metro OPE OLSE Voice from page 12 725 years] means a generation of successful and satisfying service to the congregation." — Rabbi Norman T. Roman "Our youth group is an important part of what we do," Roman says, not- ing how many teens have been officers of NFTY, the Reform youth movement, on a local, regional and national level, including two of his children. Chad is a former national president and Caryn is a current URJ and NFTY staff member. "We regularly send outsized delega- tions to Reform summer camps and youth leadership events. "One of the nice things about our Jewish community is that we have so many niche congregations:' he says. "Our niche is that we are a welcom- ing, inclusive, participatory main- stream Reform congregation with a nice mix of contemporary and tradi- tional music and a low-key tone. "What is extremely gratifying over the years is that lots of professional staff at local Jewish agencies — department heads, assistant direc- tors, etc. — choose to affiliate with TKA, to educate their kids with us and be active Roman says. Join us for an OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION and enjoy 30% OFF our entire collection of patio furniture and outdoor accessories. SATURDAY 10-6 SUNDAY 12-4 Serving our customers for 30 years. Open 7 days. 828 North Main Street I Downtown Rochester I 248.652.1080 casualconceptsinc.com You can't enjoy jewelry if it's sitting in your safe deposit box. Sell or borrow on it for immediate cash. We deal in jewelry, watches, diamonds and coins. A Service to Private Owners, Banks & Estates Contact Larry Allan 33700 Woodward Ave. • Between 14 Mile & Lincoln Birmingha 248 ,-644-856F Keep your company top of mind with our readers. ADVERTISE WITH US! CALL 248.351.5107 Visit theJEWISHNEWS.com 14 April 28 e 2011 JN Love Of Israel "Growing up in Cleveland, my rabbi, whom I would later work with, instilled in us a very strong connec- tion with Israel," Roman says. "It was a given. It was part of what we did. I remember telling the search commit- tee that I want to help others build a relationship with Israel." Chudnof recalls traveling to Israel with her husband, Mel, and their children on a congregational trip in the early 1990s. "He was full of energy and had a wonderful love and passion for the people and the country:' she says. "We walked away with his passion moved onto us." She also noted the deep impact the trip and Roman made on her children. "Others travel to Florida or Arizona, but Israel is where I recharge my batteries," says Roman, a descendent of early settlers of Zichron Yaakov overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. He likes to go at least once each year. "Israel is not the center, but at the center, of what we do:' Roman says. "It provides inspiration, a dream and a reality, a laboratory of Jewish val- ues to be played out in the real world. And there is a role we can play in making Israel better, a more success- ful experiment." A Caring Leader Chudnof credits Roman with the vision to build a school wing at Kol Ami, which was opened in the fall of 2008. Until then, the school was always housed elsewhere. "We were nomads:' she said. "We didn't have a place. Under his leader- ship, we were able to say, This is our school!' It's wonderful to have the kids in our building. "We've always had a great relation- ship," she said. "He's always been will- ing to look at what can be done bet- ter. We do a lot of community action, and because we are just 375 member units, we have to let people know that while we are small, we are mighty." Dave Henig, a congregant for more than 20 years, is proud of Kol Ami's legacy and the role of its rabbis in the community. "Under Rabbi Roman's guidance, our commitment to social action and interfaith activity, begun by Rabbi Conrad, continues and grows:' Henig says. "He has an ongoing commit- ment to United We Walk celebrating the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and participates not only in local events, but also in the broader metro- politan community. "The rabbi enables and encourages spiritual growth, allowing each of us to grow at our own pace. He is a great teacher and caring pastor, concerned about his congregants and their lives as well as many of those with whom he has crossed paths:' II "25 LIVE!" with Craig Taubman and Josh Nelson, 7 p.m. Sunday, May 1, JCC's Berman Center for the Performing Arts. Adults: $25 in advance, $36 at the door; students: $18 in advance, $25 at the door. Email cheryl@tkolami. org . or call (248) 661-0040.