Shaarai Shomayim’s legacy and vision for the future
Rabbi Jack P. Paskoff succeeded Sofian in 1993. Continuing to build on Sofian’s educational and spiritual legacy, Paskoff brings great energy and enthusiasm to his role. He has strengthened the religious school by adding an 11th and 12th grade program to the curriculum and moving Confirmation to the end of 12th grade. He has fostered a renewed sense of community within the Shaarai Shomayim family.
Intensely committed to his pastoral role, Paskoff is encouraging outreach in a variety of directions. One of his first efforts was to initiate a social action committee and an annual Mitzvah Day. On the first Mitzvah Day, October 1993, over 180 congregation members spread throughout Lancaster City and County to undertake service projects.
This historic congregation has accomplished much in the last thirty years. The facilities strain to contain all the membership activity. There now are two sets of High Holiday services to accommodate all the members who wish to attend. The Religious School building is pushed to capacity. The activity level of the congregation has exploded as Sisterhood, Brotherhood, youth groups, study groups, lunch groups, committees, and others all vie for space. The office no longer closes for the summer. Not so long ago the paid staff included just a rabbi and a part-time secretary; today there are many on the payroll. As a congregation we have moved even closer to the non-Jewish community by welcoming non-Jewish groups at our services, by volunteering more, and by being more open to interfaith couples who are members. “Tikkun Olam” (the repair of the world) is a phrase now heard frequently at Shaarai Shomayim.
Two handsome cases that contain artifacts of Shaarai Shomayim’s history stand in the front lobby. These things are beautiful to look at and have fascinating stories behind them. But this congregation is more than a collection of historic artifacts and records. It is a congregation of Jews which is committed to maintaining a strong Reform Jewish tradition in Lancaster. The 110-year-old building houses a 150-year-old congregation, which is the legacy of the 250-year-old Jewish community and that community is at a critical juncture.
What will the future hold for Shaarai Shomayim? The answer today is the same as at any time in the congregation’s history. The congregation will always change, grow, and have people willing to lead. As the Rabbis and lay leaders of the congregation continue to remind us, the word “Reform” is a verb. As Shaarai Shomayim moves forward in the new millennium, the congregation is stronger than ever. Its roots are broad and deep.
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