FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Why is Rabbi Ken leaving?
- After more than twenty years of service to Temple Emanu-El, Rabbi Ken decided that he needs a change; he’s going to explore doing different things; he still plans to be part of the Temple E congregation.
- When is Rabbi Ken leaving?
- This Summer 2021. He intends to be here for life cycle events through July/August but will not be here for High Holidays.
- Did we do everything we could to retain Rabbi Ken?
- Yes. The board and staff have had open, candid dialogues with Rabbi Ken, and he has assured us that he has felt supported but is ready to move on, to write the next chapter of his life.
- What does this mean for Temple Emanu-El?
- Rabbi Ken’s departure will be emotional and is a significant moment for our congregation. We are fortunate that--thanks to Rabbi Ken, our wonderful staff, dedicated trustees, and amazing congregation--our community is in a great place; our relationships are strong, we are in a stable and promising financial position in spite of the pandemic, and we are ready to embrace this transition and future opportunities.
- Are we going to have a new rabbi by the time Rabbi Ken leaves?
- Probably not; the search for a new rabbi is very important and rabbinic searches can take quite a while; if a new rabbi is not in place when Rabbi Ken leaves, we will have interim solutions in place, e.g., temporary/interim rabbi(s), visiting rabbi(s), etc.
- What about the High Holidays?
- Whether we have a new permanent rabbi in place by Rosh Hashanah or not, we will ensure that the Temple Emanu-El congregation is able to worship.
- What about life cycle events?
- Rabbi Ken will continue to officiate at life cycle events, including B’nei Mitzvah, until his departure. Whether we have a new permanent rabbi in place by the time Rabbi Ken leaves or not, we will ensure that the Temple Emanu-El congregation has options for life cycle events.
- How are we going to find a new rabbi?
- We will form a search committee and ensure that the process is informed by best practices as well as input from our youth, seniors, staff, congregants, lay leadership, and all other key stakeholders.
- For now, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees will take the lead.
- If I have questions or comments, where do I direct them?
- We will create multiple venues for asking questions and/or providing input--likely to include group meetings, one-on-one conversations, surveys, etc.
- For now, direct all questions and comments using the form below.
Thu, April 18 2024
10 Nisan 5784
Thu, April 18 2024 10 Nisan 5784