Five Years of Loving Kindness: Reflections from Rabbi Maya Glasser

Dear Temple family,

I am thrilled to share this letter marking five years of my serving as your Senior Rabbi.

When I officially became your rabbi on July 1, 2021, our world, and our Temple community, looked very different than they do today. We were still navigating the pandemic, livestreaming Days of Awe services to an empty sanctuary, and living in a pre-October 7 world. Our congregation was in a moment of transition and uncertainty. After experiencing multiple leaders in a short period of time, many understandably wondered whether your new, young rabbi from the North, only three years out of rabbinical school, would be the right fit to guide our congregation into the future.

Though these past five years have brought tragedy and turmoil to our world, together we have helped our Temple grow, ensured its stability, and strengthened our sacred community. At a time when many houses of worship are struggling and declining, we have redefined our mission, expanded our membership, and renewed our sense of community. We have grown by approximately 160 families- an increase of about 32%. Together, we have celebrated countless milestones, connected hundreds of students of all ages to Jewish tradition and community, found comfort and solidarity in our heritage during difficult moments, mourned and cried together, sung and prayed together, and marked the passage of time as one holy congregational family.

Throughout these five years, we have embraced our identity as Reform Jews both as a source of meaning within our faith tradition and as a framework for deepening our connection to all humanity. We have continued beloved partnerships, including our annual Pulpit Swap with Hendricks Avenue Baptist and our relationship with OneJax, while also creating new traditions such as Pride Shabbat, MLK Jr. Weekend programming, and Religious School community field trips. 

We have strengthened relationships throughout Jacksonville, welcoming Sheriff Waters and Mayor Deegan to Temple events. We have opened our doors to visiting university students and people of other faiths who wish to worship and learn with us. We have hosted Holocaust survivor programs, Jacksonville Symphony events, and JSO officer graduations. Along the way, we have celebrated with more than 50 B’nei Mitzvah families, dozens of wedding couples, countless new babies, and about 20 individuals who chose to formally join the Jewish people through conversion.

I am profoundly  proud of how meaningful and eventful these years have been, and I never take this growth or community-building for granted. In fact, I often proudly share  the strength and vibrancy of our congregation with clergy colleagues and Jewish leaders around the country. Five years ago, could any of us have imagined where we would be today? None of this would be possible without you and your dedication to this holy place. We have arrived at this moment of strength because of the energy, care, and resources you so generously share. A big thank you to Presidents Miriam Greenhut and Cathy Winterfield, and all those who have served in Temple leadership for your passion, patience, and sacred partnership. This community succeeds because of the many individuals who give of their time and talents in service to our congregation.

A strong Temple family means that none of us are ever alone.

On a personal note, being part of this Temple family has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. Many of you know that I moved from the Northeast to Florida with my husband, Jake, and that he passed away suddenly just months after we arrived, shortly after Yom Kippur in September 2021. During that surreal and heartbreaking time of grief, you held me and cared for me even though we had barely begun to know one another. You sent cards and meals, offered support without hesitation, and embraced me as though I had been your rabbi for years rather than weeks. Through that tragedy, I came to understand even more deeply the power and importance of Jewish community, and I remain grateful to those who showed up then, and continue to do so now.

I am excited for all that lies ahead for us. One of the most meaningful ways we can combat hatred and build resilience is by showing up for one another; when we do so, we are showing up for the Jewish people. Each of us is an integral piece of our congregation and the beautiful, meaningful faith tradition that has been guarded through the generations and passed down to us. When we live a proud, intentional Jewish existence, we strengthen our entire community and ensure its future. 

In September, we will welcome the year 5787. Our Days of Awe have become a hallmark of Temple life, helping us find meaning and grounding in an often chaotic world. This year, we will once again gather to reflect on the familiar themes of the season, reconnect with friends old and new, and experience the beauty of the Chorale’s music filling our sanctuary. On Rosh Hashanah morning, I will speak about universalism and our connection to all humanity; on Kol Nidre, about the particularism of the Jewish people; and on Yom Kippur morning, about Reform Judaism specifically.

Our congregational Israel trip will take place from October 29–November 8, 2026. I hope you will consider traveling with us on this journey of learning and reflection, with a particular focus on Reform Judaism in Israel.

From December 10–13, 2026, I invite you to join me and Temple leadership in Philadelphia for the first URJ Biennial since the pandemic. This national Reform Jewish gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our broader movement and learn from peers and experts.

Many of you know that in 2024, I began graduate studies online at Gratz College in the first-ever academic program in Antisemitism Studies. I will conclude my coursework this summer and continue with my dissertation to achieve  a doctorate in this new field. As part of my  work, from April 2–4, 2027 we will host a first-of-its-kind weekend of Jewish pride and education, bringing together the Jacksonville community to learn more about our people and explore ways to combat contemporary antisemitism. Scholars from Gratz will join us, and my goal is for this initiative to create lasting relationships and have an enduring positive impact throughout our city.

As Jews, we are part of an ancient tradition that has survived and thrived for generations. You and I are links in that sacred chain, and it is our responsibility to preserve and strengthen this rich heritage for the generations still to come.

This year, I encourage you to try something new at Temple. If you usually come during the week to play cards, join us one Saturday morning for Torah Study. If you are a regular at Friday evening Shabbat services, try attending a Sunday morning program. We are always looking for volunteers, whether through participating in the Friday Night Live Band, helping in the office, tending our grounds, or contributing in other meaningful ways. No matter your journey, there is a place for you here- and we need your presence and the unique gifts you bring to ensure that our strong community continues to flourish.

How wonderful to have arrived here together. Thank you for an incredible five years. As our people have for generations, we mark this sacred moment with these ancient words of appreciation: Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, shehecheyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higiyanu laz’man hazeh. Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who has given us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.

With blessing, gratitude,  and hope,  

Rabbi Maya Y. Glasser