President’s Message: Summer in the Sierra
Our president Heidi Doyle with her homemade challah at this year’s Pride Shabbat
Summer has arrived in the jewel of God’s creation. Here in the Tahoe-Truckee region, we’re blessed each day by sparkling blue waters, towering pines, mountain trails, and the beauty that surrounds us. It’s also a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the many blessings we’ve shared together as a congregation.
Looking back over the past year, my heart is filled with gratitude. Together we’ve celebrated Shabbat, welcomed new families, rejoiced at life cycle events, learned together, comforted one another, laughed, sang, and strengthened the bonds that make North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation such a special community.
Judaism reminds us that community is not simply about gathering in one place. It is about showing up for one another—with kindness, compassion, joy, and respect. It is about meeting people where they are, celebrating together during life’s happiest moments, and offering support when times are more challenging. Those values continue to define who we are.
As we begin a new year of leadership, I’m pleased to welcome our newest Board members, Amy Kaufman and Aaron Pratt, who join Stephanie Kohler, Justine Jacob, and me in serving our congregation. I am grateful for their willingness to lead, to listen, and to help shape the future of Jewish life in our mountain community. I would also like to acknowledge Jon Miller and Alan Werba, who will be serving as Senior Advisors.
Our congregation has accomplished so much this past year. Together we have expanded programs for children and families, celebrated meaningful holidays, strengthened our partnerships across the Tahoe region through our membership with Tahoe Jewish Community, welcomed visitors, supported one another through life’s milestones, and continued building a warm and inclusive Jewish home for everyone seeking connection.
In the coming weeks, you’ll receive your annual membership renewal information. Membership remains the foundation that makes everything we do possible. It supports the care of our synagogue home, brings inspiring rabbis and educators to our community, sustains our religious school, and allows us to celebrate the holidays and traditions that connect us across generations.
This year you’ll notice a new annual security assessment of $180. After thoughtful discussion and with feedback from our congregation, our Board voted to continue providing professional security through the Placer County Sheriff’s Office during our public gatherings. While we wish these measures were unnecessary, our highest priority is ensuring that every person who walks through our doors feels safe, welcomed, and able to participate fully in Jewish life. By sharing this cost equally among our membership, we strengthen our collective commitment to caring for one another.
If you’d like to stay connected, I encourage you to read The Shofar, our weekly Tuesday email newsletter. It’s the best way to learn about upcoming services, programs, volunteer opportunities, and special events happening throughout our vibrant Jewish community.
One of my greatest joys is getting to know our members. If you’d ever like to meet for coffee, take a walk, or simply share your thoughts about the future of our congregation, I’d love to hear from you. Your ideas, your experiences, and your vision help shape the future of North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation.
As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this summer, and as we continue our journey through the Jewish year 5786, may we remember that strong communities are built one relationship, one act of kindness, and one shared celebration at a time.
On behalf of our Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support, your generosity, and your commitment to Jewish life in the Tahoe-Truckee region.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, safe, and adventure-filled summer.
L’Shalom,
Heidi Doyle
President, North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation
