Congregation Shaare Emeth

It was a bittersweet evening on Friday as we gathered—surrounded by friendship, gratitude, and so many shared memories—to celebrate Rabbi Rachel Bearman and her six remarkable years at Shaare Emeth. While it’s hard to say goodbye, we were proud to send her and Henrietta off to an exciting next chapter in Raleigh, North Carolina, where Rabbi Bearman will serve as the senior rabbi of Temple Beth Or.

It was especially meaningful to see so many members and friends whose lives have been touched by Rabbi Bearman’s warmth, sincerity, generosity, and intellect. From her very first year—spent almost entirely connecting with our community virtually in the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic—to the many moments of joy, learning, and growth that followed, she has met us where we were and helped us become something stronger together.

Thank you, Rabbi Bearman, for your passion for social justice, your unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equity, your sharp wit, caring heart, and for helping to create a community where everyone feels seen and valued. Your impact on Shaare Emeth will be felt for years to come.

As you look through these photos, we hope you feel the love and appreciation that filled the room. We will miss you dearly and wish you and Hetty every blessing in this next chapter. 💙

Please join us this Friday, May 15, at 5:15 p.m. for a Farewell Shabbat for Rabbi Bearman.

Over the past six years, Rabbi Rachel Bearman has been a source of wisdom, compassion, and steady leadership for our congregation. Through moments of joy and challenge alike, she has helped guide our community with integrity, creativity, and deep care for our congregants.

We are profoundly grateful for the countless ways she has enriched our spiritual life—through her inspiring teaching, her compassionate pastoral presence, her leadership in worship, and her devoted work with children, teens, youth, and young adults. Her commitment to elevating awareness of those who are often marginalized, along with her unwavering dedication to Jewish values and to this community, has left a lasting and meaningful impact on us all.

Please join our clergy, staff, lay leaders, and friends as we thank Rabbi Bearman for her years with us, honor the difference she has made in our community, and shower her and her daughter with blessings as they embark on their next chapter. Additional details can be found here: https://sestl.org/events/kabbalat-shabbat-farewell-service-for-rabbi-rachel-bearman/