Westchester Reform Temple Celebrates 60 Years

Westchester Reform Temple (WRT) in Scarsdale will celebrate their 60th anniversary with three weekends for both congregation members and the greater Scarsdale community; A weekend of prayer and learning (February 28 – March 2), a family Purim and birthday celebration (March 16), and a festive gala (March 22).

"Westchester Reform Temple has played an important role in Scarsdale and our surrounding communities for the last 60 years. In keeping with our longstanding tradition, all related services, events and programs are open to the public - celebrations that reflect our commitment to reach beyond," said temple president, Helene Gray."

The festivities begin on Friday, February 28 at 7:45 pm with a Celebratory Community Service featuring remarks by WRT's Rabbi Emeritus Richard Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, the congregational arm of the Reform Jewish Movement in North America, as well as reflections and reminiscences of Rabbi David Stern, Senior Rabbi of Temple Emanuel in Dallas, TX, and Dr. Elsie Stern, Professor of Bible at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA. Rabbi Stern and Dr. Stern are two of the children of Rabbi Jack Stern, WRT's spiritual leader from 1962 to 1991. Music for the service includes an uplifting musical retrospective with liturgical favorites, a special musical composition by WRT's beloved pianist and conductor, Pete Malinverni, and an intergenerational chorale. .

Rabbi Stern and Dr. Stern will remain with the congregation for a weekend of learning as part of WRT's annual Scholar-in-Residence program. Saturday, March 1 at 10:30 am, they will lead a joint program entitled, "21st Century Judaism: The views from Dallas and Philadelphia," and on Sunday morning, at 9:30 am, Dr. Stern will conclude the weekend with a talk entitled, "Forbidden Fruit or Fallen Angels?: Ancient Jewish Perspectives on Free Will and Evil." This weekend is funded in part by Morgan and Marjorie Miller.

"It is wonderful to kick-off the 60th anniversary celebration with a heartfelt service and a weekend of learning. Worship and learning are two of the pillars at the core of our congregation," said Senior Rabbi, Jonathan E. Blake. "We feel so very proud of what we have accomplished in our first 60 years and I look forward to building our Jewish future during the next 60 and beyond."

The celebration will continue the morning of Sunday, March 16, with a Family Purim Celebration and WRT's 60th Birthday Party. The program will begin at 10:00 am with a Megillah Reading, Purim Spiel and Costume Parade in the sanctuary, followed at 11:00 am by a Carnival and Celebration including the return of "LEGO-Man," Stephen W. Schwartz AIA, Architect, who will help participants construct WRT's giant LEGO Birthday Cake! Tickets are $18 in advance per child ($20 at the door); Adults are Free. Tickets will be available online at http://bit.ly/1nzp4XG.

The series of celebrations will conclude on Saturday, March 22 at 7:00 pm when WRT will celebrate 60 years with the music of the 60s. "Peace-Love-Party" will feature a live concert by the Eturnity Band, including Motown, Rock n'Roll and a choreographed show that will get everyone on their feet! Tickets and e-journal dedications are being accepted online at www.wrtemple.org. Proceeds from the evening support the congregation.

Westchester Reform Temple is located at 255 Mamaroneck Road in Scarsdale, NY. For directions or more information, please call the temple office at 914-723-7727, email to [email protected], or visit www.wrtemple.org.