The Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community (TCJRC) is starting a new chapter as Managing Director Sherry Stern is stepping down after seven years in the role, with Riv Shapiro taking over.
TCJRC will honor Stern and her leadership at the upcoming Tribute and Transformation event on August 9 with light refreshments at 3:30 p.m. and the main program at 4. Michelle W. Malkin, the executive director of Aleph: The Jewish Renewal Movement – the national organization that TCJRC is part of, will be part of the celebration.
For Stern, her focus over the last seven years has been introducing the community to Jewish Renewal and building partnerships across the Twin Cities.
“Our goal in the last seven years was to have Jewish Renewal – meaning Jewish mysticism, Kabbalah and connection with the idea that we’re one with God – become part of almost every synagogue in the area that wanted to be part of it,” said Stern.
Stern first discovered Jewish Renewal while attending services at a synagogue in Florida. She described this experience as “transformative,” as it included singing, dancing, and moments of quiet reflection.
“It was a wonderful eye-opening experience,” Stern said. “Everybody was singing, everybody was participating. There was dancing during the service. The melodies were different, and there was time to stop and absorb the music and really let it move through you.”
After returning to Minnesota, Stern established Jewish Renewal in the Twin Cities under the larger national organization, ALEPH.
As Stern reflects on her time with TCJRC, which has been in existence under various names for 35 years, her greatest accomplishment was growing Jewish Renewal across the region.
“My goal was to help grow Jewish Renewal within the Twin Cities,” she said. “I feel like I achieved it.”
Although Stern is relocating to Florida, she will remain connected through TCJRC’s board and national organization.
Shapiro will take over as managing director after discussions and support from mentors.
“It was a huge honor when these dear elders in my life tapped me and said they really trust me to lead the next chapter,” said Shapiro. “That trust is what made my ‘yes’ possible.”
Shapiro hopes that TCJRC will not only serve as a spiritual resource for unaffiliated Jews, but for anyone who is seeking deeper spiritual connection.
“I think the overarching vision is that we are a resource for spiritual development for all people who are seeking,” they said. “Whether they’re part of a synagogue, they’re not part of a synagogue, they’re part of a grassroots organization, or they’re not Jewish.”
Shapiro’s vision is focused on three principles: fostering a community based in curiosity and compassion, reconnecting Judaism with the natural world, and creating strong intergenerational relationships.
As TCJRC transitions, both leaders invite the community in to help shape the future of the organization.
“I feel incredibly grateful to Sherry,” Shapiro said. “I hope people will come be part of this transition and help shape what the future of this organization is.”
Stern echoed this sentiment: “Riv is the ideal person to expand that for all of us in the community,” she said. “Riv brings creativity, music, spirituality and the ability to connect with people from many different backgrounds, and that’s how we continue to grow.”