Welcome to the Website of Rabbi Cy Stanway

I also wanted to write you a reflection of all my time (practically my whole life hehe)...Knowing you since I was a kid, you have held this image of the “fun Rabbi,” someone who really gets one involved in the temple community, encouraging them to try new things and make new connections. I would always (and still do) marvel at your presence, a combination of “go-with-the flow” humor, encapsulated in years of wisdom. I admire these traits, among many others: your drive to motivate people, your guitar playing skills, your goofy “win a trip to Belmar” jokes, your dedication to teaching– simply the impact you have made on hundreds of lives.

This email cannot even reach the level of gratitude I feel for having met someone so one-of-a-kind, who I have laughed with and learned many things from. Condensing the almost 20 years (oh wow) that I have known you into a run-on sentence, I recall the time you and Stella selflessly let my mom and I stay at your home during Hurricane Sandy, all the times you would pop into one of my Hebrew classes just to see how we were doing, my bat-mitzvah, the time you let me interview you for a middle school project about who my hero was, all of our enriching Teen Academy sessions, and most recently, when the two of us led a Shabbat service together over my winter break, during January.

To add on to this last point, when I walked into the sanctuary and you immediately called me up to say the Kiddush, I was like “okay, sure,” but I was caught by surprise when I ended up standing and singing alongside you for the rest of the service. Though I was initially reluctant to stay on the bima because I doubted my stage presence and wanted to simply blend in with the audience, you made it such a beyond fun experience, that made me feel like I was truly capable of doing anything– one of my all-time favorite memories.

All these highlights in my life prove why beyond a Rabbi, you are such an incredible human being. Besides your own family, you have also raised the community like an extension of it, watching so many of us grow up and become young adults, pursue college degrees, get married, have kids, and turn into dust. You have played a huge part in every one of life’s stages, and continue through the values you have ingrained in our hearts, souls, and strength, which we pass down to each generation. Your רוח, compassion towards others and passion to contribute to the Jewish community on both a local and international scale is extremely commendable. When I recall my times at Temple Beth Miriam, I will always be sure to remember and cherish your impact on my life. Again, thank you for everything. ~

Lia Bram

Dear Rabbi Cy

It was difficult for Jeff and I to first choose a synagogue. We are both private people who shy away from joining organizations, but it was important to us to educate our children and raise them to understand Judaism. I was brought up conservative where both Rabbi and Cantor wore imposing liturgical robes, female cantors were considered scandalous and Hebrew prayers were memorized, their meanings never taught.

When I trepidatiously walked into TBM, you greeted me, In sneakers! I’ll always remember that.

You toured me around the entire building right then and there, I didn’t even have an appointment. Afterward I called Jeff and told him I just found a home for our family.We watched the children learn and grow during their time at TBM. And Jeff and I learned. What other spiritual leader shaves his head to raise money for cancer? Flies to the Ukraine in their time of need?  Whose family takes in refugees?  

I wanted you to know the impact you have left on our family, Bobby in particular. We believe you (and Stella) were the reason Bobby joined Hillel at Rulgers (took his friends - and Indian girlfriend to Shabbat dinners), studied Arab/Israeli Relations and made Birthright with friends from Hebrew school class. 

I mentioned to you previously, because of the donor program you set up at the Temple, Bobby became part of the registry and actually matched, helping a 70 year man with Leukemia.

... I’m wishing you and Stella joy, health and ease as you settle into your new community.

Alissa Reisler

Rabbi, My name is Jacquelyn Watson (Jackie) and I have attended Shir Shalom Temple in Gainesville for several years, occasionally in person before the pandemic and regularly online since then. I never became a member but give small donations on a regular basis. I live in Live Oak, FL (about 60+ miles north of Gainesville) and try to drive there as little as possible and not at all after dark anymore (I’m old). I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed the three services this week. They were great! Your sermons, the music and the sound (over Zoom) were perfect. Thank you so much! Also, thank you for being so friendly and down to earth (funny, too) and having the members participate in the service. Same goes for Friday night/ Saturday morning services, too! I am very much looking forward to Yom Kippur services (and thank you, again). Sincerely, Jackie Watson