Of course, things change all the time, but certain moments in our lives bring our awareness of change into sharp focus. For example, we are all just beginning to come to grips with the reality that our beloved Sanctuary building is structurally unsound and in urgent need of attention.
Adding to our awareness of changes yet to come, Congregation Beth Israel is well along in preparing for the hiring of a new, settled Senior Rabbi whose tenure will begin in July 2025.
As all of you know by now, Rabbi David Young has been selected to be Interim Rabbi of CBI, beginning July 1, 2024.
Rabbi Young and I have spoken several times since his selection became official, and I’m convinced that he is a great choice to help move our community through a very consequential year of transition to new, long-term rabbinic leadership that will commence beginning July 2025.
What does an Interim Rabbi do? I recently participated in a three-day, Central Conference of American Rabbis seminar about the role of the Interim Rabbi, so let me share a few insights.
Whenever a long-term Rabbi leaves their position, the congregation can benefit from skilled Interim Rabbinic leadership, to help navigate the wide range of emotions that community members inevitably feel when an important clergy relationship comes to a close. That is precisely why, within our Reform movement, all aspiring Interim Rabbis are required to undergo special training to better learn how to help members of congregations in transition to process these feelings.
Additionally, the Interim Rabbi is specially trained to work with the Temple’s volunteer leadership to help set and clarify goals for the interim year. Bringing a fresh set of eyes to the crucial partnership between lay volunteers and clergy, the Interim Rabbi can ask questions, share insights, and provide critical guidance on how to make that partnership stronger and more effective.
In these and many other ways, the Interim Rabbi year can pave the way for a successful transition to the leadership of the congregation’s new, long-term Senior Rabbi.
With this job description in mind, it's clear that Rabbi Young is perfectly suited to this task. He is gentle, compassionate, wise, and brings the benefit of prior experience in interim rabbinic work to Congregation Beth Israel. I know that you will enjoy getting to know him and that he will work beautifully with Cantorial Soloist Sarah Avner and Rabbi Levy. I also feel confident that his presence and leadership will provide CBI with much needed comfort, leadership, and stability throughout the 2024 to 2025 year. CBI is lucky to have him!
This is also a fitting time to share some exciting news about my own plans for the future.
I am delighted to announce that I have accepted the position of Interim Rabbi at Falmouth Jewish Congregation in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Falmouth is a gorgeous place, located on “the elbow” of Cape Cod, with views of the beautiful Atlantic seacoast around every corner. I am thrilled that I will have the opportunity to bring my own rabbinic experience and skill to support FJC’s warm, welcoming community as they navigate the transition from their beloved Senior Rabbi of 34 years, Elias Lieberman, to a new, settled Rabbi beginning in July 2025.
In addition to following my heart's desire and continuing to do all the things that bring me such happiness as a Rabbi, the year to come will give Saundra and me time to consider what's next for us. |
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