MARCH 10 • 2022 | 25
F
or 41 years, Alan Yost has been
a building block of Adat Shalom
Synagogue.
The Farmington Hills’ synagogue’s
long-time executive director, who is set
to retire this month, has carried the con-
gregation through equally successful and
challenging times, laying the groundwork
for future generations and Adat Shalom’s
continued success.
As of March 1, Michael Wolf is serv-
ing as the synagogue’s new executive
director.
“As our executive director, Alan Yost
was the heart and soul of Adat Shalom,”
says synagogue president Joan M.
Chernoff-Epstein. “He had the vision for
our future growth and saw us through
many challenges. He was a jack-of-all-
trades.”
Chernoff-Epstein says Yost always had
his plate full with organizing, construc-
tion, fundraisers, membership drives,
staff hirings and community relations.
“Anything in the daily operations of Adat
Shalom, he had a hand in its success,” she
continues.
Even during the interview for this
story, Yost, 71 of Farmington Hills, was in
the middle of overseeing roof construc-
tion on a cold and foggy February day,
showing his unwavering commitment to
Adat Shalom and Jewish life just weeks
before retiring.
His motto: “Am Yisrael chai,” or “the
people of Israel live.”
ENSURING SURVIVAL
OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE
“I see the survival of the Jewish people and
the State of Israel linked so closely together,
”
Yost explains. “I’m a big advocate and strong
supporter of our community and the Jewish
people.
”
It’s a lifelong goal that Yost has always
worked toward. After graduating from
Wayne State University in 1974 with his
master’s degree in social work, he imme-
diately dove into working with the Jewish
community. After working as a program
director at a JCC in Houston, Yost saw an
advertisement for a youth director role at
Adat Shalom.
In November of 1980, Yost was hired
as the synagogue’s youth director. Yet an
unexpected opening for executive director
appeared in July 1981, which Yost applied
for and got the job. “They took a walk on
me, so it worked out great,
” he laughed.
Yost’s early years at the synagogue were
spent creating a game plan for its future suc-
cess. He was also highly involved in the fight
for freedom for Soviet Jewry alongside his
wife, Beverly. The two traveled to Russia and
continued on page 26
OUR COMMUNITY
‘Beacon of Strength’
Adat Shalom’s executive director Alan Yost
retires after 41 years.
ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Alan has maintained
an open- door policy. In
his words, “If you have
questions … if you have
concerns… if you want to
stop in and chat or just say
“hi”… the welcome mat is
out for you.”