Congregation Kol Ami Celebrates Rabbi Shira Milgrom's Retirement after 37 Years of Service

Shira Milgrom listens to the presentations with bitter-sweet tears.As one might imagine, coming up with a program to honor Rabbi Shira Milgrom for 37 years of bold leadership, love, and creativity at Congregation Kol Ami was daunting. According to the event co-chairs, Janet Hershey and Andrea Seiden, both long-time members of Kol Ami and residents of Scarsdale, "We knew to be successful, the program would have to include everything Shira holds near and dear– music, community, opportunity for learning – Jewish values, family, and women's issues." And that it did. On Sunday, June 4, nearly 300 members and guests of Congregation Kol Ami gathered to celebrate Shira's significant and lasting impact not only on her congregation and its members but also on the faith communities of White Plains and beyond, on American Judaism and, finally, on progressive Judaism as a whole. The co-chairs decided to use Shira's recently published book A Traveler's Guide to a Jewish Practice – an exploration of Purpose, Love, Healing, Wonder, Faithfulness, Response, and Joy to inform the stories, music, and overall program concept. The celebration was to thank Shira for helping the congregation embrace these tenets as essential touchstones on a path toward a life of purpose.

Elana Arian, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and recording artist, took center stage to lead prayers and songs. Elana's voice is beautiful, rich, and full of grace. Considered one of the greatest Jewish voices of our time, Elana sang soulful versions of songs such as Oseh Shalom, I Have a Voice, and Mi Chamoca while asking the audience to join her in Call and Response. Elana's mother, Merri Lovinger Arian, Professor of Practice in Liturgical Arts and Music Education for the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, stepped up on the stage with guitar in hand, harmonizing with her daughter, who played the guitar, violin, or piano. Together their voices soared. They lifted the congregation's spirits so high that the room nearly burst with joy and love. Neshama Carlebach, Reverend Noelle Damico, and Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller also performed, offering songs of gratitude.Elana Arian, one of the greatest Jewish voices of our time.

Members of Congregation Kol Ami provided personal stories and commentary. Notably, Myrna Barzelatto, a rape crisis counselor, soulfully shared what her purpose is and how Judaism pushes her each day to live life to the fullest; Susan Davis, a private practice psychotherapist, tackled love and the vital role of grandparents; Kathleen M. Pike, a Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, candidly addressed healing; Cindy Muñiz an English teacher for over thirty years at a prestigious Manhattan Day School discussed the topic of Wonder with wit and keen perspectives; three generations of the Pollak family including Jean, 97 years of age, Georgia Pollak and daughter-in-law, Lauren Pollak, discussed Faithfulness; Rachael Arenstein shared her response to refugee resettlement initiatives here in Westchester; and Jen Josephs, a human-centered designer and marketing strategist, examined the physical and psychological benefits of keeping Shabbat. Finally, Rachel Eckhaus graced the audience with her virtuoso skills as a flutist and played Morceau de Concours for Flute and Piano by Gabriel Faure.

During the luncheon, a long-time member of Congregation Kol Ami, Ellen Umansky, Professor Emerita of Judaic Studies at Fairfield University, provided a scholarly perspective about Shira and her impact on Judaism. Finally, serving as Master of Ceremonies was Alex Hopkins, who seamlessly tied the program together and, at times, played the piano and other instruments.

Andrea said, "Alex adeptly made the audience laugh and knew when to pass out tissues to the many who were moved to tears." Janet said, "I will always be grateful to Shira for opening my eyes to Judaism and making my life sweet, more manageable, and meaningful in many ways."

Kathy Pike shared remarks on healing.Shira Milgrom partnered with Tom Wiener as equal senior rabbis to balance work with home life priorities. Such a collaboration, once considered revolutionary, was a source of personal joy for them and considerable strength for the Kol Ami community. Both Shira and Tom are retiring this summer. Rabbi Jason Fenster will become the next Senior Rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami, effective July 1, 2023.

Program speakers celebrate.

Co-Chairs Janet Hershey and Andrea Seiden with Shira Milgrom