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Dear Friends,
We would like to extend warmest greetings to you and your families. Last week you learned of the contract extensions of our esteemed and beloved clergy team and the strength that they bring to our congregation.
Today we are writing with a special message about an exciting initiative that builds upon this strength to continue the vibrancy of our cherished temple community. Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple is entering into a process with The Temple-Tifereth Israel that includes exploring a continuum of collaboration possibilities, ranging from additional shared programming to a vision of unified entity.
Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple and The Temple-Tifereth Israel are two strong congregations who have forged a similar path, progressed with the same success along the way, and are aligned with a vision for the future. Our two institutions are valued and time-honored, each maintaining a deep-rooted history and commitment to the northeast Ohio Jewish community and the Reform movement. We are purposeful, connected, and proud of our existing affiliations, such as the operation of the Mayfield Jewish Cemetery, and some of our joint youth and teen programs. Our leaders come together regularly to remain aligned, as well as to identify even more meaningful ways we can partner.
Both congregations aspire to reinvigorate our synagogue communities and find new ways to have meaningful impact on Jewish life going forward. Presidents of each congregation have appointed an exploration committee for the purposes of these discussions. Our committee members are Chair Julie Raskind, Patty Inglis, Keith Kerman, Todd Silverman, Steve Weinberg and Ed Weintraub. The committees are working together to engage a professional consultant/facilitator to guide the parties. The work and recommendations of these groups will be shared with the boards and congregations regularly. Both Temples are committed to an open and transparent process where both congregations have input into the decision making.
We are just at the start of this process, but it presents exciting possibilities to explore innovative changes which can enhance the already robust presence of both institutions. We look forward to engaging in a path of thoughtful and strategic discovery that sets the highest standard for Reform Jewish life in Cleveland and beyond. If you have any questions about this, now or in the coming months, please contact us - Michele at president@fairmounttemple.org or Rabbi Nosanchuk at rnosanchuk@fairmounttemple.org.
We look forward to sharing more information about this initiative as the process moves forward.
Michele Krantz
President
Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk
Senior Rabbi
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