August 20, 2025
Dear Friends,
I walked into Kahal Shabbat services—with my then kindergarten-aged son—13 years ago this fall. Newly back to West Rogers Park where I grew up, I was looking for a Jewish community different from that of my youth. As we walked in late, we were warmly greeted by Helene Rosenberg (zichrona livracha, may her memory be for a blessing). She introduced both my son and me to our peers, and we came back every week for five or six years.
When my son started Beit Sefer, I began hanging out in the lobby partly working and partly schmoozing with everyone gathered there. The year my son entered 7th grade, I began teaching 6th grade at Beit Sefer. A few years ago, I began leading services in Rabbi London’s absence. Though I was unsure of the cues and choreography at the beginning, I have come to cherish leading prayer and praying with my community.
As I enter my 13th year, I am taking on more responsibilities, as many do, at Beth Emet. In addition to teaching 6th grade, which I will only give up when physically dragged away, I’ll be working with the Kabbalat Mitzvah program, supporting programming at the 6th-grade retreat, and matching D’var Torah mentors with students. I’ll also be working with Lauren Reeves, our new Director of Lifelong Learning, and our new Director of Youth Engagement, Emmie Weprin, on curriculum and logistics for BE Noar, Beth Emet’s teen education program.
In addition to leading services and teaching at Kahal, I’ll also teach adult education classes. I’ll share responsibilities for pastoral care by finding recipients for dinners through Shabbat Connections, coordinating shiva minyanim for BE families, and monitoring the Misheberach list. As always, I’ll remain available for soup kitchen and Torah reading stints and will always collect water bottles and jackets left behind by students.
The son I mentioned earlier is leaving home in a few weeks. Though I’ll continue working for the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) fighting antisemitism, this is the perfect time to fill my life with what I love doing and what brings me joy. That’s Beth Emet.
Warmly,
Rabbi Toby Manewith, Assistant Spiritual Director
