| Dear Temple Emanuel Community, I am writing today to let you know that at the end of this school year Sharon Paley will be finishing her tenure as our Interim Religious School Director. We are so grateful to Sharon for answering the call for what was always intended to be a short-term assignment. She kindly and lovingly stayed on for an extra year to continue leading the religious school through the uncertainty of COVID-19. During her time with Temple Emanuel, Sharon continued to strengthen our school, she onboarded new team members and built relationships with the key players that make our Religious School the magical place it is. During this past year she has helped our teachers and families reimagine what religious school can be by leading the teachers, students and their families through this unprecedented and deeply challenging time of remote learning. Sharon implemented yoga, art therapy, tefilah and more- all through our YouTube channel and Zoom. Below is a personal letter from Sharon that underscores how meaningful her time leading the religious school has been. We wish her and her husband Howard all the best for their well-earned retirement. Our next step will be to form a search committee to identify a new religious school leader. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please contact Jocelyn at [email protected]. I will announce committee members when they are selected and keep you informed every step of the way. Temple Emanuel places a high priority on the education of our children, their families, and all members of our congregation. Studies have shown that when Jewish students start their formative years with positive Jewish memories (energizing classes, engaging teachers, meaningful services, etc.) they remain engaged in their Jewish communities for years to come. Sharon, thank you for playing a part in so many of our children’s Jewish journeys. Warm Regards, Jennifer LeGrand President, Board of Trustees Temple Emanuel of Tempe [email protected] |
| Dear Temple Emanuel of Tempe Community, Thank you all for the support you have shown the Temple Emanuel of Tempe Religious School, especially this year as it has been one like no other. Nearly three years ago, I committed to joining Temple Emanuel as the interim Religious School Director. My interim directorship began after serving 33 years in public school education. It was an honor to teach, and I thought I had reached the ultimate gift of service. But I have learned these three years that serving my Jewish community has been an even greater gift.At the end of this school year, my husband, Howard Paley, will be retiring from education after 37 years. We have committed to retiring together and starting the next phase of our lives. This means that Temple Emanuel will begin a search for permanent religious school leadership. I will fully support Temple Emanuel in the transition to ensure that our outstanding Religious School will continue to grow and develop. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. I want to thank the teachers for building a culture of collaboration with a focus on what’s best for our Jewish students. Our Religious School will remain strong due to the hard work of these educators, and the passion for Jewish learning they have shared with our students. Thank you, Rabbi Dean, for your vision and advice. Thank you, Sue Dermer, for being an integral force in the success of the Temple Emanuel Religious School for the last 20 years. Thank you to the Board of Trustees for always supporting Jewish learning, and most importantly, thank you to all the students and their parents who have walked through the doors of Temple Emanuel. Together, we have all helped developed our students’ Jewish identity.Be well, Sharon Paley |