I’ve only been a full-time rabbi for a few days, and so far, so good. Transitioning from the life of being a student to a professional is exciting, and I am especially thrilled to be working at Beth Adam. Many friends, family members, colleagues, professors, congregants (I think that’s just about everyone!) have asked about my decision to work at Beth Adam. I have no idea where my career path will ultimately lead, but at this moment I have decided to stay at Beth Adam for many reasons.

Here are some of the things I am most looking forward to about working here. Being mentored by Rabbi Barr will help me grow professionally; I will have the opportunity to explore building community in non-traditional ways; I will be more self-aware about my theological and liturgical ideas than some of my colleagues who take their Reform Judaism for granted; I will develop great skills in youth, teen, family, and adult education; I will explore new ways of thinking about organized Judaism.

Certainly working here is not quite the traditional route. To become a 50% online rabbi of an unaffiliated congregation – and its first full time assistant rabbi – is something that is not entirely defined. Yet I have decided I want to embrace this opportunity – I want to be entrepreneurial, I want to take risks, and I want to learn. I want to serve a population of Jews who would otherwise not be served. I want to bring thoughtful ideas for progress to our progressive Judaism.

There is no doubt in my mind that together we will continue to grow this wonderful community. Rabbi Barr, Roberta Veleta and I have met several times in the past weeks to plan for the upcoming year. It’s amazing how many big and small issues go into developing the activities of the congregation. I’m looking forward to being more involved in Beth Adam’s programming – and to bringing some new ideas like our new ‘tween/teen high holiday experience, our new Parents And Children Together (PACT) program for newborns through six year olds, and of course the Online Congregation (see inside for more information on all of these). None of what I do or Rabbi Barr does would happen without your support and commitment to this congregation; I truly look forward to working with each of you. Please remember that the door is always open, and we want you to be here as a participant, as a learner, as a teacher, as a community-member, as a community-creator, as a supporter of liberal Judaism, or in whatever role you would like to create for yourself.

I am privileged to be part of this community. I feel incredibly lucky to have learned from Rabbi Barr these past two years during my internship – and I look forward to the opportunity of continuing to learn from him. I feel privileged to work in such a thoughtful and healthy congregation – with a first-rate business director, dedicated board and community that has a commitment to self-exploration as it moves ahead. I am constantly amazed by the dedication of Beth Adam’s congregants – and your willingness to shape this community into something that is meaningful for us all. I want to help shape it – and work in relationships with all of you as I do that.

As I embark on my rabbinate in this community, my commitment to all of you is that I will bring:
• Passion for being involved in a liberal, progressive community that views Judaism from a humanistic perspective
• A deep commitment to youth education, family education, teen programming and teacher development
• Dedication to intellectual honesty
• Open-mindedness
• Creativity and an ability to think “outside the box”
• A strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility to this congregation
• Excitement, energy and skills for building an on-line community and congregation

Thank you for allowing me to be your rabbi. May it be a good year!