Excerpt from Rabbi Andy’s Annual Meeting Remarks

There are 58 flags around our fountain, one for each of the remaining hostages who have been held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists for 592 days. We pray for the safe return to Israel of the hostages, 58 of them – living and dead.

Or Levy, one of the hostages who was held in unforgiving conditions by Hamas, told of the time that he was together with Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Following his negotiated release in early 2025, he was asked: how did he keep going each day? He spoke about being with Hersh, and how Hersh told him to focus on his “why.” Referencing the writing of Auschwitz survivor and psychologist Viktor Frankl, Hersh told Or Levy – and any of the other hostages that were held with him: “if you know your why, you will be able to find the how.” Synagogues do not need to search far to know our why.

Temple Emanuel’s why is captured poetically in our Mission Statement: Temple Emanuel strives to be a place of Keruv, of closeness to God and Jewish culture. As we approach our 118th year, that is what powers us. It is what allows us, no matter the headlines or who says or writes what, to provide support and meaning to so many, and to continue to grow. And we have grown.

Last year, at this time, we were a congregation of 581 families, including affiliates. We now count over 590 families who belong to our community.

We have celebrated as our families grew—welcoming 12 new children and grandchildren. There were six weddings celebrated by Temple members or their kids, with a seventh taking place this coming Sunday. Sadly, 51 of our members and their immediate family passed away during the past year.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the passing of Rabbi Arnold Task, who served our Temple for two decades from the late 1960s through the 1980s. He was a Rabbi who worked with so many on finding Jewish meaning; he was a master at exploring those deep questions of why. May his memory always live on as a blessing.

Let me note that this past Temple-year was a lighter one for Bnai Mitzvah – five thus far. Each such simcha, every moment of joy and challenge, is another way that our Temple brings us closer to one other, and provides meaning – that all-important why.

I hope that you join me in expressing thanks to Temple’s professional staff. Focusing on providing meaning in our world is a daunting task. Our staff wakes up every morning focused on this community. They put in the dedicated hours, often staying later than everyone else. “How can tomorrow be even better?” is a real thing for each of them.

Laura Denhardt, you are Temple’s anchor each and every day. As our congregation’s Executive Director, you bring the right dose of experience, wisdom, kindness, and balance. The world around us is chaotic and downright exhausting. You help us maintain our cool; finding the silver lining when you are around is never difficult.

Join me in acknowledging the hard work and dedication of: Brenda Henley, Temple’s Director of Congregant Services who also runs our senior Friendship Circle; Shira Snyder, our Program Coordinator; Natasha Kobleva, our Comptroller; Mark Sonntag, Temple’s Operations Manager; and Brooklyn Flatt and Elizabeth Elliott who see to the long list of Temple’s administrative needs. We could not do our work without you! 

Cassie Silverman directs our thriving pre-Kindergarten, the Early Childhood Engagement Center. She runs one of the best pre-Kindergarten’s in our area.

These days, every Jewish community needs a security team. Bob Bonasia, together with Officer Ray, and our friends from GPD and Safe and Secure – we never take you for granted and are so thankful that you have our backs, always.

Thank you to Liz French and Tony Johnson who are on our Maintenance staff. I want to also thank Lorena Harriott for her dedication to Temple.

Thank you to Mitchel Sommers, Debbie Stewart, CJ Albee, Beth Goldstein, Jerry Gedaly, and our Music Committee, as well as so many others who have imbued our sacred moments with ruach.

A big todah rabbah to Rabbi Guttman, sincerest thanks for being a leading light in the world of Jewish “why” as our Rabbi Emeritus. When I take stock of this past year, I am wowed by how quickly Rabbi Amy Hertz became part of Greensboro and Temple Emanuel. Kesher and the full range of Temple’s educational programs you lead with expertise, creativity, and dedication. You are one of Temple’s guides as we focus on the “why” in our world.

Temple’s Brotherhood and Sisterhood are to be commended for continuing their signature programs.

Our Chesed Committee is always at the ready to assist in matters of care, both big and small.

Our Finance, Terumah, and House & Grounds Committee – let me add a big “Amen” to the Temple President’s remarks.

Our Social Action Committee took major steps forward by introducing Temple to the work of the Kellin Foundation, focusing on mental health care and other essential services they provide. I know that the Social Action Committee will also continue its work supporting immigrants, promoting diversity, and advocating for affordable housing.

The Jewish Festival this year was another smashing success. Thank you to all of the volunteers, and especially to Stacey Papier and Jodi Kolada – our power team – for organizing the hundred, if not thousands, of people, places, and moving parts.

Not long ago, we Raised The Roof at our annual fundraiser, revisiting the memories and parties of past B’nai Mitzvah. Tammie Geier, thanks to you for all of your efforts, and especially that fun night!

We had a remarkable evening of music with 13-year old vocalist Eden Kontesz, and her parents musicians David Kontesz and Sharon Farber, to raise money for the March of the Living.

Speaking of the March of the Living: being in Poland and Israel this year was beyond-moving.

For 30 years now, Temple Emanuel has turned to this and other teens programs – like L’Taken – as vehicles to take our teens into the most meaningful conversations facing the Jewish people in our own times.  Sincerest gratitude to all who supported the March with their generous donations – this year, especially, it made a big difference. Of course, none of this would be possible without the major support of the Greensboro Jewish Federation. Todah Rabbah to Glenda Bernhardt who continues to be a source of high-level planning and coordination. It is so appreciated!

We highlighted the World Zionist Congress elections by hosting Shoshana Dweck to speak last December during Shabbat Starts Here. Thanks to Ken Stiles, Dr. Eve Knapp, and everyone who helped get out the vote. Hopefully, the results – which have yet to be posted – will favor the Reform slate.

Temple Emanuel had the honor of hosting the solemn Greensboro community gathering one year after October 7th. As the year progressed, we were one of the few places in our area to screen the movie October 8.

We also were the host site for the community’s Yom HaZikaron – Yom HaAtzmaut ceremony and speaker. We are proud to list ourselves as an Israel-positive Reform congregation.

Opportunities to search and find Jewish “why” happen all of the time at Temple. I invite you to speak with me, or with Rabbi Hertz, about this at any time. Tell us about the good things; tell us your sources of frustration, disappointment, pain. Tell us what Temple is doing right, and what we can do better. We are here to listen, to do, and to be there – for you!

I said that I wanted to comment on one essential element of meaning – of our why – before I conclude. That is leadership and securing our future.

It is a sign of a strong community when it thinks not only of its past, nor of the present and the most immediate needs. Peering into the future, asking what, how, and why about our children’s children and generations to come, is not an exclusively Jewish thing. But it is a hallmark of our leadership.

My gratitude Dr. Brod, to you and to every Temple leader; Temple’s staff and especially your Rabbis could not ask for better sacred partners in the ongoing pursuit of Jewish community and meaning.

Each of you should know how lucky I consider myself to serve as one of your Rabbis. My gratitude to you is only surpassed by my thanks to Michal. She does so much to help me function and to enhance what we do as a community. As we say in Hebrew: todah rabbah mi-kol ha-lev, my most heartfelt gratitude to you!

As a people, I hope and pray that the hostages will be back in Israel without any further delay. I pray that there will soon be news of peace, for Israel, for the whole region, and for our world. May a new day dawn when the vision of the prophet Micah becomes the reality for all humanity – nation not lifting up sword against nation, war not be learned or practiced anymore, each family sitting under their own vine and fig tree, with no one to disturb them.

AMEN

Rabbi Andy Koren

Senior Rabbi