Temple Israel will honor and recognize Rabbi Geoffrey Brown for his service to Temple Israel and the community on the occasion of his retirement as the synagogue’s spiritual leader on Sunday, June 11, at 12:30 pm. Two programs – a rededication of the Torah scrolls and a program honoring Brown – are scheduled to be followed by a dairy buffet brunch. The cost to attend the event and the luncheon is $30 per person. Reservations are required as seating is limited. Call Tammy Kunsman at the temple office at 723-7461 for additional information and to reserve a space to participate in the sofer event in the morning, the program and luncheon in the afternoon or both functions.

In December 2013, the Temple Israel building was destroyed due to a major snow storm. The building was completely rebuilt and reopened in 2016. Brown served the congregation during the rebuilding period as a rabbinic intern and, in July 2017, assumed the post of full-time pulpit rabbi. “Rabbi Brown has contributed much as a leader, mentor and teacher during his tenure,” said organizers of the event. 

Organizers added, “Rabbi Brown has paid particular attention to the condition of our Torah scrolls and has organized the restoration of the synagogue’s Torot to kosher condition by his own mentor and scribe, Neil Yerman. In homage to Rabbi Brown’s initiative, Sofer Yerman will be present at Temple Israel on Sunday morning, June 11. All are invited to participate in the rededication of the scrolls. You can fulfill the mitzvah of putting quill to parchment under the expert guidance of the scribe by making a donation to Temple Israel and participating in this important fund-raiser. Appointment times are from 9:30-11:50 am.”