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Rabbinic Transition

   Rabbinic Transition

Letter from Rabbi Adler

July 26th, 2020

Chaveireinu Hayikarim,

I hope you and your family are well as we continue our efforts to control the Covid 19 virus.

It is with mixed emotions that I write this email. With travel severely restricted and the Yankees not playing until July 23rd, I have had considerable time to weigh my options going forward.

I have had the great privilege of serving as your Mara D’Atra since 1979. I am incredibly proud of what has been accomplished with your effort and commitment to build a shul that not only has a statement of philosophy, but also implements that philosophy. Together we have built a shul that is recognized as a serious makom Tefillah and makom Torah and a community that values thoughtful davening and high-level learning. Rinat is home to a significant number of members who can readily deliver an in-depth shiur and I think we can all be proud to be a part of such a special Kehilla. Over the years, I’ve had several inquiries as to whether I might consider another pulpit. I’ve always responded that there is no shul anywhere to which I would want to switch.

But 42 years is a long time. Sheryl and I have two of our children and eight of our eighteen grandchildren living in Israel and want to start spending more time in Israel. After much thought and discussion with our President, I have reached the decision that I would like to begin the process of stepping down as the full time Rav of the shul. The shul will soon begin its search for a new Rav and I would welcome the opportunity to help find a most appropriate candidate for this incredible Beit Knesset. I will step down once my successor assumes the position of Rav, which will likely occur sometime between June 2021 and May 2022. At that time, I look forward to continuing to serve the shul as Rabbi Emeritus.

Sheryl and I cherish the friendships and relationships that have developed over the years. Sharing so many significant moments and lifecycle events, in happy times and more challenging ones, creates strong and lasting bonds.

Rinat is in a strong place, with members who are committed to the shul and what it stands for. I look forward to working with the shul leadership to ensure a smooth transition that perpetuates the values of our Kehilla.

Beyedidut Rabbah,

Yosef Adler

Letter from President Bina Faber

July 26th, 2020

Dear Rinat Community,

Like many of you, I’m finding it a challenge to come to terms with Rabbi Adler’s announcement that he is ready to begin the process of stepping down as the full time Rav of our shul. As the founding Rabbi, Rabbi Adler has guided Rinat from its house minyan roots into the respected Makom Tefillah it is today. The Rabbi has led by example with his strong commitment to learning and has been instrumental in building Rinat into a serious Makom Torah. Rabbi Adler’s name has been synonymous with Rinat since its inception and, after 42 years of Rabbinic leadership, it’s hard to imagine Rinat without him, and the values he stands for, at its helm.

But, of course, 42 years is a long time, and I am grateful that we have had the privilege of benefiting from the Rabbi’s stellar rabbinic leadership for so long. As someone who grew up in Rinat and returned to raise my own family in this special community, I have memories of sharing many significant moments with both Sheryl and Rabbi Adler, and I am confident that the relationships that have developed over the years are lasting ones. While Rabbi Adler’s stepping down will certainly create a void, the Rabbi has made it clear that he will be available to help ensure a smooth transition and plans to remain in his current role until a new Rabbi is found.

At this point, we are preparing to begin the search for a new rabbi. We have formed a Search Committee, which Ari Mermelstein has graciously agreed to chair. One of the nice things about Rinat is the diversity of our membership, and the composition of the Committee is designed to ensure that everyone is adequately represented in this process. A list of the members of the Search Committee can be accessed below.

The committee’s obvious first step was to approach Rabbi Wiener as a potential candidate, as he has played an integral role in the shul over recent years, and has formed strong relationships with so many members. Rabbi Wiener, however, has declined to be considered as candidate for senior rabbi due to his other significant responsibilities.

We are also in the process of forming a Transition Team, which will be chaired by former president of the shul and long-time member Seymour Adler. The Transition Team will work to determine what is most important to our members, and will present its findings to the Search Committee to enable a targeted search. The Transition Team will send out a survey to members later this summer, and plans to hold a number of focus groups after survey results have been compiled. The input of our members in this process is appreciated and welcomed. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ari, Seymour or me.

I am confident that Rinat is well positioned for this next phase in our history, and Iook forward to embarking on Rinat’s next chapter together.

With best wishes for good health,
Bina Faber

Click for Biographies of Rabbinic Search Committee

Thu, May 1 2025 3 Iyar 5785