Temple of Aaron

04/05/2026

We are filled with tremendous gratitude to the US military officers, special forces, and US and Israeli intelligence officers who rescued the downed US airman from inside Iran. We pray everyday for the safety of the Israeli and US air-force and military who are working together to bring security to the region and the world.

Aviator reportedly scaled 7,000 feet to evade capture, commandos spirited him away on planes sent to replace designated aircraft that got stuck and had to be blown up; Israel contributed intel

03/25/2026

We are excited to share that Amber Brumbaugh will be joining Temple of Aaron as our new Director of Operations!

Amber comes to us from Bet Shalom Congregation, where she currently serves as Director of Operations, overseeing all aspects of synagogue life - from finance and HR to facilities, technology, and membership. She brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach and a deep understanding of what it takes to support a vibrant and engaged Jewish community.

We are thrilled for Amber to partner with our clergy team, staff, and lay leadership! Amber will be joining an exceptional team that helps bring our congregation to life each day.

Please join us in welcoming Amber to the Temple of Aaron community!

03/15/2026

Temple of Aaron Announces New Five-Year Contracts for Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein and Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein: Clergy leadership extension reflects strong growth, innovative engagement, and a vibrant future for the congregation

Temple of Aaron is proud to announce that its Board of Directors and Rabbis Marcus and Rachel Rubenstein have agreed to renewed five-year contracts, reflecting the Board’s strong confidence in their leadership and a shared commitment to the congregation’s future. The renewed agreements will extend their service with the congregation through 2031, reaffirming their commitment to serve and lead the congregation and community for years to come

Over the past five years, Rabbi Rachel and Rabbi Marcus have delivered exceptional results and helped strengthen Temple of Aaron’s spiritual life, educational programming, and broader community engagement. Since day one, they have made it a priority to reach out and connect personally with congregants - through phone calls for those who are observing yahrtzeits, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, and personal outreach to senior members at holidays, building relationships that reflect the caring heart of Temple of Aaron.

Under their leadership, Temple of Aaron’s school program has continued to grow and now serves more than 140 students from Toddler through 12th Grade, representing over 80 families. Rabbi Rachel also extends her leadership beyond the congregation through her service on the Saint Paul Jewish Federation Education Committee and the Smith Jewish Academy Jewish Life and Learning Curriculum Taskforce, helping strengthen Jewish education across the broader community.

In addition to their work on the bimah and in the community, the Rabbis have expanded Temple of Aaron’s reach well beyond the congregation through a dynamic and growing media presence. They co-host a popular podcast, “They’re Rabbis & They’re Married,” and have been featured on WCCO’s “Bigger Than Belief” podcast. Most recently, Rabbi Marcus launched “The Daily Derech,” a daily Torah-learning podcast that has been picked up by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) and is now being delivered to listeners nationwide.

“Rabbi Rachel and Rabbi Marcus have brought tremendous heart, vision, and momentum to Temple of Aaron,” said Mark Divine, President of Temple of Aaron. “Their impact is evident in our growing school, their consistent personal connection with congregants, and the positive energy across congregational life. We are thrilled they will continue leading us into the future. The rabbis work closely with the officer group, executive committee and our board of directors to set the vision for our community and we could not be more pleased with the direction the Rabbis are leading us.”

Temple of Aaron also emphasized that the Rabbis’ success is strengthened by their close partnership with Cantor/Educator Joshua Fineblum, whose music, teaching, and leadership helps create a cohesive and inspiring clergy team. Together, Rabbi Rachel, Rabbi Marcus, and Cantor/Educator Fineblum form an exceptional leadership trio that will continue to guide Temple of Aaron with creativity, warmth, and purpose for years to come.

03/04/2026

We are SO excited for you to listen to Rabbi Marcus's new podcast--the first episode is out today! Just 15-minutes, listen anywhere in your day--on a walk, folding laundry, take a 15-minute break from work, you name it--accessible, inspiring Torah wherever you are. Listen to the first episode now at the link below or wherever you listen to podcasts!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-failure-is-redirected-mar-4-2026/id1881652487?i=1000753032494

We are so excited to announce our first podcast, the Daily Derech with Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein of Temple of Aaron. This is for you if you’re looking for a podcast designed to make consistent Torah learning realistic and accessible. You can find the more information in our bio and find the first episode wherever you get your podcasts!

