Beth Shalom Treasures Rabbi Zimmerman’s Legacy

After 38 years extraordinary years of leadership at Congregation Beth Shalom (CBS), Rabbi Mark Zimmerman will assume “emeritus” status as the Dunwoody congregation will soon announce the hiring of a new rabbi.

On Sunday, March 22, more than 235 congregation and community members attended a tribute gala/dinner, expressing how truly devoted and appreciated Zimmerman has been, along with wife, Linda. Touched by the outpouring of emotion and admiration, Rabbi Zimmerman said, “It has truly been the most incredible privilege and blessing of my life to have been able to spend nearly four decades of my career right here at Beth Shalom, the most haimesh and spirited shul I have ever known. CBS is truly a community of unparalleled warmth and genuine neshamah which was on full display tonight.”

CBS President Fred Rich began his comments comparing the evening to the recent Oscar Award production. Into his remarks, he became emotional, recounting the resilience and love Rabbi Zimmerman has shown congregants throughout the decades with family occasions, b’nai mitzvahs, ceremonies, funerals, baby namings, counseling … “really what you mean to us. Our members’ hearts are touched as we so looked to you for comfort.” Rich also thanked Anna Shakhnovsky for her diligent work.

Linda Zimmerman is credited for helping shape the congregation with her support, wisdom, warmth, and commitment. She met Rabbi Mark before he began rabbinical school at the Jewish Theological Seminary. She told the AJT, “I always knew he was destined to become a rabbi — shaped by family history and his deep commitment to Judaism. Our family literally grew up at Beth Shalom, where the community became our extended family. Supporting others through hosting, listening, and pouring my life into our shul community became my purpose. Now, in retirement, we will have more time to reflect and rediscover ourselves and our family. While I will miss that sense of service, I’m grateful for the slower pace, and I know I’ll always remain deeply connected and involved in our synagogue.”

After a video of grateful congregants, remarks came from Marcy Liberty on behalf of Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutch, followed by comments from Rabbi Shalom Lewis (Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Etz Chaim), Rabbi Brian Glusman (Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta), and Brad Young, Executive Director of Israel Bonds, Southeast Region.

The CBS choir performed parodies from the Broadway show, “The Sound Of Music,” to the tune of “My Favorite Things” and “So Long Farewell,” and a Carlbach medley of David Melech Yisrael, Siman Tov, and Am Yisrael Chai to which numerous guests joined in a hora dance. Contributors to the lyrics included Andy Gothard, Shai Robkin, and Gail Forman. Howard Fish spoke about the new CBS legacy/endowment program. Rabbi Zimmerman received a standing ovation after the announcement of the sanctuary naming in his and Linda’s honor.

Congregation B’nai Torah Rabbi Joshua Heller told the AJT, “Zimmerman is really an institution. Very few share his accomplishments … committed to one congregation the way that he has. Beth Shalom owes a lot to him.”

Zimmerman indeed has history with countless stories “from the infamous time the power went out on Kol Nidre night, the ice storms of the 90s when congregants huddled together sleeping at the shul with no power in much of the neighborhood, missions to Israel, the zemirot and birkat hamazon circle every Saturday following services, the preschool families, b’nai mitzvah families, the High Holiday Choir, Sisterhood, and the Men’s Club Texas Hold’em group and grillers, Shabbat camping retreats, and the many simchas and sorrows that were shared through the years.”

Rabbi Zimmerman concluded, “We have always been a ‘people-first’ synagogue, and I am absolutely positive Beth Shalom will continue to thrive after my retirement. The only thing I’m not sure of is how they’ll manage Linda’s retirement! Linda has been the most amazing rebbetzin and life partner on this wonderful journey we have been privileged to share together. Beth Shalom will forever be my spiritual home.”