One Amazing Day at the ALEPH Kallah
Seeking and finding (six more glimpses of Kallah)

Congregational

There are a lot of transitions happening in our household right now. Ethan posted recently about his new job; now I'm able to share the news of mine.

Starting in July, I will be serving as interim rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel for the coming year. I've been a CBI member for years. During rabbinic school I served CBI as rabbinic student intern, and last year during the high holidays I served as the community's cantorial soloist. Now I'm moving into a new role, that of leader, teacher, and caregiver for the whole community. The responsibility is awesome, in the original sense of that word.

There's a running joke in my line of work that there are no half-time pulpits, only half-time salaries. That said, I aspire to work roughly half-time serving the CBI community, and to spend the other half of my time engaged with my writing work and caring for my delicious and rambunctious toddler. I'll lead davenen at CBI two Shabbatot each month, lead festival services for every holiday on the calendar, teach in two of our four religious education programs, and offer as much pastoral care and support as I can.

I expect that the job will be surprising, wonderful, fulfilling, overwhelming. I pray that I can live up to the tasks of caring for this community, leading them in prayer, helping them mark the passage of time, and offering opportunities for connection with tradition and with God. I feel excited, humbled, and full of hope.

I hope I can be a blessing to this community. I can't wait to dive in.

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