Temple Beth Elohim of Brewster Installs
Laurie Gold as New Rabbi
Brewster, N.Y. October 29, 2018 Temple Beth Elohim, a Reform synagogue serving Putnam County, Dutchess County and Northern Westchester County as well as Fairfield County, Conn., is happy to report that Laurie Gold was installed as its new Rabbi during a Shabbat evening service on Friday, October 19.
Temple Beth Elohim also held an Oktoberfest luncheon welcoming Rabbi Gold on October 21. Both events took place at Temple Beth Elohim, 31 Mount Ebo Rd. North in Brewster, N.Y.
During Rabbi Gold’s installation service, many members of Temple Beth Elohim and others welcomed and praised Rabbi Gold. For example, Rabbi Ellie Shemtov, Rabbi Gold’s colleague and friend, spoke about Rabbi Gold’s great sense of humor and how Rabbi Gold used to perform standup comedy. Rabbi Shemtov also said that Rabbi Gold is great at encouraging and supporting people.
Nan Coulter, the former Executive Director of Temple Beth Elohim, stressed Rabbi’s compassion and flexibility. Rabbi Arianne Weitzman stressed how well-read and what a hard worker Rabbi Gold is. Rabbi Weitzman also commented on how much Rabbi Gold enjoys spending time with people.
Rabbi Kathy Novick, gave Rabbi Gold a blessing while other rabbi friends stood nearby. Two local Christian ministers, Pastor Wongee Joh and Pastor Kathi Meyerson, also bestowed blessings upon her while Reverend Michael Robinson stood by.
In her remarks, Rabbi Gold spoke of how she and the members of her congregation feel a part of something bigger than themselves, a part of their temple family, their community and God. She expressed how grateful, honored, and happy she was to be serving the warm and wonderful people of her temple family.
Temple President Bruce Feniger spoke of his great faith in Rabbi Gold’s ability to lead the congregation into the future.
Temple Beth Elohim (“House of God”) is a Brewster, N.Y.-based Reform synagogue based on inclusiveness, where everyone is welcome, regardless of age, marital status, sexual orientation, or whether a Jew by birth or by choice. The Temple practices liberal Judaism within an atmosphere that is warm and traditional. Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, the Temple strives to be a center for religious observance, Hebrew and cultural education, and family and social life. For members drawn to activity and service, there are ample opportunities for doing mitzvot (“good deeds”) for the Temple and our community through our Social Action Committee, Youth Groups, Sisterhood and Men’s Club.
After interviewing several finalists, the search committee recommended Rabbi Gold, who was approved by a greater than two-thirds positive vote by the temple’s membership.
In her previous roles at Temple Beth Elohim, Rabbi Gold has taught courses on numerous topics, including the Prophets, Jewish holidays; Jewish yoga and meditation; and Jewish ethics. She has also led several nature hikes for congregants, which have included prayer and meditation.
Rabbi Gold grew up in Great Neck, Long Island, where she attended services and Hebrew school at Temple Beth El. She was inspired by her childhood rabbi, Jerome K. Davidson.
Rabbi Gold received a B.A. in anthropology from the University of Michigan and a Law Degree from Hofstra Law School. She came to the rabbinate as a second career, having worked as a trial attorney for many years, specializing in tort defense. She received her rabbinic ordination from the Academy for Jewish Religion.
Rabbi Gold will be blessing the new members and welcoming prospective members at a Sabbath Service on Friday November 16th at 7:30pm.
For more information, please contact:
Suanne Ritchey, Executive Director of Temple Beth Elohim, 845-279-4585, Ext. #3.