The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Temple Am Shalom grows and overcomes
The small community of believers nearly closed a year ago, but rallied together to worship and to repair a building
Just over a year ago, Temple Am Shalom was on the verge of closure due to declining membership and rising expenses for building repairs, but Renee Blau never gave up.
And the spiritual leader and cantorial soloist says she was not alone. There were many other supporters including Elise Aitkin, co- spiritual director and youth group leader, the board members, congregation and community.
As a result of these persevering efforts Temple Am Shalom, the only Jewish congregation in Lake County, celebrated its 30th anniversary, in October.
Blau said their small congregation at 7599 Center St. in Mentor is slowly growing.
“We’ve gained about eight to 10 new families within the last year,” she said. “We were losing some, so it’s great that we are gaining new members. At the last two services that we had, we had over 20 people in attendance and, compared to five, that’s a nice increase.”
More services will be added to three services a month instead of two.
Additionally an unexpected basement renovation that appeared unattainable,
“In Hebrew you have the word ‘mitzavah’ and it is God’s commandments. It’s the thing you should do. You do it out of the kindness of your heart and you don’t expect anything in return for it and that’s why I do it.” — Renee Blau, spiritual leader and cantorial soloist at Temple Am Shalom
is nearing completion due to generous donations. The project which was about $50,000 included excavation and basement construction; mold and mildew removal; a kitchen remodel and new flooring and drywall, she said.
“In two years we have really come a long way with the good core group of people that have really helped,” she added. “Without the help of the congregants, we couldn’t do any of this.”
Meanwhile the website is being updated and there are many activities and fundraisers planned.
Blau is committed to sustaining the Jewish presence in Lake and surrounding counties.
“In Hebrew you have the word ‘mitzavah’ and it is God’s commandments,” she said. “It’s the thing you should do. You do it out of the kindness of your heart and you don’t expect anything in return for it and that’s why I do it.”
She has been the spiritual leader for over 10 years and have seen many changes over the years.
“I never expected to be leading a temple, never,” she said. “It was a comfortable transition though, because I had been helping the rabbis and cantors. I started as a teacher here and I am a teacher by profession. I’m a retired teacher from Cleveland Schools.”
Over the years, she has taught Judaic studies, Hebrew language classes, Sunday School and Bar and Bat Mitzvah lessons. She continues to facilitate many of these classes today.
While membership has increased, Blau said they are always welcoming more members and families to join the congregation.
Membership is necessary for the temple’s sustainability and future, she said in a previous interview.
For information visit amshalom.org.