Our Vibrant Congregational Community: The Gift We’re Building Together

Life frequently presents us with gifts. It is challenging, though, to be grounded enough in the present moment both to notice them and to be open to receiving them. Several weeks ago, I attended a beautiful Shabbat service – one of the most heartfelt ever – and the installation of Rabbi Joshua Strom. The evening was a wonderful gift for which I am grateful.

On this occasion, more than 40 congregants from Temple Shaaray Tefila in New York City honored us with their presence, demonstrating the many strong and loving relationships Rabbi Strom developed during his 11-year tenure there. The congregants expressed bittersweet feelings of not having Joshua Strom as their rabbi any longer, while also being happy that he is in a role in which he is thriving and having a positive effect on Congregation B’nai Yisrael (CBY) and its members. Their presence was a personal reminder to me of the broader, supportive Jewish community. They not only helped fill our sanctuary, but also my heart.

Harmonious sounds filled the sanctuary throughout the Shabbat service and beyond. Shaaray Tefila’s Cantor Todd Kipnis joined our own Cantor Kobilinsky on the bimah. Together, their beautiful voices both energized and soothed me, and I noticed how touched Rabbi Strom was as their voices joined in song.

When the service concluded, four distinguished rabbis were invited to the bimah for the installation service. They were Rabbi Douglas Krantz, our rabbi emeritus; Rabbi Jonathan Stein, rabbi emeritus of Temple Shaaray Tefila; Dr. Rabbi David Ruderman, a world-renowned Jewish historian at the University of Pennsylvania, and Rabbi Strom’s father-in-law; and Rabbi Elliot Strom, founding rabbi of Shir Ami in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and our Rabbi Strom’s father

In his remarks, Rabbi Krantz described the congregation’s sense of awe upon receiving a Holocaust Torah from the Czech Republic a number of years ago. He related that experience to the blessing of Rabbi Strom’s presence and leadership within the congregation.

Rabbi Jonathan Stein highlighted Rabbi Strom’s authentic and compassionate ways, noting, too, that it had been a privilege to serve together with him.

Dr. Rabbi David Ruderman provided a wonderful historic perspective on the role of a rabbi in the community.

Last up, Rabbi Elliot Strom shared sweet stories of his son’s youth, noting his pride for the man and rabbi his son has become. He described Rabbi Strom’s contagious passion for making the world a better place, something I have already experienced with our new rabbi. He also acknowledged the many blessings both CBY and his son have experienced over time, and how this new relationship has blessed each of them yet again. The rabbi concluded by asking the congregation to rise and join him in offering a blessing to his son. As everyone participated in the priestly benediction over our new rabbi, energy pulsed through the sanctuary, filling my heart with joy.

In his response, the younger Rabbi Strom expressed how moved, humbled, and elated he was as these two congregations – representing past and present – came together to celebrate him and a new future. Rabbi Strom also expressed deep gratitude for the guest speakers, Cantor Kobilinsky, the CBY staff, the congregations, and his family.

During the years I have been a leader here at CBY, fellow congregants often express the desire for a vibrant community. Our recent installation of Rabbi Strom exemplified the vibrant community we are growing together. Love and positive emotions were shared by all, whether spoken or experienced. The special service reminded me that each moment brings a gift, while some are easier for me to see, they are always there waiting for me.

Brian Kaminer is the vice president of Congregation B’nai Yisrael in Armonk, NY.

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