Meet Our July Family of the Month: The Cousens-Aufrechts

Meet Beth (53), Joel (51), Milo (12), and Sela (9)!

The family has been official members of Beth Sholom for about four years, though their connection to the community began much earlier. Milo started at our preschool when he was four years old, and the family quickly fell in love with both the school and the synagogue. They joined the congregation soon after Sela graduated from preschool.

What do you love most about Beth Sholom?
The community. The commitment to our shared values, including song, prayer and liturgy, intellectual challenge, humor, and balancing tradition with creativity. We especially appreciate the extent to which our children are welcomed into spaces that take Judaism seriously - and spaces that don't take everything too seriously!

Favorite Jewish Food
Scandinavian Swimmers during Shabbat blessings! Also, just about every other Jewish food, especially when it comes to holiday cooking. Smitten Kitchen's kugel is to die for.

Fun Fact About Our Family
Joel grew up in Alaska, and his father is always happy to be anyone's tour guide!

What are your hopes for Beth Sholom?
We hope Beth Sholom continues its deep commitment to pluralism and its ability to balance knowledge, commitment, tradition, and secularism. For our family, Beth Sholom is an anchor in San Francisco - a home. It provides structure for our Jewish lives through both ritual and relationships. We hope to continue building connections with people we'll know for decades, and with those who will help shape our children's sense of self.