June 30, 2026
By Fiona Rae
On May 29 and 30, Beth Emet hosted celebrations to honor our retiring Rabbi Andrea London. Honoring 26 years of dedication to and wisdom shared with the congregation, the community gathered to give her a multifaceted sendoff as she begins the next chapter of her journey.
On Friday, May 29th, Kabbalat Shabbat services were held with all our favorite cantorial voices, gifts bestowed, and newly composed music by our own Cantor Young and Barb Wertico to honor Rabbi London. It was the beginning of a two-day celebration, with a Kahal morning service on Saturday the 30th to follow. There, we learned Torah together with Rabbi London’s longtime friend and chevruta (study partner), Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi.
The culmination came Saturday night, with a large gathering and party. Coordinated by Suki Fisher and Debbie Render, this party included a staged tribute to Rabbi London’s rabbinate, crafted by former Youth Director Elliot Leffler. Many people from diverse faiths and backgrounds and many of her former students living across the country came to give thanks and appreciation for our Rabbi London’s contributions to Beth Emet. There was an incredible spread and a cabaret vibe, dancing orchestrated by DJ’s, and a sense of excited joy. In her letter of gratitude to the congregation, Rabbi London expressed a heartfelt message about her time here:
“I felt so deeply honored and loved, and I was genuinely moved by the care and thoughtfulness that went into every detail of the weekend. No words can fully convey the depth of my gratitude. What I can say is this: I am profoundly honored to have served this congregation for twenty-six years, and I cannot wait to watch the greatness that awaits it in the future,” she wrote.
We wish Rabbi London the best as she transitions to Rabbi Emerita and are deeply grateful for all she has done for our congregation.
Kol hakavod!
