Rabbinic Search Update

As you may know, during the past few months we’ve considered four applications for the position of Sole Spiritual Leader of our congregation. One candidate received an offer from another synagogue, one withdrew his candi- dacy shortly after the interview, and neither of the other two seemed to fit our needs.

There are several reasons why the process has been so challenging. Chief among them is that we didn’t know we would need to look for a new rabbi until several months after the job announcements are typically posted. Our late scheduling certainly set us back, but we will be ready to go on time and in good order once the search process resumes in September.

In the meantime, the Placement Director at the Central Conference of American Rabbis has informed us that there is a sizeable applicant pool of prospective visiting rabbis who could perform such functions as conducting High Holiday and some Shabbat evening services. Such an arrangement will allow us to get our basic needs covered while we prepare our job announcements and conduct interviews in the months ahead.

While this process is unfolding, we wish to extend an invitation to all members of the congregation to help the temple by serving on committees, teaching Sunday school, helping to arrange and prepare social events, or contributing to the community in any other way you might wish. Please let me know at your earliest convenience if you think you may be interested in volunteering.

Thank you so much for your patience. I’ll certainly be keeping you informed about our progress during the summer and beyond.

Mark Packer
Vice President
Search Committee Chair