In 1998, Mike and Robin Aubrey’s reason for “shul shopping” was a common one; they were newly married, had a toddler, and decided to raise their children Jewish, so they sought a Jewish community. “The pivotal moment I remember was when we walked into Temple Micah (then located at 2700 Leyden), our toddler, Lena, loudly ran down the hall,” Mike explains. “Robin and I looked at each other nervously, but then Rabbi Cohen greeted her at the end of the hall and scooped her up into his arms. We realized immediately that we could be comfortable at Temple Micah and joined the congregation!”

It also helped that Mike’s co-worker was a past president and recommended Temple Micah. Plus, Robin wasn’t Jewish when they joined, so the fact that Micah is so accepting of interfaith families was essential. “I always felt welcome there,” says Robin. “No one asked if I was Jewish, and our kids never felt unwelcome.”

Throughout the years, the Aubreys have been very involved in services and events. Mike has been taking pictures since the late 90s and even digitized dozens of old photos. They regularly attend Saturday morning services, Tisch, and holiday events. Mike and Robin set up the community Passover seder, including buying and making the flower arrangements. 

Celebrating Life Cycle Events at Temple Micah

The Aubreys have celebrated many life cycle events, including bat mitzvahs and a baby naming, and the congregation was there for them when their parents passed away. Their children both went through Micah’s Religious School program and worked as student teachers. Two years ago, Rabbi Mo said to Robin, “You’re basically Jewish, so let’s make it official,” which she did by attending classes and the conversion ceremony!

Micah is family-friendly, there are programs for every age group, and it’s nice to know that there’s a place you can fit in, no matter your demographic.

What Keeps Them Engaged as Active Members

There’s so much the Aubreys like about Temple Micah that keeps them engaged as active members. “I like that we’re in a church with real history,” says Mike. Robin adds, “I like that we have shared values with the Montview community–we’re aligned with our social justice values, and we don’t feel like we have a lone voice.” They both appreciate that Micah is “family-friendly, there are programs for every age group, and it’s nice to know that there’s a place you can fit in, no matter your demographic. Temple Micah is radically inclusive, a tight community with a really involved rabbi, and lots of cool opportunities to learn and participate.”

Their Thoughts on Rabbi Mo

Speaking of the rabbi, they have a lot of kind words to share about Rabbi Mo:

• “Rabbi Mo is very good at reading people. For example, when someone passes away, he really makes an effort to learn about the person who died and understands what the family needs.” 
• “He’s very personable and human; he’s not afraid to share what he feels.”
• “He creates ceremonies to recognize unique events. Like when we got our new prayer book about 15 years ago, he did a special ceremony to mark that occasion. When we moved buildings, we ceremoniously walked the Torahs to the new location.”
• “During services, we like how Rabbi Mo makes an effort to tell everyone to go up to someone they don’t know and say ‘Shabbat Shalom’ and welcome them. It encourages people to meet each other and breaks us out of our little bubble for the week.”

Mike and Robin walk the Micah talk, too. They are some of the most welcoming and inclusive people you’ll meet!

If you would like to share your story, please fill out this form or contact Alaina Green, communications manager.