December 1, 2021

Rabbinic Search Update

The past month has been a busy one for the Rabbinic Search Committee. When KI’s pulpit position was posted on the CCAR website, we received 18 rabbinic applications from many impressive candidates. The number of applicants reflects KI’s strong reputation in the Reform Movement, our esteemed history, the reputation of our programming, creative learning opportunities, many ways we make a difference and an interest by candidates in assuming the pulpit of our distinguished former rabbis and certainly Rabbi Sussman.

The Search Committee carefully analyzed each rabbi’s resume and personal statement and invited several candidates for an initial Zoom meeting. Questions were created based on what was learned from both our congregational survey and the Focus Groups where members shared their hopes for KI’s future and the positive attributes of our next rabbi who will lead us there. As a reminder, Focus Groups are still ongoing and more than 75 KI members have already met in small groups. If you are interested in sharing your views about what is most meaningful for you at KI and how you envision our future, contact Liz Kaufman-Taylor (elizdrew@aol.com) to be part of an upcoming gathering.

We hope that the remaining days of Hanukkah are light- and joy-filled for you and your family.

Janice Schwartz-Donahue (kipresident@kenesethisrael.org)

Karen Sirota (klsirota@gmail.com)

Rabbinic Search Committee Co-Chairs (kirabbisearch@kenesethisrael.org)