Our Rabbi

Our Rabbi

Greetings from Rabbi Hammerman

As we look toward our new Jewish Year, we also begin a new learning and programmatic year for the synagogue. Shortly after the High Holiday season is completed, we will begin our Adult Learning and other year-round programming here at Temple Gates of Prayer.  

I also want to take this opportunity to share something about plans I have made for my own learning in the coming year, through the 18 Doors Rukin Rabbinical Fellowship. 

I was recently accepted into this Fellowship for mid-career rabbis who have some experience with interfaith couples and families, but desire to be more comfortable and more skilled in working with people in interfaith relationships – and who want to achieve this by participating in a learning community. 

Together with my peers, I will increase my knowledge of interfaith inclusion issues and participate in developing solutions to create communities of belonging for these couples and families. Some of us may ask why this is important? I have already learned a surprising statistic - 71% of progressive Jews marry someone who isn’t Jewish. This includes multiple members of my own family and, perhaps, members of your families as well.  

I look forward to this important learning in the coming year. And, to sharing what I have learned and experienced with the Temple Gates community as well.  

You can read more about the organization sponsoring the Fellowship at 18Doors.org.

I hope to see you this evening, at Shabbat and Slichot services tomorrow and throughout the coming, busy weeks.
 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eytan Hammerman