Rabbi's Page
Welcome
Biography Divrei HaRav - Words From the Rabbi
Sermons
To those of you who are here to find out more about Temple Solel, perhaps with an eye to moving into the Bowie area or, if already here, joining the family, I say, "Welcome – and come on in!!" If the reception you receive is a fraction of the welcome I have been given, you will know immediately how special this community is, and the value in joining us.
I am not one who likes to rest on his laurels, however. It is my hope to make this place even better, even more special and meaningful in the lives of every member and the entire community. I hope to provide the chance for each existing member to "push the envelope" a little bit, to give opportunities for personal and Jewish growth. I hope to encourage those who are not (yet) members to make themselves and us stronger, by joining with us as we walk together in search of meaning and spiritual fulfillment in our lives. And, I truly hope to be a part of making the Temple Solel family into a true "covenant community" – a place where individuals are valued and respected, where we share our joys and heartaches together freely, celebrate the milestones of our Jewish calendar and our lives together, teach our children and grandchildren (and ourselves!) of the beauty and value of Jewish traditions (even as we seek to make them more meaningful to our own experiences), and work together to make Jewish life, and life in the larger community better and more fulfilling for all.
In the words of our ancestors, taken from Pirkei Avot:
We are not required to finish the task –
But neither are we free to walk away from it.
To those who are already here, keep up the good works! To those who are joining us welcome, and thanks for your support! To those who aren’t sure yet, try us – I’m betting you’ll like us!! And to all, may the New Year 5761 be a year of health and happiness, contentment and growth, and true peace for us all!
Introducing Rabbi Steve Weisman
Rabbi Weisman joined the Temple Solel family in August, 2000. He comes to us after serving as the spiritual leader of congregations in Fairfield County, CT, and Fredericksburg, VA. A 1991 ordinee of the New York campus of the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, Rabbi Weisman has made his reputation in several areas. Most notably, he is a life member of two regions of the National Federation of Temple Youth (including our own Mid-Atlantic Region), acknowledging his work with our teens. He has also served as regional college outreach coordinator, and established programs of outreach to college students and young adults starting out in the business world.
He is a well respected teacher, both of children and adults. He has been a Jewish Chatauqua Society lecturer in Judaism at Mary Washington College, the coordinating teacher of Introduction to Judaism classes in the Washington DC area and in Fairfield County, and is particularly well respected for his Torah and prayerbook study classes.
Rabbi Steve has also done extensive work in the areas of outreach and interfaith relations, including serving a two year term as President of the Fredericksburg Area Ministerial Association, building bridges and understanding between people of different faiths.
Known for his sense of humor, and ability to make real the lessons of Torah and Jewish life, while still maintaining a clear sense of their importance, Rabbi Weisman describes himself as a "community builder." He stresses the importance of communication, strives to maintain a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and veterans alike, and is working hard to make the Temple Solel family a true example of brit – a real "covenant community."
Back to the Temple Solel home page