The Wood River Jewish Community welcomed its summer scholar in residence, Alvin Stauber, at a well attended party on Sunday. Community members and Stauber exchanged ideas and history about the Wood River Jewish Community, which Stauber will lead in Friday evening Shabbat services as well as adult education classes through Aug. 18.
The Wood River Jewish Community is unique in that only a third of its members are full-time valley residents. Earlier this year, Rabbi Barney Brickner resigned as the organization's rabbi.
Stauber said the Wood River Jewish Community still has all the trappings of a synagogue.
"It holds services, has a board of directors, owns a torah, offers a Sunday school for b'nai mitzvahs and it has an educational component," he said.
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Stauber lives in Talahasse, Fla., and teaches business law at Florida State University. He has an extensive background in Judaica studies and teaching. His father was a conservative rabbi, and he grew up in an orthodox home.
"I am heavily involved in reformed synagogues," Stauber said.
Part of Stauber's adult education class will be to discuss wills. He said every state in the U.S. approaches wills differently. Stauber will spend six weeks in the valley and said he already feels a bond with the community.
During Stauber's stay, the Wood River Jewish Community will celebrate four b'nai mitzvahs for Renee Shapiro, Jolie Blair, Alyssa Diamond and Evan Weisberg, to be officiated by Stephanie Feder. In addition, the Wood River Jewish Community potluck picnic, "Wanted Alive," will take place on Sunday, June 26, at 6 p.m. at 399 Broadford Rd. in Bellevue. The picnic is $20 for members, $30 for non-members, $15 for children under 12 and free for children under 4. Bring salad, side dish or dessert. For details call 726-1183.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Alvin Stauber is scholar in residence through Aug. 18 at the Wood River Jewish Community.
Photo by Sabina Dana Plasse
