If someone had told me a year ago that I would be
writing an article for the Congregation Albert bulletin as Director
of Education, I would have said they were crazy. After
I accepted this interim position, some of my friends,
colleagues, and family members insinuated that maybe
I am crazy! My response has been that I fell in love with your
congregation when I attended my niece Corrina Feldman's bat
mitzvah ceremony, and that it simply seemed
bashert to take this job.
The majority of people I have spoken with since my coming to live and work in Albuquerque have been incredibly supportive…and jealous. They're jealous that I will work with Rabbi Black, who is known and respected by the St. Louis Jewish community; they're jealous that I will experience the spectacular scenery and weather here; and they're jealous that I will have this great adventure!
I come to Congregation Albert with the hope that I can continue the wonderful educational work of Leah Schaer. I bring with me experience as a Jewish educator, having served as a director of day camps, a Jewish youth organization, a temple religious school, a synagogue family education department, and a community Israel Experience Center. I also bring my strengths: creativity, energy, humor, flexibility, collaborative skills, enjoyment of working with different ages, and a passion for finding meaning in Judaism for myself and for others.
My three daughters, Emily, 28; Sarah, 25; and Jenny, 20, have given me their blessing to make this change in my life. My sister and brother-in-law, Carol and John Feldman, are joyful that we are all living in the same city for the first time in our adult lives. My dog, Lucy, survived the longest car trip of her life. And I look forward to this Rosh Hashanah with excitement and anticipation as I start a year that will hold so much that is new for me.
Congregation Albert has given me the chance of a lifetime, and I can't wait to share my adventure with all of you!
B'shalom,
Marcia Mermelstein
