Rabbi Erik Uriarte
If I could share two reasons why I love being the Rabbi for Tree of Life, it would be these: A close-knit yet powerful congregation of 175+ families and it is a place where I would feel both welcome and proud to be a member.
My journey into Jewish leadership began not in a traditional synagogue, but as a young, enlisted Marine serving as a lay leader in Okinawa, Japan. It was there I discovered the most essential aspect of Jewish life for me, community. Despite our diverse origins, varying levels of knowledge in Jewish thought and practice, and different approaches to observing traditions servicemembers came together every Friday night for Shabbat services. This diversity became our strength.
As the Rabbi, I am privileged to be part of a community with a deep and enduring legacy. Descendants of our 125+ year old congregation’s founders stand alongside newcomers who may have never imagined living in Columbia. SC. They do so in services, leadership roles, as volunteers, and as students of all ages. As a Reform community, we embody values of inclusiveness and diversity across many aspects of our lives—whether in our relationships, Jewish practice, or commitment to tikkun olam, making the world a better place. We take pride in what we have achieved together, guided by the principle of l’dor v’dor, passing our knowledge and support from generation to generation. We honor the past while embracing opportunities for growth and change in the future.
I invite you to join me and the rest of our community in making Tree of Life your Jewish home in the Midlands, and to become part of our legacy as we look forward to the next 125 years and beyond.
Contact Rabbi Uriarte at rabbiuriarte@tolsc.org or phone at: (803) 787-2182.
Education Director - Elisa Westfall
Welcome to Tree of Life Religious School! My name is Elisa Westfall, and I have been the Education Director since 2021. I taught Judaic Studies at TOL for 15 years while also serving as the Religious School Board Chair as well as the director of Camp Gesher at the Katie and Irwin Kahn JCC. During the week, I am a 6th grade ELA teacher at CrossRoads Intermediate School in Lexington School District 5. I earned both my BA and MA in Education from the home of the “Fighting Koalas,” Columbia College! I love spending time with my three daughters, family, and friends.
My goal is to keep the heart, soul, and laughter thriving both in and out of the classroom as we all work together, as a team, at the Tree! Come and join us!
Contact Elisa Westfall at directorrs@tolsc.org
Office Administrator - Teresa Williams
Teresa Williams joined TOL as the Office Administrator in April 2023. In this capacity Teresa is responsible for making sure our TOL community is always served, feels safe when attending services and other activities at our building and that members and guests are always welcome. Among her many duties, she makes sure that Congregation members' records are correct, handles day-to-day finances, and compiles and distributes the weekly e-Blast.
Teresa and her husband, Perry, are parents of a blended family that includes four children and six grandchildren.
Contact Teresa Williams at info@tolsc.org.