Rabbinic Transition
Our temple is embarking on an important transition. Rabbi Paula has announced she will retire on July 1, 2027 after 47 years of involvement with Temple Beth El and 10 years as our Senior Rabbi.
The Union for Reform Judaism's resources on rabbinic transition encourage congregations to consider that, "...learning that there will be a change in rabbinic leadership is often an unsettling experience for congregants and staff alike. Because of this, it can be tempting to move quickly and jump ahead to concrete tasks related to the search for a replacement. Experts in transition management, however, teach us that it’s important to slow down and use this time to reflect on the past, dig deeper into present realities, and imagine the future; when congregations do this well, these 'in-between times' can become sacred space. "
We have a dedicated and experienced group of congregants who have volunteered to serve on Temple Beth El's Rabbinic Transition Committee. The committee will use this page to provide our congregation with updates and information regarding the transition process. We are excited to begin this work together as we reflect on where we've been, where we are now, and where we want to go.
Sincerely,
Jessica Olamit & Wendy Strimling
Rabbinic Transition Committee Co-Chairs
contact us:
Congregation Cafes
We are excited to invite you to participate in an upcoming Congregation Café — a warm, welcoming space for guided conversation, connection, and shared visioning about our future clergy leader.
What are Café Conversations?
Café Conversations are collaborative dialogue centered on questions that truly matter to our Temple community. They are designed to help us listen deeply to one another, draw on our collective wisdom and experience, and shape the future of our congregation together. Most importantly, they are a meaningful way for every voice to make a difference.
This is not a lecture or a presentation — it’s a shared experience. Through guided small-group conversations, we will explore thoughtful questions in service to our Temple community and discover insights we might not find on our own.
We hope you will join us. Whether you’ve been part of our Temple community for many years or are newer among us, your voice and perspective are valued and important. When we gather in conversation with intention and openness, we strengthen the fabric of our community and help shape a vibrant future together.
To RSVP please click on one of the dates below.
Sunday, March 15 3-5pm
Sunday, March 22 9:45-11:45am
Thursday, March 26 7-9pm
Thursday, April 23 7-9pm
Overview of the Rabbinic Transition and Selection Committees + General Timeline
Click here to read about the distinctions between the Rabbinic Transition Committee and the Rabbinic Selection Committee as well as the general timeline for this process.
Rabbinic Transition Committee Members
Click here to learn about the members of the Rabbinic Transition Committee.
Readings and Resources
Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change Chapter 1. This reading presents an interesting claim about understanding the difference between change and transition. It provides a thoughtful framework for approaching the transition process.
The Parable of the Trapeze. This reading provides an extended metaphor for what many people may be feeling as they embark on a significant transition.
Wendy Strimling's Shofar article on the rabbinic transition process.