Rabbi Bloom to retire

“Your presence has been a steady encouragement and inspiration to all of us. Thank you for your friendship, for your leadership and for the way you have reminded us that, even across all traditions, we are part of the same story.”

These sentiments, shared by the Rev. June Wilkins, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Hilton Head, were among the many tributes, prayers and readings offered during a special Friday Shabbat commemorative service at Congregation Beth Yam honoring the work of Rabbi Brad Bloom, who will retire this month.

For more than 17 years, Rabbi Bloom has served as a unifying force, strengthening ties among his congregation, the local Jewish community and interfaith communities in Hilton Head, Bluffton and the greater Lowcountry. Numerous speakers recounted his participation in Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations, town gatherings, Town Council meetings and clergy discussions.

In a tribute written by Rabbi Robert Haas of Congregation Mickve Israel in Savannah, Georgia, Haas wrote, “Rabbi Bloom made an incredible impact on his community in Hilton Head, and he will forever be remembered for his intelligence, humor, dedication, Jewish spirit and devotion to his community.”

Rabbi Bloom “has been an active leader in civic and humanitarian causes throughout the Lowcountry, serving as chaplain to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Department, supporting hunger relief and youth initiatives, organizing community fundraising efforts, leading community Hanukkah festivals and serving on nonprofit boards,” according to a formal commendation presented by Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan R. Perry.

In a congratulatory letter, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, wrote, “It is no surprise that members of the congregation are celebrating you, and we are proud and pleased to join together in spirit for this simcha. Your compassion, your dedication and your leadership at Congregation Beth Yam and in the wider community have laid the groundwork for the clergy and lay leaders who come after you to thrive.”

Congregants described Rabbi Bloom, the spiritual leader and lifelong educator of Congregation Beth Yam, as compassionate, empathetic and deeply committed to serving all members of the congregation, regardless of their level of Jewish observance or background. In her remarks to the congregation, Wilkins said, “When you speak about your people, you show care. ”

Rabbi Bloom will become rabbi emeritus, an honorary title recognizing his service after retirement from formal leadership. As Congregation Beth Yam’s first rabbi emeritus, he will remain connected to the congregation as an adviser, mentor and symbolic spiritual leader.

Scott Selkowitz is a Writer, Communications Chair, and Board Member of Congregation Beth Yam, Hilton Head Island, communications@bethyam.org