June

 June 2025

Our very dedicated President, Armi Rowe, reminded me that next month, I’ll be stepping into my 25th year as part of the clergy team here at Temple Emanu-El. I have been blessed with being able to work with two very dedicated Rabbis, who continue to inspire me, Rabbi Emeritus Aaron Rosenberg, and Rabbi Marc Ekstrand, and an extra special congregation. I guess time really does fly when you love what you do. 

Right after I became an adult Bat Mitzvah in 1989, I started teaching in the Religious School and have been teaching for 35 years. In 2000, I began working with our Bar/Bat Mitzvah students, when I split time on the bimah and in the classroom with Cantor
Jeff Stock. At that time he was our cantorial student, in his 3rd and final year with us. I learned much from him in his time here. My first Bar Mitzvah was David Senges-Murphy, and my first Adult B’nei Mitzvah Class were my parents, Ruth and Henry Dunkerley, Hali Keeler, Nancy Trostler, Jean Lasser and Mindy Hillerman. My dad went on to chant Torah for many years. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with so many B’nei Mitzvah students over the years, from age 13 to 83, and I am proud of all of them. If you might be interested in becoming an Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah, please let me or Rabbi Marc know. It’s an amazing journey.

I really enjoy working with my adult students, who love learning and continue to want to learn even more. Whether they are just beginning to learn the Hebrew Aleph-Bet, looking to read prayers in Hebrew, wanting to learn some Hebrew vocabulary and grammar, have a goal of learning to chant from Torah and Haftarah, or even wanting to delve into translating Hebrew so they can understand what they are reading, I love their enthusiasm, and dedication. The adults and our Religious School students always put a smile on my face and continue to ask great questions that keep me on my toes. I am excited to be attending Rabbi Marc’s class on Wednesdays. It’s nice being on the learning side of a class and he makes it interesting and fun.  

This year, Barbara Senges, on behalf of Sisterhood, asked if I would be interested in leading a women’s Rosh Chodesh program. I have enjoyed our discussions, meditation, and getting to know everyone better.  I’m looking to schedule a couple over the summer. Maybe one at a beach and one in the evening under the new moon. So watch for the July/August Bulletin for those dates.

Speaking of summer, Shabbat Summer Services will be beginning on Friday, July 4 and ending on Friday, August 22.  If you are interested in participating in a Shabbat Summer Service, please contact me. Hope you’ll join us.

Many thanks to all of you for enriching my life over the 36 years that I have been involved at Temple Emanu-El.  36, a double chai! You have truly been a blessing in my life, and I am very grateful for all of you.

B’shir,
Hazzan Sherry