July 13, 2022

Dear Members and Friends,

 As our Congregation begins a new fiscal year and the High Holidays are approaching, we’d like to take a quick look back at the last year for Har Mispacha and talk about the exciting prospects for our community as Rabbi Kolby Morris-Dahary becomes our first-ever full-time rabbi

Last year was a successful year for our Congregation despite the disruptions and uncertainty caused by the continuing Covid pandemic.  We had High Holiday services, regular Friday night Shabbat services, the communal celebration of Hanukah and other holidays and a festive and delicious community Seder.  Importantly, our membership numbers increased significantly.  But it’s for another reason that we believe that last year will be most remembered as a pivotal one for our community.

 In January, Rabbi Scott Segal notified us that he and his family would be moving from Colorado to Arizona in June and, as a result, he would not be able to continue as Har Mishpacha’s visiting rabbi beyond this summer.   We immediately formed a rabbi search committee, which conducted an extensive search process.  We couldn’t be more excited about the outcome!  In May, we announced that Har Mishpacha had hired Rabbi Kolby Morris-Dahary as our first full-time rabbi.  Rabbi Kolby, who recently moved to our area from Denver with her husband Noam and their two children, will become the spiritual and educational leader and Rabbi of Har Mishpacha starting August 1st. 

 Rabbi Kolby has impressed all of us with her warmth, her energy, her spirituality and her infectious enthusiasm.  We are thrilled that she has decided to join our Mountain Family. This presents an amazing opportunity to expand, strengthen and actively engage our Jewish community.  We will have the ability that we’ve always wanted to create and support ongoing programming for the youth and adults our community.   

 If you have not had the chance to meet Rabbi Kolby, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet her as we begin to ramp-up programming for Har Mishpacha, starting with Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat services in August and an installation celebration for Rabbi Kolby on Friday evening, September 9th.  Details of upcoming events and activities will be posted on Har Mishpacha’s website and circulated by email newletter.

 As we usher in a new year for our Congregation, we would like to thank Rabbi Segal for his guidance, service and contributions to our community over the last four years and extend an enthusiastic welcome to Rabbi Kolby.  In completing one chapter and starting a new one, we are reminded of the words Jews say when we finish reading a book of the Torah:  Chazak Chazak V’nitzchazek.  Be Strong, Be Strong and Let Us Strengthen One Another as we move ahead with this exciting new phase for our community!

 L'Shalom,

Steve Bloom, Co-Vice President       

Alan Kaplan, Co-Vice President