Rabbi Berg continues to rest and recover from her medical concerns and we wish her refuah shlema. Thanks to everyone who has been leading us at services and in other ways during Rabbi’s absence.

In the interim….

Rabbi Rachel Smookler (pronounced smoke-ler) will be assisting our congregation while Rabbi Berg is unable to be with us. Rabbi Smookler served as Rabbi to a Conservative congregation in Elmira for five years before her husband’s work took the family to Tokyo for seven years. While in Tokyo, Rabbi Smookler served as Interim Rabbi for the Jewish Center there. The family came to Rochester several years ago, returned to Tokyo again, and moved back to Rochester in January.

Rabbi Smookler will officiate at Shabbat services twice a month during Rabbi Berg’s absence. In addition to Shabbat services during this period, Rabbi Smookler will support member families for funerals.

Many of us met Rabbi Smookler at Shabbat services on March 23. Rabbi offered to present a d’var (even though she came to services to meet us!) and shared with us a meaningful talk relating family narratives and Pesach.

While we are finalizing the schedule, we do know that she will be leading services on April 6. I hope that you can attend services and welcome Rabbi Smookler.

L’Shalom,

Helen Kashtan
President