By Krista Fidlow
Temple Beth-El is thrilled to welcome our new Rabbi, Rachel I. Salston on Aug. 1.
A native of Central New Jersey, Rabbi Salston graduated from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies (Los Angeles) in 2018. She also holds a BA in Neuroscience from Brandeis University, with a minor in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies. She has studied at the Conservative Yeshiva, Yeshivat Hadar, SVARA, and Drisha.
During the past four years, Rabbi Salston served as Rabbi of Fair Lawn Jewish Center in Northern New Jersey.
In that role, she transitioned the synagogue through the pandemic and a synagogue merger, revitalized youth Shabbat programming and the Hebrew School, supported congregants through the joys and pains of life, read and taught others to read Torah and lead davening, and built relationships throughout the greater community.
Prior to her time at Fair Lawn, Rabbi Salston worked as a hospital chaplain at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and was previously the Ritual Director at Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City.
As a Rabbi, educator, and Soferet STaM, Rabbi Salston loves teaching people of all ages how to find their unique connection to Jewish life and community. In her spare time Rabbi Salston enjoys crafting and running while listening to audio books.
Please help us welcome Rabbi Salston on Friday, Aug. 2 at 5:30 p.m. for a special Shabbat in the Park at Deep Run Park shelters 4 & 5 (9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, all the way at back of park).
Picnic dinners are encouraged! Challah, juice, and dessert will be provided.
Then on Saturday, Aug. 3, join us for Shabbat services at 10 a.m. (3330 Grove Ave.) followed by a special “Welcome Rabbi Salston” kiddush sponsored by the Rabbi Search Committee.
New Shoes for Back-To-School
Temple Beth-El is joined by Congregation Beth Ahabah for the 2024 New Shoes for Back-To-School Ministry
The Shoe Ministry is comprised of 10 area congregations with a goal of distributing 2,500 pairs of new shoes every Labor Day, just in time for school, to school-age children in need.
Beth-El together with Beth Ahabah, have been tasked with collecting 200 pairs of new children’s shoes by Aug. 23.
We also need volunteers to help distribute shoes on Labor Day.
You can drop off new shoes (closed-toe ONLY; children’s sizes 10 thru adult size 12) at either synagogue, and to volunteer or donate monetarily, go to bethelrichmond.org/event/shoeday24.
See information on First-Day-of-School Brunch & Activities Fair on Aug. 25 on other Beth-El article for August
