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