Nancy’s journey with Temple Micah began in 1982 when she was saying kaddish for her father every afternoon. She attended Beth Joseph (now BMH-BJ) during the week, but on Friday nights Nancy was trying out services at a variety of synagogues around town. “Micah felt the most welcoming and comfortable, so I decided to join that congregation,” Nancy explains.

Of course that was several religious leaders ago, but as the cast of characters changed, Nancy continued to feel at home at Micah. “In 1988 when Peter and I married, Uri Neal– the Temple Micah religious leader at the time–was the only congregational leader who would perform interfaith marriages,” says Nancy. “If he wouldn’t have married us, I may have walked away from Judaism.”

Choosing Religious Education

When it came time for their son, Steven, to attend religious school and become a bar mitzvah, Nancy and Peter decided to enroll him at a synagogue in Lakewood. “It was closer to our house and I hoped he would make Jewish friends there,” Nancy explains. “We kept our membership at both synagogues during that time, and after Steven’s Bar Mitzvah we returned to Micah full time. Both my husband and son felt a stronger connection at Micah.”

It’s no surprise that Nancy would describe Temple Micah as open, accepting, and welcoming.

If Uri Neal (Micah religious leader in 1988) wouldn’t have married us, I may have walked away from Judaism.

Recent Involvement at Temple Micah

In recent years, Nancy primarily attends Saturday morning services, Shabbat Tisch and High Holyday services. She also occasionally attends Boomers and other educational classes. “During Tisch, it’s often the typical ‘2 Jews, 3 opinions.’ I love the lively discussions. I also love the way Rabbi Mo creates meaningful rituals,” says Nancy passionately. “And I enjoy participating in social justice projects. In fact, I am the congregational representative for Colorado Faith Communities United Against Gun Violence and I helped lead the Guns to Gardens initiative.” (She is pictured above with Rabbi Mo and another Guns to Gardens volunteer.)

A few months ago, Rabbi Mo asked Nancy to carry the Torah during a Saturday morning service, and she had an “aha moment.” Nancy explains, “As I walked around the room, I realized that I know or have a connection to every person in that room. While attending services is typically something I do for myself, it was sweet to realize what a connection I have to this congregation.

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