03/01/2026

Our full hearts and prayers are with the IDF, the US Armed Forces, our brothers and sisters in Israel, and the Iranian people. May this bring a safer and more peaceful world for us all. 💙

02/23/2026

We are so proud to be part of this incredible community. In the last two months, we as a ToA community have raised and distributed over $22,450 to provide food and rent assistance to our community members and neighbors in need. When we come together as a community, we truly can make this world a better place.

Please continue to donate at templeofaaron.org/donate. We have received a generous grant from St. Paul Jewish Federation to cover all of our credit card processing fees, so 100% of your donation will go directly to help those in need.

Annual High Holyday Appeal: Each year we ask our membership to donate toward this campaign. This effort provides resources for daily running of the synagogue and enables us to provide reduced dues for people who need help.

02/10/2026

ToA is making a powerful impact at Neighborhood House with groups of volunteers gathering every Thursday and Friday to unpack donations and pack delivery bags.

Together as a community, we have donated over $4307 to the Neighborhood House Emergency Fund, donated 1337 pounds of food, and served 180 families in our volunteer shifts.

Continue to donate at templeofaaron.org/donate, bring your donations to our collection bins, and sign up to join a volunteer crew by emailing [email protected]!

01/30/2026

ToA volunteers are filling shifts all month at Neighborhood House to help organize and pack the tremendous amount of donations that they are receiving. At today’s shift, our crew sorted the pallets that Temple of Aaron donated earlier this week and then got to work unpacking the pallets brought in today from the Minnesota JCC! It is absolutely incredible to see how our community comes together to care for one another 💙

01/26/2026

A huge thank you to Wendy, Brian, Jamie, and Rabbi Rachel who packed their cars full to the brim of food and household donations and unpacked them at today. And an even bigger thank you to everyone who donated—each donation makes a world of difference. Please continue to donate—we have bins outside of Temple of Aaron for you to easily bring your donations and you can donate at templeofaaron.org/donate and indicate Food Shelf.

01/26/2026

In these darkest of times, it is vital to lift up moments of light. We are filled with relief and gratitude that the final Israeli hostage is finally home. May Ran’s family be brought comfort in this moment and may his memory forever be a source of blessing and inspiration.

.
Ran Gvili, the last hostage, is brought home after 843 days 💔

Ran Gvili, the last hostage in Gaza, has been brought home.

First to enter. Last to return.

Staff Sergeant Ran (Rani) Gvili from Meitar was a YASSAM Negev fighter in the Southern District of the Israel Police. Ran took great pride in being a police officer and wearing the blue uniform.

On the morning of the Black Saturday, Ran was at home recovering from a motorcycle accident and suffering from a fractured shoulder. Upon learning of the terrorist infiltration, he immediately put on his uniform and went out to assist his fellow unit members in the fighting. On his way, he encountered terrorists and fought with courage and determination on the front line at the entrance to Kibbutz Alumim. Members of the kibbutz community later gave him the name “Ran, the Defender of Alumim.”

After several months, assessments concluded that following a fierce battle, and only after his ammunition had run out, Ran fell in combat and was abducted to Gaza.

Ran, with his broad shoulders and radiant smile, was all heart. A true friend, loved by everyone. He loved life, was a young man of deep values, always spoke at eye level, and carried a powerful yet calm presence. At 24 years old at the time of his death, Ran is survived by his parents, Talik and Itzik, his brother Omri, his sister Shira, and an extended family.

Ran Gvili was the last hostage.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum bows its head in sorrow and shares in the profound grief of the Gvili family.

There are no words to express the depth of this pain.

01/22/2026

We are so proud of everyone in our community who braved the cold and snow yesterday to contribute to our drive thru emergency food drive. Please continue to bring donations this weekend and contribute online at https://shor.by/ToAFoodDonations

01/20/2026

Please contribute to our Emergency Funds & Food Drive for our neighbors in need! We will be holding a drive thru tomorrow, Wednesday, January 21st 3pm-6pm--drive up and donate your items right from your car.

Monetary donations can be made at https://shor.by/ToAFoodDonations

Non-perishable food and household items can be dropped at the Temple of Aaron bins located outside of the Sisterhood Gift Shop.

Thank you for your support as we do our part to help our community!