Temple Beth Sholm Connection to the URJ
Temple Beth Sholom (TBS) is a part of the Reform Movement through the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) actively participates in many URJ programs and services. Nearly 900 congregations in the United States and Canada are a part of the URJ. The URJ provides a broad and deep array of programs and services to its congregations and their members, focusing resources on accomplishing what no individual congregation or person could do individually. The URJ 2020 Vision focuses on several priorities: strengthening congregations; providing audacious hospitality and welcoming all who are interested in living a richer Jewish life; tikkun olam; and youth engagement. Through these initiatives it works with, supports, and connects congregations to be strong, adept, and agile. The URJ welcomes all who seek to participate in creating a world of wholeness, compassion, and justice. It inspires and motivates more young Jews to connect to Judaism and fosters meaningful connections to Israel. Together with such partners as the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), the American Conference of Cantors (ACC), the National Association of Temple Administrators (NATA), Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), Men of Reform Judaism (MRJ), among others, the URJ builds these connections by providing access to a plethora of advocacy opportunities and programmatic, educational, youth, professional, and leadership development.
Temple Beth Sholom URJ Leadership Roles
Names are listed in alphabetical order.
- Mark Baranek (TBS Director of Congregational Engagement), Barbara Gelber and Danny Aronson (TBS congregants) are Camp Coleman Committee members
- Michael Dribin (TBS Past President) is on the URJ Board alumni
- Rabbi Glickstein is a past Treasurer and Board member, Central Conference of American Rabbis
- Shelley Niceley Groff (TBS Past President) serves on the North American Board of the URJ, the Board of Women of Reform Judaism, URJ Board Oversight Committee, Budget Committee, Camp Coleman Committee, Lay Leader for Youth, and works closely with the URJ’s Vice President for Youth on the Campaign for Youth Engagement
- Rabbi Gayle Pomerantz serves on the Commission for Social Action, which guides the activities of the Religious Action Center
- Barb Shimansky is affiliated with Association of Reform Jewish Educators (ARJE). She was the co-chair of the 2014 ARJE Kallah, a past co-chair of the Member Connections committee, and is the current co-team leader of Member Relations.
- Michael Spritzer (congregant) is on the URJ Board alumni
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Karen Rivo (TBS Past President) serves on the North American Board of the URJ, the URJ Israel and Reform Zionist Committee, and the 2020 URJ World Zionist Congress Leadership Cabinet.
