Beth Shalom Temple Center (BSTC) in Green Valley, AZ, south of Tucson, will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a Gala event on November 9. This milestone marks three decades of fostering community and faith and highlights the remarkable contributions of its congregants and leaders.
This year, BSTC will honor several distinguished members whose dedication has shaped the temple into the vibrant community it is today. Their commitment to Jewish values, education, and social action reflects the heart and soul of the temple. The evening will highlight the recognition of Joyce Finkelstein and Pat Shearer for their exceptional contributions.
Finkelstein is honored for her commitment to Green Valley, BSTC, and her involvement with Rotary. She is a key figure at the Green Valley/Sahuarita Clearing House, promoting tikkun olam (world healing).
Finkelstein shared, “Being a part of this community and seeing its growth over the years has been gratifying. I am deeply honored to be recognized and look forward to continuing our work together to make a positive impact.”
BSTC is also honoring Shearer, who has made several trips to Ukraine to aid those affected by the war. Shearer, a retired Peoria police officer, has been shuttling Ukrainian refugees and providing humanitarian aid, including transporting soldiers and ensuring the safety of refugees, primarily women and children.
He expressed, “It’s a privilege to be able to help those in need, both within our community and beyond. The spirit of tikkun olam drives me to contribute to healing and rebuilding wherever I can.”
Rabbi Norm Roman, the temple’s spiritual leader, expressed his gratitude, “This anniversary is a testament to our congregation’s unwavering commitment to Jewish life and learning. It is a time to reflect on our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to a future filled with promise and hope.”
Temple President Esther Levine Brill shared her excitement: “Reaching this 30-year milestone is a significant achievement for our community. It is a celebration of our shared journey, our growth, and the countless memories we have created together. We are thrilled to honor those who have been instrumental in our success and to continue building a strong, inclusive, and supportive environment for all.”
The Gala will feature a performance by Unscrewed Theater, adding a touch of humor and entertainment to the evening. Guests will also enjoy a Pre-glow Party, a Super Silent Auction, a three-course dinner, and dancing at the Desert Diamond Conference Center Ballrooms.
In addition to their anniversary celebrations, BSTC is thrilled to announce the arrival of a new Torah. This sacred scroll, a symbol of their enduring faith and commitment to Jewish traditions, was recently completed and will be the focus of a special ceremony separate from the Gala. Writing the Torah, known as “safrut,” involved meticulous care and dedication. Each letter was inscribed by a skilled scribe, ensuring the Torah met the highest standards of accuracy and holiness.
Rabbi Roman remarked on the significance of this achievement: “The arrival of our new Torah is a milestone that signifies the spiritual growth and unity of our community. It is a beacon of our collective dedication to preserving and honoring our traditions.”
BSTC has achieved several milestones in recent years, reflecting its ongoing growth. The completion and arrival of the new Torah is just one example of the temple’s dedication to maintaining and enriching its spiritual and cultural heritage. Additionally, the temple’s Stand with Israel Committee recently received a grant to create a how-to manual for other synagogues, further extending BSTC’s impact and leadership within the broader Jewish community. The community’s involvement in various educational and social initiatives continues to strengthen the bonds among its members.
As BSTC celebrates 30 years, it looks forward to continued growth and strength within the community. The Gala promises to be an evening of reflection, celebration, and community, embodying the unity and faith that has defined BSTC for three decades.
The BSTC community invites everyone to join in celebrating this momentous occasion. For more information and to RSVP, please visit www.bstc.us or email bstcgala2024@gmail.com.
