THE STORY OF US
At the turn of the 21st century, a small group of Jewish families, drawn to the scenic shores of Lake Norman from across the country, found themselves united by a common desire: to nurture their families' connection to Judaism. The nearest synagogues were a considerable drive away in Charlotte. Recognizing this need, Rabbi Murray Ezring, the esteemed Conservative rabbi at Temple Israel, began traveling to the Lake Norman area to lead monthly services. Temple Israel staff traveled to the Lake once a week to hold religious school.
However, as the community grew, a desire for a more Reform experience emerged among some families. After thoughtful consideration, these families decided to explore forming their own congregation. This led to a period of discernment, with some members choosing to remain aligned with Conservative Judaism, while others pursued the establishment of a Reform community. Ultimately, two congregations were born: Lake Norman Jewish Congregation and Beth Shalom.
Lake Norman Jewish Congregation embarked on a journey guided by four simple yet powerful pillars:affiliation with the URJ, securing a Torah, finding a full time spiritual leadership, and establishing a permanent home. The first pillar was realized through a generous donation of a Torah scroll and bringing it to Davidson. Next, the congregation worked with the CCAR (Central Conference of American Rabbis) to begin a rabbinical search that culminated in the joyful arrival of Rabbi Michael Shields. A recent ordination, brimming with enthusiasm, Rabbi Shields served the community for ten impactful years.
During Rabbi Shields' tenure, a beautiful chapter unfolded as Beth Shalom and Lake Norman Jewish Congregation recognized their shared vision and merged, uniting their finances and their futures. Together,
they became Temple Kol Tikvah – a name that resonated deeply, meaning "Voice of Hope." The dream of a permanent home was realized in 2013, when the congregation acquired the building we cherish today.
After a decade of dedicated service, Rabbi Shields, along with his wife, Jacquie, and their two children, embarked on a new chapter. Shortly after, and navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Temple Kol Tikvah welcomed our current spiritual leaders, Rabbi David Jaffe and Rabbi Becca Diamond.
As we approach the thirteenth anniversary of our building—a symbolic bar mitzvah for our physical home—we celebrate the remarkable journey of Temple Kol Tikvah. From a small gathering of families to a thriving congregation, our story is a testament to the power of community, vision, and the enduring voice of hope that continues to resonate within our walls.
