Rabbi Rebecca Reice, associate rabbi at Congregation Beth Torah, has informed the congregation that she is opting out of the last year of her contract so that she may join her husband, Asher Lazarus, as he accepts new employment in Austin, Texas. She will continue in her role at the Reform congregation until June 30.
Rabbi Reice was informed this past December by the congregation that her contract would not be renewed when it expired in 2016 due to budget reductions.{mprestriction ids="1,3"}At that time Beth Torah had planned to employ a one-rabbi model, engaging a rabbi who would be able to handle all the pastoral and educational needs of the 500-member congregation.
Rabbi Reice began her tenure at Beth Torah on July 1, 2012, after she was ordained that May from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles.
“I’m deeply committed to the Beth Torah community, with a particular focus on supporting our congregation at this time of transition. At this early stage, I’m just beginning to explore professional opportunities that exist for me in Austin. I am excited for Asher and his new position,” Rabbi Reice said early this week.
Beth Torah President Linda Zappulla said Rabbi Reice will be missed.
“For Rebecca and Asher this means exciting new opportunities. We thank them for all they have brought to Beth Torah and we wish them well,” Zappulla said.
Beth Torah is currently searching for a permanent replacement for Founding Rabbi Mark Levin, who retired in June 2014 following the congregation’s 25th anniversary celebration. Beth Torah is being served on an interim basis by Rabbi Rick Shapiro. The board expects a permanent replacement to begin serving as the congregation’s sole rabbi on July 1, 2016.
While the one-rabbi model will start a year earlier than planned, Zappulla believes the transition will be smooth.
“Rabbi Shapiro assures us that all rabbinic duties will be covered, including B’nai Mitzvah. Plans for this transition are already under way and will now be accelerated,” she said.
It was also announced late last week that Aaron Nielsenshultz, Beth Torah’s director of youth, education and engagement, will leave that position at the end of May. He will be moving to Maple Glen, Pennsylvania, to serve as director of religious school at Congregation Beth Or, a school that is four times larger than Beth Torah’s. The congregation boasts a membership of approximately 1,000 families according to its website.
Zappulla said Beth Torah will be appointing a task force to explore its options and will initiate a search for a new education professional as soon as possible.”
“We thank him for the growth, energy and personality he brought to Beth Torah, and wish all the best for him and his family,” Zappulla said.
Nielsenschultz commented that he wasn’t even looking for a new job when this opportunity came along.
“The information for this new role came out of the blue, and my wife and I agreed it was something I should at least keep talking to Congregation Beth Or about. Four weeks later, I had a job offer, and I’m still surprised at how quickly everything happened. I’m excited about what’s coming next for my family and me, and I’m equally heartbroken to leave my Kansas City community. I’ve loved our time here, and I love Jewish Kansas City.”{/mprestriction}