RABBI RICK AND BETH AM - TOGETHER UNTIL 2020

In 2006, the members of Congregation Beth Am overwhelmingly made a commitment to the future by electing Rabbi Rick Sherwin to be the congregation's spiritual leader until the year 2020.  In the years since Rabbi Rick brought his spirit of "Cheers" to Beth Am, the congregation has experienced incredible growth, drawing in many young families who were looking for a place to call "home".  This success, and the desire to continue to be Florida's Friendliest Congregation and a place "where everybody knows your name," motivated both Rabbi Rick and the congregants to put their trust in each other for the next 14 years.

Upon Rabbi Rick's election, Beth Am President, Dr. Mark Davids, made the observation, "We crossed a threshold in the life of Congregation Beth Am.  Our members demonstrated uncommon 20/20 foresight in choosing to keep Rabbi Rick with us until 2020.  We have formed a wonderful team at Beth Am.  The decision to keep Rabbi Rick as our mara d'atra provides the foundation for the continued physical and spiritual growth of our congregation."

In a letter to the congregation, Rabbi Sherwin remarked: "We believe that the stability of a congregation comes with continuity:  when the Rabbi and the Congregation share simhas and sorrows through the life cycle.  It is an honor to stand with a couple under the huppa, then share with them the moment when their child is brought into the Covenant and be on the bima when that child is called to the Torah as a Bar/Bat Mitzva.  The privilege is extended when these young men and women who were called to the Torah later stand under the wedding canopy themselves.  Nomi, Joel, Davi, Josh, Elissa and I feel very privileged to be at Beth Am, a place that has welcomed us as family in the same way that it welcomes each of you.  We recognize that what makes our synagogue so very special and unique is not so much the Rabbi or the programs, but the warm, continuing relationships that take place within the congregation."

 

Everyone who walks through our front door, and everyone who attends a worship service here, knows that CBA is a warm and caring congregational community.  As a Conservative congregation, Beth Am makes the active statement that Traditional Judaism is not only alive, but thrives as it touches our lives and enhances the meaning of life for us as individuals and as a community.  Congregation Beth Am is a family of families, a place where everyone feels "at home."