Last night the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the hiring of Rabbi Joseph Black as Temple Emanuel’s next Senior Rabbi beginning July 1, 2010. Rabbi Black’s rabbinate is characterized by passion for creating and celebrating sacred community. He strives to help others find God’s presence, not only in prayer and study, but in every interaction of daily life. Rabbi Black is considered a rising star in our Movement for his spiritual approach and is a nationally recognized musician and author.

I want to assure you that Rabbi Foster will continue to serve our congregation as Rabbi Emeritus, and Cantor Heit and Rabbi Delcau will also continue to be part of our clergy team. I apologize if this note seems impersonal, but I wanted to share this great moment in our Temple’s history with you as quickly as possible. In the coming days and weeks, we will convey additional information about Rabbi Black via regular mail, our Bulletin and on our Rabbinical Search website.

We hope you will join us in welcoming Rabbi Black, his wife, Sue and children, Elana and Ethan into our community.

L’Shalom,

Jim Cohen
President, Board of Trustees

P.S. Should you have comments or questions, you can always reach us via our confidential voicemail: 303.388.4013 x226 or our confidential email mailbox: TESearch@gmail.com.

Candidate One will be on December 1, Services will be from 5 to 6pm and a Meet & Greet will be from 6-6:30pm. 

Please view the Hanukah Hoopla card that is going  out in the mail (where the above information is found) in our documents folder, on the right-hand side of the screen, half-way down.  As always, if you have any questions you may contact the Committee by calling our confidential voicemail at 303-388-4013 ext. 326, or via email at TESearch@gmail.com.

Please refer to the ‘Bulletins’ section of the website for the most up-to-date information on the Senior Rabbi Search.  And as always, you may contact the Committee by calling our confidential voicemail at 303-388-4013 ext. 326, or via email at TESearch@gmail.com.

Our next step is to make preparations for  candidate visits to Denver.  While we have not selected any candidates, yet, to visit Denver, we are planning events that will occur once qualified candidates do visit our Congregation.  Please make sure to stay tuned for the High Holidays, when a more formal update will be given.

• What is the process?  The selection process began with your participation during the Transition Study completed during 2007-2008.  In December 2008 the Board of Trustees formed the Search Committee with the goal of recommending to the Board of Trustees a new senior rabbi by January 2010 who would begin July 1, 2010.
• What is the makeup of the Search Committee?  The Committee is composed of Temple members of all ages and all walks of life who have been active volunteers at Temple; people with children, empty nesters and those never having had children; people involved in Sisterhood and Brotherhood; people in various leadership roles both at Temple and in the Denver community at large.  No Temple staff or clergy are on the Rabbinic Search Committee.
• What can you tell us about the candidates?  The 15 candidates who have sent us resumes include men and women from all parts of the country with talents, interests and congregational backgrounds that are truly diverse.  However, each person has shown a deep commitment to and love of Judaism.  The candidates bring skills in community engagement and want to be participants with our growing Jewish community in the Denver-metro area as well as being excited that our congregation has Shwayder Camp and is a leader in interfaith programming.  Each candidate is energized at the thought of being our rabbinic leader and possesses a vision to lead our congregation into the future.
• What criteria are being used to review the candidates?  You, the members of the congregation, helped created the criteria through your participation in the 2007-2008 Transition Study and focus groups. Some of the qualities that were identified are that the rabbi be personable, spiritual and a leader. The Committee is indebted to all who participated in that process so that we know our Temple community and what is important.
• What are the candidates’ expectations with our current staff and lay leadership?  The candidates are aware of the new governance structure created by the Board this past year and revisions to our bylaws.  Each candidate is excited to work with the Board and our Executive Director (Janet Bronitsky).  They are also aware of Rabbi Cook’s recent retirement, the experience of Cantor Heit and the dedicated professional staff  we have with which to partner.
• What are the candidates’ expectations regarding changes at the Temple?  Each of the candidates has a clear desire to make his/her imprint on Temple Emanuel.  Yet each also understands the importance of moving at a measured pace. 
• What are next steps and how can I be involved?  During the months of October to December candidates will be visiting with the Committee.  When the Committee has completed its due diligence and narrowed the selection you will have the opportunity to meet with the candidates and provide your feedback.  Please for watch for announcements in the bulletin, eNotes and the Search website.
• What will be Rabbi Foster’s role in the future?  We are blessed that Rabbi Foster will continue to serve our congregation as Rabbi Emeritus while transferring the responsibilities of rabbinic functions to our new Senior Rabbi.  All of our candidates are aware of Rabbi Foster’s significant work these past 40 years in our synagogue, our community and nationally.  During this year of celebration of Rabbi Foster’s service to Temple Emanuel and Reform Judaism, please be sure to attend the various planned events to show your appreciation of his service.

We are truly fortunate to have so many qualified and dynamic candidates from which to choose to lead us along on our spiritual journey.  We invite you to share your questions, suggestions and comments with us.  Please contact us through our confidential email (TESearch@gmail.com) or our voicemail (303-388-4013 x 326).  Remember to continue to check out the Search website through the link on Temple Emanuel’s homepage at www.emanueldenver.org.  Thank you for giving us this incredible opportunity to serve Temple Emanuel.

June and July Bulletin Articles