26 | MARCH 10 • 2022
Ukraine to meet with refuseniks,
also attending a conference on
Soviet Jewry in Brussels.
“There was an incredible com-
mitment on the part of this con-
gregation to the Jewish people
and to the State of Israel,
” Yost
recalls of the mass exodus of Jews
from the Soviet Union.
Adat Shalom joined the move-
ment in educating its members
about the issues facing Soviet
Jewry, initiating a “twinning”
program where Metro Detroit
youth having a bar or bat mitz-
vah were matched up with a
“twin” in the Soviet Union who
couldn’t have their own celebra-
tion, honoring that individual
during their service.
“It resulted in some very pos-
itive efforts of getting refuseniks
out,
” Yost says.
NAVIGATING A
BANKRUPTCY
In addition, Yost helped Adat
Shalom navigate a Chapter 11
bankruptcy, guiding the organi-
zation into becoming the only
synagogue in the country to
operate under and successfully
emerge from it.
“There have been a lot of chal-
lenges within the framework,
”
Yost says, “but the synagogue
leadership has always stepped up
the plate and done thoughtful,
process-based solution solving.
”
Emerging from bankruptcy
was a “huge accomplishment,
”
Yost recalls. Putting the finan-
cial burden in the past allowed
Adat Shalom to begin operating
through new and improved
strategies. They hired clergy in
“incredibly calculating ways,
”
he continues, getting the right
people in place to reimagine
synagogue framework and oper-
ations.
“He has given his heart, mind
and soul to Adat Shalom every
day,
” says the synagogue’s Rabbi
Aaron Bergman. “There has not
been a better executive director,
nor a person more committed
to the Jewish people and State
of Israel.”
By practicing his motto of
“Am Yisrael chai” every day,
Yost created a path for the local
Jewish community — and Adat
Shalom Synagogue — to con-
tinue to “live.”
“He helped Adat Shalom
through some of its darkest
days,” Bergman continues,
“and provided great leadership
during some of its best. Even
Moses only led for 40 years.
Alan surpassed that.”
CONNECTING PAST,
PRESENT AND FUTURE
Yost also guided the synagogue
through the unpredictable
and ever-changing climate
of COVID-19, pivoting at a
moment’s notice. “
Alan spent
every day finding the best
ways to serve our congregation
and keep us all connected,”
Chernoff-Epstein says. “
Alan
gave it his all, showing his dedi-
cation and concern for each and
every person.”
While Yost has made an
undeniable impact on Adat
Shalom and Metro Detroit’s
Jewish population, he is perhaps
remembered the most for his
character and wealth of knowl-
edge. At all times, Yost’s door
was open to answer questions
and lend support and guidance
to prospective families, lay lead-
ers and congregants of all ages.
Adat Shalom’s past president
Ken Goss also adds that Yost’s
“historical knowledge of the
shul and community will be
impossible to replace.”
With retirement up ahead,
Yost looks forward to riding
his bike — his most cherished
hobby — and spending time
with his two children, Robert
and Zachary; daughters-in-law,
Susan and Lauren; and four
grandchildren, Lucas, Mia,
Benjamin and Elliana.
He also hopes to continue
traveling to Israel, recently visit-
ing with an Adat Shalom cohort
in 2018. Still, five journeys to
Israel, a dedication to the Jewish
Federation of Metropolitan
Detroit (among other organiza-
tions), and an unwavering com-
mitment to Adat Shalom past,
present and future only scrape
the surface of Yost’s undeniable
impact on Jewish life in and
around Metro Detroit.
“
Alan Yost has been a bea-
con of dedication, strength
and consistency as a leader of
Adat Shalom Synagogue,” says
immediate past president Dr.
Sandy Vieder. “His place in
Adat Shalom Synagogue and
Jewish Detroit history is firmly
planted.”
Executive director Alan Yost sits with Cantor Larry Vieder z”l. In
reflecting on the photo, Alan stated “This incredible man was
my synagogue mentor. He taught me how to serve a synagogue
membership.”
continued from page 25
American Jewish Committee (AJC)
has appointed Ted Deutch, member
of the U.S. House of Representatives
and lifelong Jewish and pro-Israel
activist, as the organization’s next
Chief Executive Officer, effective
Oct. 1.
AJC CEO David Harris, who has
led the organization since 1990,
will remain AJC CEO until Deutch
assumes the role, after which he will
stay on as a consultant for one year
to assist in a seamless transition.
Currently serving his seventh
term in Congress representing
Broward and Palm Beach coun-
ties of South Florida, Deutch, a
University of Michigan alum, is
known for reaching across party
lines to build bipartisan consen-
sus. He has been a champion in
Congress on issues of concern to
the Jewish community — most
notably, combating antisemitism,
supporting the State of Israel and
countering the threats posed by
Iran.
Deutch said, “I have worked
closely with AJC throughout my
tenure in Congress and I am deep-
ly honored to have been chosen
to serve as the organization’s next
CEO.
“I am wholeheartedly committed
to furthering AJC’s nonpartisan,
centrist approach, and will be stead-
fast in my efforts to advance the
organization’s mission.
”
Deutch continued, “
AJC will con-
tinue to defend the global Jewish
community whenever and wher-
ever it is threatened — in America,
Europe, Latin America, online, on
campus, at the United Nations. It
will prepare Jewish advocates to
boldly and knowledgeably stand
against antisemitism and other
bigotries. And it will use the talent
and power of innovative leaders of
all ages to defend Israel’s rightful
place in the world and expand the
opportunities to transform the
Middle East and the world under
the Abraham Accords.
”
AJC Names
Ted Deutch as
Next CEO