OUR TEAM
RABBI ARNIE
Rabbi Arnie, as he is known to all, has been serving the Traverse City Jewish community since 1982. Before returning to Congregation Beth Shalom, he served Congregation Shir Tikvah in Troy, Michigan for 28 years and is now their Rabbi Emeritus. His depth of compassion has earned him devotion from Jews and non-Jews alike throughout Michigan.
After earning his Bachelor's degree from Albion College, Rabbi Arnie received his Master's degree and rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College in New York. He sought a profession that combined a love for Judaism with teaching, counseling and community development. He is dedicated to making a difference in the Jewish community, amongst the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
Bridge-building between the Jewish community and other religions, ethnicities and races has also been among his passions. Helping foster understanding with Muslims, African Americans, and Christians is a focus of his rabbinate.
In his sabbatical travels, Rabbi Arnie studied Hinduism and Budhism with special emphasis on meditation techniques and chant. These, too, have been part of Jewish practice for thousands of years. Rabbi Arnie has deepened his own Jewish spirituality by witnessing other traditional faith practices. He has connected with indigenous tribes and their spiritual elders in various countries in addition to bringing support for “lost” Jewish tribes in Africa and India.
Rabbi Arnie lives in Lake Orion with his husband, Robert, and their Italian Waterdog, Kobi.
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Michael London
President
The incoming President of Congregation Beth Shalom and his wife, Janice, relocated from Canton, Ohio to Traverse City in 2019. He is a retired orthopedic surgeon and excited to be part of CBS's leadership. He believes that the congregation is at an inflection point and needs the involvement of each member to become a welcoming and engaged community. CBS is a volunteer-run organization, and he encourages members to share their ideas and become involved. The couple has two children, and they joined CBS shortly after their arrival, considering themselves newcomers due to Covid restrictions.
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Dr. Ken Newbury
VICE PRESIDENT
Dr. Ken Newbury enjoys an active wonderful Jewish life with his wife, two adult children, two grandchildren and two dogs. Prior to retirement, he served in multiple roles including as a psychologist, principal, university professor, game show host, researcher, author, film producer and co-director of a nationally touring music group. Ken served on multiple boards and looks forward to working with others to make Beth Shalom and the Traverse City Jewish community a vibrant place for many years to come.
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Bernie Rubin
TREASURER
Bernie and Donna joined Congregation Beth Shalom in 2016. They enjoy the community and Up North life in Michigan. Bernie is pleased to serve as the volunteer treasurer.
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Dr. Marla Scafe
RECORDING SECRETARY
Dr. Marla Scafe is serving as the recording secretary for Congregation Beth Shalom. She is a professor of Statistics and Research Methods at a private business college in Troy and teaches one class per semester as she is semi-retired. Dr. Scafe is married to Art Scafe and has two grown children named Joshua and Shayna. She is also a grandmother to four children, consisting of three boys and one girl. When Dr. Scafe is downstate, she resides in Metamora, and when she's at their vacation home up north, she lives in Empire. Additionally, she belongs to Congregation Shir Tikvah when she is downstate.
COMMITTEES
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Welcome/Caring
Communicates with persons who desire to learn more about Congregation Beth Shalom, either because they are visiting or considering membership. Also provides support for shut-ins or other members experiencing hardships.
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Program
Program: Works to provide thoughtful adult and child programs throughout the year, corresponding to rabbi visits, as well as lay-led programs to encourage congregants’ socialization, learning and fellowship.
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Religious School
Parents and the rabbi construct a program of learning and activities to engage our youth.
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Social Action
Alerts members to local, national and international events in which our congregants can become involved. Coordinates volunteers to staff Safe Harbor, which is a local homeless shelter.
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L'dor v’dor
A consortium of six Reform congregations in NorthernMichigan and the Upper Peninsula which collaborates on adult and youth programming via speakers, workshops, and retreats.
