Submitted information and photos:
As part of its year-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of its founding, Cobb County-based Temple Kol Emeth (TKE) held a “There’s No Place Like Home” themed Ruby Jubilee on Saturday, April 29. More than 200 members of the TKE community gathered for the gala event co-chaired by Sarah Thalheimer and Ryan Singer, which included dinner, a silent auction and entertainment by comedic magician Jake Schwartz, who kept the crowd laughing.
The Cobb County Commission provided a proclamation to honor the past, present and future of the Reform Jewish temple, which was founded in 1982 by seven families and has grown to encompass more than 400 families. In the four decades since opening its doors, TKE has been a welcoming Jewish presence in Cobb County, serving a diverse congregation that includes interfaith families and members of every race, age and background. Past presidents, including founding member and longest-serving president Jane Aronoff, were honored at the event.
“Temple Kol Emeth’s 40th Anniversary Ruby Jubilee was a wonderful occasion to come together as a community to honor our past and celebrate our future,” said Temple Kol Emeth President Jodi Roberts. “We are a dynamic, inclusive and growing community, grounded in our Jewish faith. Celebrations such as this provide the opportunity to reflect on our past and share our excitement for the future of our temple community.”
The celebration continues with the installation of the Birthright Bench by nationally recognized wood sculpture artist and congregant Doug Pisik. The 600-pound wooden bench will provide a new sitting area, featuring a wall of cubbies along the back, which includes prayers and thoughts from TKE congregants, symbolic of the Western Wall.
Prayers from the bench will be taken to Israel by 45 congregants participating in the 40th Anniversary Israel trip, taking place May 27 through June 7. During the trip, TKE members will participate in hands-on learning and a spiritual unearthing of Israel, exploring both ancient artifacts and new-age discoveries throughout Tel Aviv, Galilee, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem.
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