Rabbi Eric Solomon: Leading with Gratitude, Love and Joy

Rabbi Eric Solomon is the Co-Senior Rabbi at Beth Meyer Synagogue in Raleigh. His core values are 1) “Love your neighbor as yourself,” 2) Live life passionately, and 3) “Justice, Justice you shall pursue”.

Rabbi Solomon is a 2022 Goodmon Fellow, Graduate of the Regional Program.

I show up with enormous gratitude for the trust my congregation has placed in me and with a desire to serve. It is a great joy to serve my congregation and to do what I can, with God’s help, to make our city and world better each day.

What was the primary impact of the Regional Program on your life?
I had the incredible opportunity to meet many outstanding leaders from throughout the Triangle, learn from them, and be inspired by their visions.

Did you make any meaningful connections during or after the program?
Absolutely! In addition to meeting so many change-makers, I had the chance to connect further with Damon Circosta, Executive Director and Vice President of the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, who has become a trusted advisor and friend.

How do you show up as a leader in your organization?
I show up with enormous gratitude for the trust my congregation has placed in me and with a desire to serve. It is a great joy to serve my congregation and to do what I can, with God’s help, to make our city and world better each day.

How do you feel you make an impact in the community?
Within my congregation, I can spiritually walk with my congregants through their highest moments of life and their absolute lowest. It’s an enormous privilege. Beyond my synagogue, I cultivate relationships with civic leaders and other clergy to build bonds and find ways to work together for the common good.

If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Here’s a shocker: The Torah! :) Not only is it my people’s story, but it is filled with teachings and stories that have shaped the world. Every time I study it, I learn something new and enrich my life.

What is one fun fact about yourself?
I love playing and watching sports. But my favorite sports story happened when I was a senior in high school. After getting injured while on my high school soccer team, our school’s football coach invited me to a University of Maryland Football camp for punters and kickers. I became the Punter/Kicker for the great Howard Lions! After the season ended, I received a recruiting call from the University of Maryland inviting me to try out for the team. My mother wasn’t having it, and so I declined. But just getting that call — it was the feeling of a lifetime! It’s also great for sermon material and getting congregants to pay attention when I pull out an old football story. Lol!