Dear CST Community,

As we prepare to gather for the High Holidays, I find myself reflecting on all that we’ve shared in 5785 and looking with hope toward the year ahead.

Looking Back at 5785

Last Yom Kippur, we launched our 120th year with visioning and dreaming, honoring our founding families and the generations who came before us. Since then, we have truly lived into that spirit.

    • We launched a survey to listen deeply to our community, gathering ideas and taking the pulse of our future
    • We began the important work of updating our Constitution
    • We celebrated with a wildly successful 120th Gala in June
    • And together, we met our budget goals for the year

Week after week, our shul has been full of life: Shabbat mornings filled with davening and song, guests and regulars, and our “Portland-famous” kiddush lunches. Holidays were marked with joy and accessible services. Our minyanim remain strong three times a week, and our community has come together for creative and fun gatherings such as Sukkah Night, Shabbat Fusion, and ShaBBQ.

Behind the scenes, our committees have been thriving. We have fully staffed Ritual, Membership, Development, and Cemetery, and launched more than a dozen new committees where so many of you bring your creativity, energy, and love for Shaarie Torah. This is our holy work, and it is where the joy of community shines most brightly.

Of course, we also faced challenges. Unexpected building repairs, equipment breakdowns, staffing changes, rising insurance costs, and transitions in cemetery management have stretched us. These realities remind us that our sacred home needs care and investment to remain strong for the next generation.

Looking Ahead to 5786

If last year was about dreaming, this year is about doing. Rabbi Oren, the Board, and our committees are beginning to put the survey findings, your feedback, and our collective vision into action.

At the heart of this work are questions about our financial sustainability, the future of our building, and how we continue to nurture a vibrant and welcoming community for the next 120 years. These are not small questions, but we are blessed to face them together with openness, creativity, and faith.

During the High Holidays, you will hear more about ways to share your input and engage in these conversations. I will speak on Kol Nidre evening, and Rabbi Oren will address the congregation on Yom Kippur morning before Yizkor. Whether you join us in person or online, I hope you will listen, reflect, and add your voice.

How You Can Be Part of Our Future

Shaarie Torah is strong because of you: your presence, your participation, your generosity, and your heart. Here are just a few ways to deepen your engagement in the year ahead:

    • Join a committee and help shape our community
    • Come for Shabbat mornings and stay for our legendary kiddush
    • Strengthen our daily minyan with your presence
    • Consider increasing your Yom Kippur Appeal gift
    • Schedule a one-on-one with Rabbi Oren or reach out to me directly
    • Enroll your kids or grandkids in our Mensch Learning Community
    • Celebrate holidays with us year-round and bring your whole self to our traditions
    • Simply be present. We want to see you

As we step into 5786, may we carry forward the dreams of those who built Shaarie Torah before us while adding our own spirit and dedication. Together, we are shaping the future of our beloved kehillah.

My door is always open. I would love to hear from you.

With warmth and gratitude,
Raphi Rosenblatt
President, Congregation Shaarie Torah
President@shaarietorah.org