As the new Rabbi of Temple Beth Am, I am excited to greet you with my first bulletin article. It is customary to recite the shehecheyanu blessing whenever one performs an action for the first time. You may be familiar with it from the first night of Chanukah, the first Passover seder, or from another occasion. “Baruch Ata Adonai Eloheinu melech ha olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higiyanu laz’man hazeh.” “Blessed are You Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe who has renewed life within us, sustained us, and allowed us to reach this day.” I cannot think of a more appropriate blessing for the start of my tenure at Beth Am.

We are in the midst of a time of renewal. As the first new rabbi at Temple Beth Am in more than twenty years, I recognize that this is also a time of transition. If you and I have not had the opportunity to meet in person by the time of this article, know that you can stop by my office at any time or find me after services. I look forward to sharing with you my passion for social justice and Judaism. Cantor Schechtman and I are partnering together to create a warm and vibrant worship experience that will engage members of all ages.

In addition to adding a new face to the bimah, the building started a facelift of its own. Renovations are in progress on the social hall and lobby areas under the capable direction of co-chairs Bill Habelow and Rob Cohen and their committee. All of those who have given of their time and resources for the renovation will be appropriately thanked later this year. At the same time, the library has undergone several physical improvements, guided by our Head Librarian Marsha Massey and her dedicated group of volunteers, and thanks to a generous donation from Bernie and Marion Wollmeringer.

Along the journey to today, the community has been sustained by the excellent guidance and wisdom of its lay leaders and professional staff. Temple Beth Am is fortunate to have many men & women willing to give their time in service and dedication as officers in the congregation, members of the Board of Trustees, and committee chair. Furthermore, the congregation is blessed with a talented professional team - Cantor Jodi Schechtman, Ellen Jagher and Orna Sonnenschein are all invested in improving the welfare of the congregation. Rabbi Splansky certainly played a significant role in leading the congregation during his esteemed tenure as rabbi. Know that he remains a valuable part of our Beth Am family in his new capacity as Rabbi Emeritus.

Looking ahead, the future of the congregation is bright with many more occasions for celebration and blessing on the horizon. I am already working with President David Helinek, the newly elected president, the lay leadership of the congregation and the professional staff to insure that Temple Beth Am lives up to its name as “a house of the people” -- a place for Jewish experiences where everyone, from the youngest to the young at heart, feels at home. I look forward to many years of serving as your teacher, spiritual guide, counselor and friend.

L’shalom,

RABBI ADAM F. MILLER