What a year we had!

We made friends and enjoyed great times. We studied Torah and learned from one another. We prayed, sang, ate, laughed, and cried. Moreover, long after our time together ends on June 30, I will savor these memories through years to come.

When I arrived, as we were recovering from the communal impact of the pandemic, we nevertheless set a substantial work agenda that included a rebuilding of CMI’s early childhood program, now renamed The Learning Tree Early Childhood Education Center of Mishkan Israel, and we are seeing success in a fall 2024 enrollment that is already double last year’s. We set out to restore the teen program, and the year’s achievements are evident in a renewed Confirmation service, a reactivated youth lounge, social activities, teen study, Madrichim religious school aides and more. We were hopeful, we worked hard together, and our successes demonstrate the spirit and commitment at the heart of this beloved Congregation, its members, leaders, and staff.

Jewish thinker, Martin Buber, foresaw the energy at CMI when he coined the term, "Hebrew Humanism.” Hebrew Humanism speaks to a deeply held commitment to inclusive, egalitarian, and principled living based on Jewish teachings. Hebrew Humanism means a fusion of a spiritual devotion to the pursuit of justice that is aligned with biblical and rabbinic beliefs and practices, and is evident in words and actions. In addition, the daily life of Congregation Mishkan Israel demonstrates the essence of living out Hebrew Humanism. Look at the Congregation’s calendar and bulletin. Talk to our members. There is Hebrew Humanism at CMI each day.  

To be sure, Rabbi Brockman is an exemplar of Hebrew Humanism, as he is our supporter and friend. I am grateful for the opportunity to share time with him, as when he walks into my office or I walk into his and we just chat. CMI's leadership, beginning with President David Silverstone and soon Alan Sturtz, are supportive partners for the clergy, staff, leaders, and members. They represent you and labor for you with integrity, devotion, and love. Cantor Giglio has been a wonderful partner and friend, reliably at my side to provide for the spiritual life of the Congregation. Steven Jacober brings a wealth of wisdom, experience, and a solid work ethic to the position of Executive Director; we lean on him for support, guidance, and goodwill, and he always delivers. Our education director, Michelle Goldstein’s commitment and devotion to our children and families blesses us each day. Jennifer Verrier, director of The Learning Tree, is a hard worker and great colleague, whose focus and efforts bring us to renewal. Our office staff, Tamara Epstein and Sarah Legassey are there for us each day, with warmth, patience, and devotion. In other words, let’s just say that Rabbi Daniel Schaefer, who brings his own array or rabbinic gifts, is one very lucky rabbi! 

The challenges are many for our synagogues, as we continue to recover from the communal impact of Covid and face the unexpected threats to Israel and an upswing in antisemitism. It is hard to tell what the future will bring, but I know that you will work together and with Rabbi Schaefer to provide for CMI members, the community, and continue to contribute to the wellbeing of the Jewish people.

I hope we have a chance to say goodbye, in person, at my farewell service, June 14, and as my last day with you on June 30 approaches. Please email me at RabbiRoss@CMIHamden.org to set a time to meet and talk. Starting July 1, I will be serving as Intentional Interim Rabbi at Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford, in Westchester County, New York, where new and exciting challenges await. By practice in our Reform movement, I must be absent from CMI for the coming year, but I look forward to seeing you again in the future.

As I move ahead, our time together will stand prominently and sweetly in my memory. The health and strength of CMI rests in the Congregation’s clear sense of vision and mission that drives activities and programs that bring honor to Jewish teachings and strength to the Jewish people. From the perspective of my more than 40 years serving Reform synagogues, and my national position as a program specialist at the Central Conference of American Rabbis, I can say that CMI is an exemplary congregation among the more than 800 in our Reform movement of Judaism, and it has been my privilege to serve as your Intentional Interim Rabbi. 

With best wishes,

Rabbi Dennis Ross