CONGREGATION ADAT YESHURUN

Celebrates Double Chai Anniversary

BY MICHAEL R. MANTELL, PH.D.

La Jolla, California was forever changed in 1987 when a group of Jews led by Rabbi Jeff and Rebbitzen Shoshie Wohlgelernter created Congregation Adat Yeshurun, a vibrant, diverse, inclusive Orthodox community known for its welcoming atmosphere of caring and spiritual growth. Rabbi Wohlgelernter initially agreed to lead the synagogue for one year, but remained an energetic, robust, spirited and beloved spark, brilliantly teaching and encouraging congregants from all levels of observation, and creating “one family” bound by Torah, shining brightly for 36 years.

Double chai, the 36 years the shul has been serving the community, has great meaning for Adat Yeshurun. It reflects two lives, the childhood 18 years followed by the young adult 18 additional years, and the shul’s energy makes it clear that it is fully prepared to build on this healthy start, and grow further into its adulthood.

The shul began with one family and now has over 270 families. Adat Yeshurun’s magnificent, family-friendly campus was constructed in 2001 and has a beautiful Mikvah on the premises. The Wohlgelernters set the foundation for the beautiful Torah community it is today, with 36 years of love and devotion.

Rabbi Jeff retired from Adat Yeshurun as of June 30, 2020 and has transitioned to Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Adat Yeshurun in La Jolla, California, to make aliyah and continues to teach many classes for the congregation via Zoom in Israel.

In Pirkei Avot it teaches, “Aseh lecha Rav, Choose a Teacher.” As Adat Yeshurun looks forward to many more decades of continued growth, the much-heralded congregation is fulfilling this for future generations, under the inspired leadership of Rabbi Daniel and Rebbitzen Brooke Reich, and for Adat youth, Rav Netzach and Rebbetzin Chana Sapir.

This momentous, significant occasion of Adat’s double chai, will be properly and meaningfully celebrated on February 10-11. Beginning with a catered dinner on Friday night following services at 5:15 p.m., members and friends of Adat will join together with the Wohlgelernters, Reichs and Sapirs. On Shabbat there will be a pre-Shacharit parsha class at 8:30 a.m. with Rabbi Wohlgelernter, who will also be addressing the congregation a number of times over the weekend with a Shabbat morning drasha during services, a postdeluxe kiddush lecture, a women’s class, and a Shalosh Seudah shiur following Mincha at 5:05 p.m. to complete this festive celebration.

Brian Marcus, president of Adat noted, “Let’s support this extraordinary event together and reflect on what our exceptional Adat mishapacha has become over the past 36 years - a united and diverse family which we will continue to celebrate in the many years ahead.”