In November Congregation Beth Torah’s Rabbi Mark Levin announced plans to scale back his role with the congregation in 2014. Last week Beth Torah President Michelle Cole announced to the congregation that it will first seek an interim rabbi to serve the congregation from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015. The search will be conducted through the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the rabbinical association of the Reform movement.
Rabbi Rebecca Reice, who began serving as rabbi educator in July 2012, will continue to serve in her current capacity through this process.
Cole told the congregation the board of trustees decided to seek an interim rabbi before hiring a permanent rabbi because of the very personal connection the members of Beth Torah have with their rabbi.
“The rabbi transition process matters to congregants in so many areas — from life-cycle events to weekly worship to the long-term stability of our community. With that in mind, we are moving forward thoughtfully and with deliberation,” she explained.
Prior to making this decision, Beth Torah’s rabbi transition committee gathered information by conducting focus groups that included approximately 150 congregants, staff, board members and confirmation students.
“We also conducted research with the CCAR and other congregations that have been through similar transitions,” she said.
Cole said the interim rabbi Beth Torah selects will serve rabbinic functions for that fiscal year and be trained to help the congregation move smoothly through the transition.
“Having the interim rabbi here will give us time to review and refine our strategic plan, and thoughtfully proceed with our search for a successor rabbi, who will begin July 1, 2015,” she said.
Rabbi Levin will continue to serve as Beth Torah’s pulpit rabbi through the end of June 2014. After that time he will remain at the congregation in an emeritus role and assume the title of founding rabbi. His role and responsibilities as founding rabbi have not been determined yet.