Blog

As I’m preparing to take on this new and exciting role as Temple Israel’s director of Religious & Hebrew School, I find myself reflecting upon the Jewish experiences and connection my family has to this place.

My history here runs deep! Generations of my family were members of this Temple, and I, too, have been coming to TI since birth. I remember my mother sharing her memories of standing on the very large steps (at least large to her as a child) at the old Temple on Kingshighway to register for her kindergarten year of Religious School. I, too, can remember attending Religious School in the building we’re in now on Sunday mornings and proudly showing off the framed photo of my great-grandmother to my friends, pointing to the 1919 confirmation class picture displayed in the corridor. I have the best memories of going to Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre services alongside my grandmother and mother, which always felt special; three generations sitting there – past, present, and future – enjoying this tradition, together.

I feel so blessed that my life led me back to TI, back to my spiritual home. My husband David and I have three incredible children: Mason (9), Barrett (7), and Nathan (2). Our two oldest attend Religious School and Hebrew School, and our youngest is at DECC. They are our family’s fifth generation at TI, and though I feel very connected to my past and present here, I see our future through their experience.

I view Judaism as art. We all interpret its beauty and honor its traditions and meaning in our own way. I am committed to fostering this connection with TIRS students so they, too, can interpret the meaning and the joy of Judaism, as well as hone their unique Jewish identity, just as I and my mother, my grandmother, and my great-grandmother, have had the opportunity to do at TI for more than a century. I am committed to this work and to your children. This opportunity to teach our future Temple Israel members and its leaders is a high honor that I do not take lightly. Rebbetzin Dena Weinberg said, "There are no problems, only opportunities for growth,” and I look forward to growing in this role alongside my students, and preparing them to be the ones running our beloved Temple Israel one day.

I can’t wait to begin this journey in service of generations to come!

L’dor v’dor,
Sidni (Feldman) Weglarz
sweglarz@ti-stl.org  l   314-432-8076