Blog Test - WIP

Rachel Taxman is known to many because she grew up at B’nai Amoona and has been an active member of our congregation. Her warm demeanor and quiet confidence allow people in her presence to feel comfortable immediately, which is one of the things she likes most about our shul. She described her favorite aspect of her membership as the community aspect and the feeling of comfort she and her family have with B’nai Amoona.

 Rachel married her husband Alan at B’nai Amoona and they have raised their children who are equally connected to the Sshul. The Taxman kids went to preschool at B’nai Amoona and celebrated their B’nai Mitzvot at our shul as well.

Rachel’s professional career is also closely tied to B’nai Amoona, where she began as a 3rd grade teacher at Solomon Schechter, then worked as a preschool teacher at B’nai Amoona before going back to Solomon Schechter. She also worked as a long-term substitute teacher for Ladue Schools and is currently tutoring for a family during the pandemic. The way in which Rachel was able to weave her professional work in and out of the shul as she raised her family is the same manner in which her personal life is interwoven with the shul.

Rachel said that her closest friendships were made at B’nai Amoona through their involvement with their Chavurah. She also became involved in Sisterhood through seeing her mother’s involvement and she described that as a wonderful way to further meet and connect with other women. As President of Sisterhood, Rachel has worked toward restructuring the organization to involve more members and has enjoyed her role in supporting the congregation’s vision of Tikkun Olam. 

In her spare time, Rachel enjoys hiking and traveling and looks forward to planning more trips to the National Parks. During the pandemic, they travelled to the Smoky Mountains in an RV and enjoyed hiking in the beautiful rolling mountains. She also misses her Zumba classes at the JCC and looks forward to being back there as well. 

Rachel collects art and has traveled in search of pieces for her home. Some of her collection includes paintings, tapestries and sculptures. She recently went to New Mexico in search of art and said that she was able to meet one of the artists which was a highlight for her.

When the pandemic is over and we are once again at shul in person, I hope you have the opportunity to say hello to Rachel, she’s interesting, personable and pretty special.