Touching Lives

Almost every discussion about the future of Temple Beth El includes a debate about the advantages and disadvantages of being a large congregation.

Some of those who were here when the congregation was small or who have moved here from smaller congregations look back fondly to a time when all of the members knew each other. While that kind of familiarity appeals to many of our congregants, most people appreciate the expanded resources which are available to a large congregation.

We can offer more programs, multiple learning opportunities and a variety of worship services which are not possible with a small congregation. One of the most important advantages of a large congregation is the ability to support a larger staff. Much of our work is centered around one-on-one relationships. The more people we have on staff, the more likely it is that members of our congregation will have a professional with whom they feel a strong connection. One relatively new member of our staff who has, in a very short time, touched many lives in a profound way is Mary Thomas.

Mary came to us just over three years ago when her husband, Mathew Moore, got a job with Bank of America. Having just started the application process for the cantorial program at Hebrew Union College, Mary abandoned those plans to move to Charlotte. She began teaching 6th grade in our Religious School and soon volunteered to assist with b’nei mitzvah tutoring, in part so she would become proficient in trope herself. She became fully incorporated into our staff when I went on sabbatical for three months last summer. She took over service-leading and the b’nei mitzvah program, as well as assisting the rabbis with pastoral visits and lifecycle events. Her growth as a Jewish professional over those 12 weeks was amazing.

But Mary’s competence as a Jewish professional turned out not to be her greatest contribution to Temple Beth El; rather, it is her innate ability to connect with people of all ages and in a variety of situations. This skill has been a particular blessing in our b’nei mitzvah program. With more than 60 students and their families, and almost 50 teenage tutors, maintaining our number one goal — nurturing the relationships between our Temple professionals
and our students — is particularly challenging. The b’nei mitzvah process is inherently stressful for both our students and their families. And our tutors face difficult challenges of those tough teenage years daily. Mary has touched in a profound way the lives of all of them. She has served as confidant, cheerleader, mentor, advisor and comforter.

Mary has also made an impact on the lives of many of our adults who do not have b’nei mitzvah age children.
From her beautiful service-leading to pastoral visits, time and time again I have seen Mary reach out to members of our congregation, bringing moments of joy, comfort and peace to their lives. When engaging in sticky personal or professional situations, more often than not, she walks away having brought understanding and fresh insight to everyone involved.

We will all miss her. Mary has given a healthy balance to our staff, her input always thoughtful and global. And I know that kids and adults whose lives she has touched will mourn the loss of that unique connection. The good news is that Mary will acquire the education and credentials to serve congregants in our movement even better. We wish her a safe, productive, inspirational and invigorating journey.

L’shalom,
Andrew Bernard
Cantor  

Calling all Singers & Choir Wannabees!
May 20th Saturday morning Congregational Shabbat Service
For all of you who have always wanted to join the choir but don’t have time for all the regular rehearsals, please join Cantor Bernard and other choir members for the May 20th Saturday morning Congregational Shabbat Service. This Choir for a Day is a one time only commitment, though we hope this one experience may entice you to sing with us for High Holy Days and throughout the year!
For May 20th, we will rehearse from 9:00 am to 10:15 am, enjoy the congregational breakfast at 10:15 am, and then sing for the 11:00 am service. Contact Cantor Bernard at 704-366-1948 x107 or CantorB@carolina.rr.com or Marian Brawer at 704-362-0003 or mwbrawer@bellsouth.net for more information.