Temple Sholom

Stepping through Temple Sholom’s doors is like entering a time capsule. It connects you to a rich history of openness and acceptance, going back to Rabbi Selekman’s time. He led the congregation from 1971 to 1999. Rabbi Selekman was a pioneer, one of the first rabbis in the area to officiate intermarriages. This spirit of inclusivity continues today under Rabbi Rigler’s leadership. Temple Sholom in Broomall has always prided itself on welcoming everyone. This tradition started with Rabbi Selekman and thrives today. The Temple has around 430 families. It’s a diverse mix of people, from newborns to centenarians. During the pandemic, Temple Sholom extended its reach beyond Philadelphia. Through virtual services and programs, people from Chicago, Boston, and South Carolina joined the community. Rabbi Rigler even left a prestigious position at Congregation Keneseth Israel to lead Temple Sholom. He was drawn to the temple’s reputation for openness. He wanted to continue Rabbi Selekman’s legacy. When he arrived for his interview, he was greeted with hugs. This warmth convinced him that Temple Sholom was truly special. Rabbi Rigler has since made his own mark on the temple. He professionalized the staff and initiated a social action program. He collaborated with the education director to create project-based learning. He even started an annual tradition of making comedy videos with parents and kids, focusing on High Holiday themes. Temple Sholom was also ahead of the curve in offering virtual services. They started about a decade ago. This forward-thinking approach allowed them to seamlessly transition to online engagement during the pandemic. Rabbi Rigler believes that removing physical barriers makes the synagogue more accessible. The virtual world becomes a “synagogue without walls,” fostering connections across distances. He sees the current moment as an opportunity for growth. Temple Sholom is adding more programs for specific groups, like the new men’s study group with 25 members. Rabbi Rigler emphasizes the importance of community connection. He sees it as central to Temple Sholom’s spirit. He believes this spirit has allowed the Temple to adapt and thrive, even during challenging times. He’s confident he has honored Rabbi Selekman’s legacy. Temple Sholom remains a warm and welcoming place for interfaith and diverse families. It’s a place where people find a home.