June 13, 2022

Dear Temple Aliyah and Shomrei Torah Synagogue Family,

We are pleased to inform you that the Board of Directors of both Temple Aliyah (TA) and Shomrei Torah Synagogue (STS) passed a motion on June 9, 2022, to proceed with a commitment to full integration of our congregations with the goal of becoming one dynamic organization. Our next steps are to engage legal counsel to conduct legal due diligence; and to continue with the financial analysis.
The motion passed by the Boards included:

  • The recommendations of the Joint Task Force (as we reported to you on May 25, 2022)

  • Full integration of STS and TA.
  • The integrated STS and TA will engage both Rabbi Vogel and Rabbi Camras as co-Senior Rabbis.
  • The integrated STS and TA will occupy a single campus, based at STS.

  • Authorizing engagement of separate legal counsel by each synagogue.
  • Affirming commitment to the goal of full integration of TA and STS, subject to results of legal due diligence and contingent on each Board’s approval of a budget model that demonstrates financial sustainability.
  •  A suggested timeline.
  
We are grateful for our members who have worked hard to bring us to this point. Be assured that as we move forward, we will continue to keep you informed and provide opportunities for your feedback. We look forward to the participation of congregants in partnership with our lay leaders, staff and clergy, to work through the detailed planning that will lead to a successful integration.

In addition, both Boards want to assure our communities that upon completion of the intensive work over the coming months, the final decision on uniting our two communities will be made by a vote of each congregation’s membership.

We are fortunate here on Valley Circle that two vibrant synagogues have been able to thrive in such proximity for so many decades. However, we now live in a world where houses of worship are shutting their doors due to the shared issues of too few members, too many houses, and too few clergy. How blessed we are to have the great opportunity to build a legacy by bringing together our synagogues to create a vibrant, sustainable Jewish community.
L'shalom,
Leah Kuluva
President
Shomrei Torah Synagogue
Debbie Strom
President
Temple Aliyah
Shomrei Torah Synagogue
7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills, CA 91304
(818) 854-7650 | stsonline.org