Temple Beth-El Welcomes New Assistant Rabbi

Temple Beth-El of Great Neck welcomes Rabbi Megan Brumer as assistant rabbi on July 1, and all are welcome to meet Rabbi Megan at her first Erev Shabbat service, followed by a catered congregational dinner, on Friday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m.

As a member of the synagogue’s collaborative clergy team, Rabbi Megan will work closely with Rabbi A. Brian Stoller and Cantor Adam Davis to serve the full range of congregants’ spiritual and pastoral needs, lead services, teach Torah study, expand youth and family programming, partner in social-justice work and support the temple’s small-groups initiative.

A Reform Jew deeply passionate about Jewish experiential education, Jewish identity and Jewish community, Rabbi Megan hopes to help congregants discover or rediscover their connection to Judaism and guide them along their Jewish journey.

“There is no one way to connect to Judaism, and every individual deserves to find the way that they personally connect, whether it’s through text, music, arts, sports or social action,” explains Rabbi Megan.

Growing up in Bellevue, Washington, Rabbi Megan had a strong Jewish upbringing in the greater Seattle area’s sizable Jewish community. Attending Jewish day school and being immersed in both Jewish summer camp and her synagogue’s youth group influenced her to pursue a career in the rabbinate and as a Jewish educator.

“Involvement in Jewish summer camp and my synagogue were such transformative experiences, and I want to ensure that every person has their own similar opportunity,” notes Rabbi Megan. “One way I hope to do this is through education.”

The Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion ordained rabbi is enthusiastic about inspiring children and teens to love Judaism, build strong Jewish identity and find joy in Jewish life. She will add another dimension to the current clergy team.

“In addition to rabbinic ordination, Rabbi Megan comes to us with an advanced degree in Jewish education, positioning her well to lead the important work of educating and engaging Temple Beth-El’s youth and young families,” says Rabbi Stoller.

Growing up with a love of Jewish music ignited her love for song leading, leading communities in music and prayer.

“Rabbi Megan’s song-leading and summer camp experience are sure to win over the hearts of congregants, young and old,” adds Cantor Davis.

What drew Rabbi Megan to Temple Beth-El was the focus on education and the chance to learn from and be mentored by Rabbi Stoller. She looks forward to getting to know the Great Neck community, which has a similar feel to the suburban Seattle area where she was raised.

“I hope to help strengthen youth and teen education at Temple Beth-El, bringing in new programming and continuing what has already been successful,” beams Rabbi Megan. “I am excited to share my love and passion for Judaism, for Jewish music and for Jewish education.”

The community is welcome to meet Rabbi Megan at her first Erev Shabbat service, which will be followed by a delicious congregational dinner catered by W Kosher Events, on Friday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m. To register for the dinner, which costs $10 a person, click bit.ly/3IWR8aP.

Temple Beth-El, Great Neck’s oldest synagogue, which has been serving the community for more than 90 years, is located at 5 Old Mill Road. For more information, call 516-487-0900, visit www.tbegreatneck.org or email info@tbegreatneck.org.

—Submitted by Temple Beth-El of Great Neck