President's Message

Dear Congregants and Friends,

Welcome to our Temple Beth Sholom website! I am sure that this site will be a wonderful tool for anyone interested in exploring what TBS is all about, as well as a useful way for our congregants to keep up-to-date on all of the happenings here at the synagogue.

A little bit about me: my husband Rich and I joined TBS in 1997, after moving to Cherry Hill from Baltimore with our (at that time two—now three) young children. An attorney by training, I chose to be a “stay-at-home” mom. I feel fortunate that I have also been able to devote a great deal of time to volunteer work at Jewish organizations, and in particular here at TBS. In part, my inspiration derives from my personal history: my maternal grandparents, Albert and Lillian Gleaner, of blessed memory, were part of the group of original TBS founding families. So by serving the congregation, I am in a very real and personal sense honoring their legacy and continuing the work that they started sixty-five years ago.

So personal history first brought me through the doors of TBS, but it is the wonderful people, vibrancy and spirit of TBS that has motivated my continued passionate involvement in synagogue affairs. We are a congregation that cares: about Jewish values and quality Jewish education, about Israel, about our community and environment, and most of all, about each other. As a large synagogue we are able to offer so much: a minyon every morning and evening, countless opportunities for socializing and social action, and a full range of youth groups and youth activities. We have busy Sisterhood, Men’s Club, Young Members Group and Hazak chapters. And, of course, we offer educational programming for all ages and interests: from babies to seniors, Talmud to television commentary, and everything in between.

Even though we are large, I know that you will find us warm and welcoming. I encourage you to browse our website and read our newsletter, Temple Talk, to get a taste of all that we stand for and all that we do. Then, I invite you to attend events and programs, take classes, volunteer on committees, and get involved in our community.

My own journey at TBS has taken me from Preschool parent, to Home and School Association volunteer, to Preschool Committee chair, to Board of Directors, to Executive Committee and, in June of 2009, to TBS President. Guided by your own needs, passions and interests, your journey at TBS will be uniquely your own.

We are looking forward to sharing that journey with you!

Debbie Perlman