We did it! We survived the Rabbis’ sabbatical, and I could not be more proud of all of our volunteers who made it possible.

I will remember our “unsupervised” summer together as a season of deepening connections. To those in our community who experienced a loss or illness, it was my sincere honor to sit with you, hear your stories, and share precious time together. I am equally grateful to the Temple members who joined me in making hospital visits, checking in, and supporting our Temple Sinai family.

A special thank you goes to the many hosts of our summer Shabbat dinners. These evenings—filled with good food, laughter, and meaningful conversations—captured the very essence of what we strive for in all of our gatherings: opening our homes, moving past small talk, and building genuine friendships. Thank you to everyone who participated in our “Closed for Shabbat” dinners. We are already dreaming of how this initiative can continue to grow.

Our “Brave Gang” of service leaders deserves heartfelt recognition: Laura Smith, Michael Cohen, John Luis Gomez, Jeremy Cohen, Liz Lyster, Jay Goldberg, Jeff Gingold, and, of course, Rabbi Myra Soifer. Taking on new challenges is one thing, but stepping up to lead in front of a full congregation is another. I am humbled by the courage, growth, and spirit you brought to our community this summer.

And of course, no reflection on this season would be complete without thanking Mike Stombaugh, our Office Administrator. Mike is the steward of Temple Sinai’s knowledge, history, and daily life—the quiet foundation that keeps us steady. This September marks an incredible milestone: Mike’s 20th anniversary at Temple Sinai. Please be on the lookout after HHD for an invitation to join me in celebrating this remarkable achievement.

As we step into fall and the New Year, I carry deep gratitude for the ways our community showed up for each other this summer—with resilience, warmth, and heart.

Yours in service,
Tova McGilvray