Nov 15, 2011 |  Filed in: News

A Progress Report On Our Rabbinic Search - Part 2

Since our last report, we have conducted a focus group with ECC families to better learn what they seek from the Temple and its rabbi. (We were already aware of the thoughts of the two Search Committee members who are themselves ECC parents.)

As of November 11th, we have received applications  from 34 rabbis, and we are continuing to receive additional application packages, each of which consists of a candidate's resume and personal statement.

Evaluation of the rabbinic applicants is a time-consuming process. The committee members review each rabbi’s resume, personal statement, information committee members locate through internet research (including audio and video recordings), and other materials that are submitted by the rabbis.
The large number of rabbis who have applied reflects the potential that rabbis see in Temple Israel, as well as a job market which has more rabbis than available positions. 

We have already interviewed, or will soon interview, thirteen of the 34 rabbi applicants. Most of these interviews were conducted by Skype, which allows us to both see and hear the rabbi. Two rabbis have been interviewed in person, and one of them met with some members of the Temple staff and community.  Committee members are excited by the high caliber and potential of a significant number of the candidates.

As we continue to interview rabbis by Skype, we will make further decisions about visits by other candidates.The rabbi or rabbis under most serious consideration will have an additional visit at which time they will meet a larger number of Temple members. As well, committee members will visit the home synagogues of those candidates.
As of November 11th, we have concluded that 22 of the rabbi applicants are not right for Temple Israel.Twelve rabbis are still under consideration.

The selection of a spiritual leader is an important task, and the committee is devoting to it the time and attention that it requires. The work of the Committee is important and intense, and the committee members, who represent the wide diversity of our congregation, care deeply about the Temple and ECC.The members of the Committee are extremely proud that they are united in purpose and assessments of candidates.

The committee members are proceeding with all deliberate speed and with due diligence to ensure that we make the choice that is best for Temple Israel. If you would like to communicate with the committee, please send an email to rabbisearch@templeisrael.net.