Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation

Congregation News

AARC Welcomes Tiara Hawkins as Program Manager

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The AARC is delighted to welcome Tiara Hawkins as our new program manager. Tiara has a history degree from the University of Michigan Flint and a background in human resources, office management, and legal assistant work.  “I’m excited to bring my skills into this role with the AARC, and I’m truly looking forward to doing the best job I can while learning from each of you in this incredible congregation.” Tiara comments.


Tiara says, “My husband Scott and I have three amazing kids—Ryan, who’s 5 and turning 6 in July, Aurora, who will be 3 in just a few days, and our youngest, Harlee, who just turned 1. All three of them attend the Early Childhood Center at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, and it’s been such a wonderful experience for our family. I converted to Judaism in 2019, right before Scott and I got married, and it’s been such a meaningful part of my life ever since. My hobbies are reading, swimming, and spending time with my family.” 

Tiara will be in charge of AARC communications, event coordination and more.  Tiara’s first time coordinating AARC Fourth Friday services was May 23, 2025 and she did an outstanding job, alongside Emily Ohl.   The congregation extends warm appreciation to our previous program manager, Emily Ohl. We are so glad that Emily will remain in the AARC community.

When you see Tiara at an event, be sure to introduce yourself and don’t be shy to ask if you can lend a hand!

Annual Membership Meeting 5785

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This past Sunday morning, AARC members gathered at the JCC to meet and discuss the state of our congregation and what it means to them.

The first half of the meeting was spent discussing business matters, such as departing (Erica Ackerman, Deborah Fisch, Debbie Gombert, Rebecca Kanner, Keith Kurz) and incoming members of the board (Dave Nelson, Josh Samuel, Robin Wagner), the budget, and other highlights from the past year.

The final half of the meeting was spent on an activity planned by Lisa Wexler, Julie Norris, and Debbie Gombert. Members made pairs, and eventually foursomes and octets, where they discussed what AARC means to them, and notice the themes that came up. Finally, the groups were tasked with making a short poem, song, or human sculpture, that conveyed these themes and ideas.

Near the end of the meeting, each group shared what they had worked on. The results were all unique, and yet each was filled with joy, heart, as well as themes of togetherness, justice, and diversity.

Thank you to all of those who were able to attend and participate!

AARC Welcomes Gabrielle Pescador as our new Rabbi!!!

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The Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation is delighted to share the good news that Gabrielle Pescador will be joining us as our new Rabbi beginning July 2023! 

Gabrielle Pescador is a hazzan and soon to be ordained as a rabbi.  She serves as Interim Spiritual Leader of Temple B’nai Israel of Petoskey MI and as guest cantor in synagogues throughout the country.  In 2018 Gabrielle founded and continues to lead the Rosh Chodesh Online Minyan, and is a regular prayer leader and teacher for Pardes Hannah of Ann Arbor MI.  From 2019-2021 she was cantorial soloist for the high holy days for AARC. Gabrielle is a harpist and composer of liturgical music, and considers the harp an instrument of healing.  Before entering the ALEPH Ordination program, Gabrielle spent several years working on documentary films and community art projects focused on issues of social justice. 

Gabrielle’s motivation for becoming a rabbi stems from a deep desire to serve, particularly by helping people find meaning through engaging in Jewish life.  She sees many pathways to meaning-making in Jewish tradition – through prayer and celebration of Shabbat and holidays, through the study of Torah, Jewish thought and Jewish history, through Jewish art and creative ritual, and through the many expressions of tikkun olam.  

Gabrielle is excited to join our diverse and vibrant community and to work with all of our members and learn together. Her goal is to lead through collaboration. Gabrielle says,  “I am so  moved by the heart and soul and enthusiasm of the AARC members, and so impressed by their curiosity, knowledge base, lay leadership, artistic contributions and strong volunteer presence. There is so much richness here and so many interesting people.  I can’t wait to get started and do Jewish together.”

The AARC community  is so excited about what she brings to our congregation and is looking forward to her rabbinic leadership. Many thanks to the Search Committee for their time, dedication that made this possible.

Over the coming months we will be planning opportunities to get to know Gabrielle and introduce her to our community. More details to come!