To my Or Ami family,
This letter was not an easy one to write.
Not so long ago, you welcomed me into this beautiful congregation. I had the profound privilege of joining this warm, vibrant community as one of your rabbis. When I humbly accepted the invitation to come here, I felt a deep sense of Shlichut (of being an emissary). I knew that Congregation Or Ami was where I should be for the next several years, serving, learning, teaching and growing.
Relocating here from Israel was both meaningful and challenging for me and my family, but you made it easy. We were embraced by your warmth, curiosity, openness, and kindness from the very beginning. Together, we have learned, shared sacred moments, celebrated many joys, and supported one another through the challenges of life and the ever-changing world since October 7th. I will forever treasure this time and hold it close to my heart. In a very real way, you have become family to us, for which I will be forever grateful. Being your rabbi has been one of the most beautiful blessings of my life.
The events of October 7 and the ongoing war since, have deeply affected us all, leaving a profound impact on Israelis everywhere and on our extended Jewish family around the world. These tragedies have weighed heavily on my heart and on the hearts of so many who long to be a part of healing and rebuilding.
Following the events of October 7th, so many Israelies living overseas dropped everything and returned home. I chose not to do that, because I felt committed to you and wanted to stand with our Or Ami community, guiding you through this tragic time and offer support, hope and love.
Now, however, my soul is pulled toward my homeland. In this time of pain and uncertainty, I feel a calling to stand with our family members in Israel, to help in any way I can in our shared mission of restoration and renewal. Therefore, when my contract ends on June 30, 2025, my family and I will be returning home.
Every goodbye is bittersweet: bitter, because we must part and say goodbye, and at the same time sweet, for the blessing of meeting each other in the first place. This is definitely a bittersweet moment for me.
Leaving Or Ami is a painful decision. I am grateful for each of you, for your trust, and for the way you have welcomed me and my family into your home.
Our time together has strengthened my belief that our bond as Jews knows no borders, and I am grateful to be connected with you, wherever life’s journey may lead. The lessons I have learned in our time together will always guide me. My heart is filled with appreciation for the opportunity to walk this path with you, even for a short time, and I am humbled by the depth of our connection. Please know that you will always have a warm place in my heart and in my home, wherever I am and of course, in Israel. Thank you for the memories, the friendships, and the love.
I am also grateful for the incredible opportunity I was given to work alongside Rabbi Paul Kipnes, the entire Or Ami staff, and our board of directors. Their kindness, support, team work, generosity of the heart, love, and genuine care for one another and this community leaves an eternal impact on me as it does on so many others.
We still have eight months together. I am here at Congregation Or Ami, fully present and available to every single one of you. I look forward to making more meaningful memories together, as I continue to teach, learn, pray, cry, laugh, and grow together with you. May we all go from strength to strength, connected in spirit and purpose.
With endless gratitude and warmest blessings of good health, happiness, and peace,
Rabbi Lana Zilberman Soloway
