A message from your Board President, Eli Weinzveg, July 2023
Dear Members of Congregation Shomrei Torah,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to inform you about the process regarding the appointment of an interim rabbi, to express our deepest gratitude for the invaluable service rendered by Rabbi George during his time with us, to explain the concept of an emeritus rabbi, and emphasize the importance of your input as we move forward.
As you may be aware, the leadership of Congregation Shomrei Torah has been diligently working to ensure the continuity of our spiritual guidance during the transition period between the departure of our beloved Rabbi and the selection of a permanent spiritual leader. After careful consideration and consultation with various stakeholders, it has been decided to appoint an interim rabbi to support and guide our congregation during this transitional phase.
The interim rabbi will serve as a compassionate and knowledgeable presence within our community, offering spiritual guidance, leading services, and providing pastoral care. The search for the interim rabbi is underway, and our goal is to identify an individual who possesses the necessary qualities to meet the diverse needs of our congregation. The appointment of an interim rabbi will not only maintain the continuity of our religious practices but also ensure that our community remains vibrant and supportive during this period of change.
The search process for the interim rabbi will involve careful consideration of candidates who possess the necessary qualifications, experience, and compatibility with our congregation's values and needs. A search committee, composed of members of our synagogue leadership will be responsible for evaluating potential candidates. They will conduct interviews, review resumes and references, and seek input from various stakeholders in order to make an informed decision.
It is with a profound sense of gratitude that we reflect on the exceptional dedication and commitment exhibited by Rabbi George during his tenure with us. His leadership, wisdom, and compassion have enriched our community and inspired us all. Rabbi George's insightful teachings, engaging sermons, and unwavering support have touched the lives of numerous individuals within Congregation Shomrei Torah. We are truly grateful for the time he has devoted to our spiritual growth and the positive impact he has made on our congregation.
As we bid farewell to Rabbi George, we express our heartfelt appreciation for his exceptional service. We will forever cherish the memories and lessons imparted by his presence among us. While Rabbi George may no longer hold an active role within the synagogue, his title will be designated as "Rabbi Emeritus" as a mark of respect and recognition for his dedicated service over the years.
In addition to expressing our gratitude, we also want to emphasize that your input and involvement in the future of our congregation are of utmost importance. In the coming months, we will be seeking your feedback and ideas as we navigate the process of selecting a permanent spiritual leader. Your perspectives and aspirations will shape our decision-making and ensure that our next rabbi is a true reflection of our congregation's values and aspirations. We encourage you to participate in surveys, town hall meetings, and any other opportunities for engagement that may arise.
Together, let us continue to support one another, embrace the changes ahead, and uphold the vibrant spirit of Congregation Shomrei Torah. Your commitment to our community is deeply valued, and we are confident that by working together, we will emerge from this transitional period stronger and more united than ever before.
We will continue to keep you informed about the progress of the interim rabbi search and provide updates on any significant developments. Your input and involvement in this process are highly valued, and we encourage you to share your thoughts, concerns, and aspirations with the synagogue leadership. A monthly communication from the board will keep our community informed and up to date with all the updates regarding the search and any other pertinent information.
May our shared journey be blessed with peace, wisdom, and continued spiritual growth.
With warm regards,
Eli Weinzveg, Board President
