Linda Yarden

Seeking a place in which to raise a Jewish family, Linda and her husband Chris joined PAS, unsure of the welcome that their interfaith family would receive, wondering if they would fit in, and whether PAS membership would fulfill their complex spiritual needs.

Over time, from their earliest days at the ECC, through the Bnei Mitzvah of their children, Linda and Chris made a series of choices, some large, but many small – first, simply to show up at Purim Spiels and Mitzvah Days, concerts and lectures, and then, to chair a trip (or three!) and join committees, all of which allowed them to develop ties and to integrate with the community. They made connections. The clergy embraced them with open arms, and the PAS community, a place of shared values, celebrated joys and supported them when they needed comfort.  More travel, food pantry and worship, committees and learning, activities and friendships followed. 

In response to her initial question about inclusion and acceptance by the PAS community, Linda smiled, and said, “One Shabbat, while greeting at services, I realized that I – we – had become the community of which we were initially so unsure.  It is an incredible honor to play a role in building and welcoming others to share the remarkable place that is Park Avenue Synagogue.”