OUR COMMUNITY
Alan has maintained an open- door policy. In his words, “If you have questions … if you have concerns… if you want to stop in and chat or just say “hi”… the welcome mat is out for you.”
‘Beacon of Strength’ Adat Shalom’s executive director Alan Yost retires after 41 years. ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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or 41 years, Alan Yost has been a building block of Adat Shalom Synagogue. The Farmington Hills’ synagogue’s long-time executive director, who is set to retire this month, has carried the congregation through equally successful and challenging times, laying the groundwork for future generations and Adat Shalom’s continued success. As of March 1, Michael Wolf is serving as the synagogue’s new executive director. “As our executive director, Alan Yost was the heart and soul of Adat Shalom,” says synagogue president Joan M. Chernoff-Epstein. “He had the vision for our future growth and saw us through
many challenges. He was a jack-of-alltrades.” Chernoff-Epstein says Yost always had his plate full with organizing, construction, fundraisers, membership drives, staff hirings and community relations. “Anything in the daily operations of Adat Shalom, he had a hand in its success,” she continues. Even during the interview for this story, Yost, 71 of Farmington Hills, was in the middle of overseeing roof construction on a cold and foggy February day, showing his unwavering commitment to Adat Shalom and Jewish life just weeks before retiring. His motto: “Am Yisrael chai,” or “the people of Israel live.”
ENSURING SURVIVAL OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE “I see the survival of the Jewish people and the State of Israel linked so closely together,” Yost explains. “I’m a big advocate and strong supporter of our community and the Jewish people.” It’s a lifelong goal that Yost has always worked toward. After graduating from Wayne State University in 1974 with his master’s degree in social work, he immediately dove into working with the Jewish community. After working as a program director at a JCC in Houston, Yost saw an advertisement for a youth director role at Adat Shalom. In November of 1980, Yost was hired as the synagogue’s youth director. Yet an unexpected opening for executive director appeared in July 1981, which Yost applied for and got the job. “They took a walk on me, so it worked out great,” he laughed. Yost’s early years at the synagogue were spent creating a game plan for its future success. He was also highly involved in the fight for freedom for Soviet Jewry alongside his wife, Beverly. The two traveled to Russia and continued on page 26
MARCH 10 • 2022
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