Rabbi Matuson Retires

COMMUNITY

By Ilyse Greene, Beth El The Beaches Synagogue

In 1984, Rabbi Michael Matuson, began his career as assistant rabbi of Congregation Ahavath Chesed, The Temple. He received the Gittelsohn Prize in Education, the Zion Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Hebrew Language, and was the founder of the Cincinnati Reform Jewish High School. After two years, the Temple appointed him associate rabbi. He served as president of the Jacksonville Food Bank, was an active member of the Interfaith Council of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Board of Rabbis, and Habitat for Humanity.

In 1989 he served as senior rabbi of B’nai Zion in Shreveport, LA. He was adjunct professor at LSU and Centenary College and was awarded an honorary doctorate from LSU in 1991. He served as president of the Interfaith Council of Shreveport and was active in civic and charitable projects. For his eff orts to combat racism, Matuson was awarded the Ralph Waldo Emerson Humanitarian Prize.

In the late 90’s he became senior rabbi of the Temple. Elected to the “Honors Circle” of the National Council for Community and Justice, he served as president of the Interfaith Council. In 2008 Matuson came to Beth El, the Beaches Synagogue. For the last thirteen years he has served as its rabbi. “I think the secret of Beth El’s success is our visionary leadership and the dedication of our members. They are passionate in their commitment to Jewish values and in fostering those values to enhance the quality of life for all those who live in our community,” At 70 years old, he is looking forward to retirement this June.

“I have every intention of continuing to contribute what I can to a community I have come to love. This is my home and the people who live here are my family. I have been blessed with many friends and colleagues and I am grateful to you all. We have no way to say goodbye in Hebrew, instead we say, shalom. I am not saying goodbye to this community, I am saying thank you to all of you who have made my life so lovely for so long. I am deeply grateful.”

Join us in celebration as we honor Rabbi Matuson on February 12, from 6:30 - 10:30 pm at Sawgrass Country Club. For more information, email elissa@bethelbeaches.org