Our family moved to Connecticut in 1999. The adjustment was difficult, especially for our 12-year-old daughter – it was her Bat Mitzvah year. Finding a synagogue was a priority. Friends in Washington recommended Temple Emanuel. We visited for Shabbat services and vividly remember how warmly we were welcomed. A few years later, Jean attended the celebration of Jerry Brieger’s 25th year as Rabbi of TE. There was such a strong sense of community and love that night – for the rabbi and among the congregation members – it confirmed Jean’s desire to become an active member. Since then, she’s served on the board, sang in the choir, led services, given D’Var Torah, chanted for Torah services, helped organize Tikkun Olam and Adult Education programs, and served as President from 2008 to 2010. We expect to be life-long members of TE, and our Legacy Commitment enables us to contribute to sustaining the synagogue for generations to come.
Jean and Jim Silk