As you know, Rabbi Knopf notified us that he will complete his tenure with us this coming June. Following his notification I appointed a Rabbi Search Committee, co-chaired by our past president, Mike Doniger, and Brandon Metheny. We were very intentional in recruiting members of the committee to ensure that all aspects of our diverse demographics are represented, with the goal that each congregant knows someone on the committee (listed below).
Rabbi Search: Please Take the Survey To ensure a participative process, the committee has prepared a short survey (about 15 minutes). Given our short timeline for the search (see more below) , we ask that you complete the survey prior to December 29, 2023.
Timeline for Both Searches: The Rabbinical (and Cantor) “placement season” lasts from approximately Thanksgiving to Passover and is facilitated by the Rabbinical Assembly (RA) and Cantors Assembly (CA). In November we posted our positions on the RA and CA portals, and last week we sent a small delegation to the Conservative Movement’s conference in Baltimore, where we networked and spread the word about our vibrant, dynamic Jewish community. We spoke with several potential applicants and enlisted the help of others to connect us with additional Rabbis and Cantors seeking new roles. We are hopeful these conversations will turn into formal interviews and, eventually, in-person interviews over Shabbat weekends.
Cantor Search Update: David Childs and his fiancée were once again warmly welcomed by the TBE community at our Hanukkah celebrations this past weekend, and David expressed his gratitude for TBE’s hospitality. If you missed the services, we strongly encourage you to replay the Friday evening Kabbalat Service where Cantor Childs played the accordion! Click here to watch. We appreciate the congregation's enthusiastic feedback about David's leadership during both the High Holy Days and this past weekend. While cantorial students are not allowed to enter the placement process until February 1st, we are in close contact with David and understand that he plans to apply for the TBE Cantor position. At the same time, we want to take a responsible and comprehensive approach to the Cantor search, and we've already received several applications from current Cantors, who are being vetted by the Cantor Search committee on a similar timeline to the Rabbi search process.
Ultimately, our goal is that both processes are as open, transparent, and inclusive as possible. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your feedback and engagement are critical. Together, we will shape Temple Beth-El’s future!
L’Shalom, Isaac Skromne, President Mike Doniger & Brandon Metheny, Rabbi Search Committee Co-chairs Miwa Kamras & GD Rothenberg, Cantor Search Committee Co-chairs
We deeply appreciate the time and energy that our Rabbi and Cantor search committees are contributing to this very important task. Thank you!
Rabbi Search Committee Mike Doniger Brandon Metheny Dorit Adams Debbie Falik Stephen Frost Sherrina Gibson Benjamin Katz Beck Kelly Robin Low Fred Orelove David Ruby Susan Sisisky Leila Vale
Cantor Search Committee Miwa Kamras GD Rothenberg Marc Greenberg Neil Halpert Nina Lankin Jake Millhouse Jennie O’Holleran Tracy Retchin
Ex-officio Members (both committees) Isaac Skromne, President Kristin Gorin, Senior Vice President Heather Rosenberg, Personnel Chair
Temple Beth-El 3330 Grove Avenue Richmond, VA 23221
