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

