Sinai Social Action Committee and has served on the Temple Board since 2017. She is also a Past President of the Rotary Club of Reno Midtown. Tova resides in Carson City with her supportive, affectionate, and not-at-all Jewish husband, Jeremme, and has two grown step-children, Destiny and Presh. Tova hopes to share her joy for Reno’s unique brand of Reform Judaism with everyone and is always game for singing and dancing.

Tova McGilvray
Building community and personal growth isn’t about perfection or dramatic change—it’s about showing up consistently. Small, steady acts of participation deepen connection, foster belonging, and create a stronger, more rooted life within our Temple Sinai community.
Our community shines when we show up for one another—whether offering help, celebrating together, or engaging in meaningful events. This season, let’s keep showing up in ways that bring light, connection, and joy.
Our community shined during the rabbis’ sabbatical—supporting one another, hosting joyful Shabbat dinners, and bravely leading services. With gratitude for all who stepped up, we especially celebrate Mike Stombaugh’s 20 years of devoted service at Temple Sinai.