Dear TST Teens, Parents, and Community,

I am writing this letter to share some bittersweet news with you. After two wonderful, transformative years as Director of Teen Programming at TST, I will be concluding my time in this role and starting a new chapter working at AJC Westchester/Fairfield. I’ll be making this transition at the end of June. It isn’t a full goodbye as I will still be around helping out at the High Holidays and other Jewish holidays in the future!

Please know that I, along with the staff, remain fully committed to supporting a smooth and thoughtful transition. I am working on planning and documentation for my successor, and collaborating with Rabbi Dennis Ross, Rabbi Sandy Zisser and Executive Director Howard Greenstein to ensure continuity in our programming. We will keep you updated when we find my replacement. I am determined to assist the next Director of Teen Programming to set the Teen Center and our teen community up for success. I will do everything I can to ensure stability in the program we’ve all worked so hard to build and I have great confidence that the teen program will continue to thrive and grow for years to come.

This decision was not an easy one, as my time at Shaaray Tefila has been deeply meaningful and inspirational to me. It has been a privilege to work with such a dedicated and compassionate community and to guide and support our teens in their Jewish journeys. I am optimistic about the future knowing we have so many amazing, resilient, intelligent, and caring rising Jewish leaders. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together, from meaningful teen events, and educational initiatives to the Teen Center we’ve built up along the way. 

I feel so grateful for the relationships I’ve built—with our incredible teens, families, and staff whom I’ve grown to truly appreciate and value. The thought of stepping away from these connections as Director of Teen Programming is deeply emotional, but I know this is the right next step for me personally and professionally.

Thank you for the support, trust, guidance, and opportunity to be a leader of such a special kehilla. I will carry the experiences and lessons from my time here at Temple Shaaray Tefila for the rest of my life. This congregation will always have a special place in my heart.

Wishing you all the best,

Lauren Hollander

Note: The Temple has gone through a hiring process and a new teen director has been hired. More information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks, as well as a plan for meetings with teens and families.