Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on March 30, 2024

As Sam Cooke first sang in 1964, A change is gonna come.

Change indeed is approaching for the two Reform communities Rodef Shalom Congregation and Temple Sinai in Pittsburghs eastern neighborhoods.

Rabbi Sharyn Henry announced plans earlier this month to retire on June 30, 2025, after 26 years of service at Rodef Shalom.

Get The Jewish Chronicle Weekly Edition by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

In an emailed statement to the community, Henry said she is curious about what the future holds for me, and yet, it will surely involve my family, yarn, books and Torah. (And, of course, my dog.)

Henry told the Chronicle that the timing of her retirement was based on the continuing conversations about a possible partnership between Rodef Shalom and Temple Sinai, which began in December.

I sent the letter when I sent it so people would understand how my retirement fits into the whole conversation between Rodef Shalom and Temple Sinai, she said. I feel like in a year from June, things will be moving in a particular direction. Theyll know what they need to do about clergy leadership.

Bill Battistone, president of Rodef Shaloms board of trustees, said that when Henry informed the board of her vision it lined up pretty well with what were envisioning for the next two years, as we continue down this path with Temple Sinai.

For the short-term, he said, the congregation is well positioned to handle the communitys lifecycle events and pastoral care needs with both Henry and Cantor Toby Glaser.

In the long-term, in another year or so, or even as we come to the fall and the High Holy Days in 2024, we might have a better sense of where were going with Temple Sinai and can make some decisions, he said.

Battistone said that for now, the board didnt think it was necessary to rush and find another rabbi.

We want to make sure were making financially responsible actions, he said.

Battistone said that Henry has had a wonderful and illustrious career, but that shes ready for the next chapter.

Henrys announcement isnt the only change coming to Rodef Shalom.

The congregation is also searching for a new executive director. Barb Feige, who initially filled the position in March 2022 on an interim basis, is retiring this spring.

Feige, Battistone said, has provided a wonderful service for the congregation, stepping in at a time when it needed help. In June 2022, after months of congregational conflict, Rabbi Aaron Bisno, who served as Rodef Shaloms senior rabbi for 18 years, transitioned out of that role and became the Frances F. and David R. Levin Rabbinic Scholar.

Weve been very open, Battistone said. Were looking for someone for the next two years, at a minimum but then, what that position looks like moving forward, were not sure.

One change that wont be happening is anything related to the congregations cantor.

Hes [Glaser] done a great job in our community already, Battistone said. Its crazy hes only been with us for nine months but hes found a niche here and really enjoys it. Were excited about continuing to work with him.

As for the initiative announced in December to explore a collaborative future for Rodef Shalom and Temple Sinai, plans are proceeding.

Shortly after Henrys announcement, Battistone and Temple Sinai President Stephen Jurman sent out a joint statement saying that a steering committee to examine a possible partnership had been formed. The committee includes the congregations respective presidents, a vice president from each congregation and former past presidents.

The congregations also hired an administrative assistant who will help streamline activities like the research, coordination and maintenance of files for Rodef Shalom and Temple Sinai.

The next step will be identifying potential professional consultants to assist with the process. The individual or team hired will have no ties to either congregation. While everybody on our steering committee is very talented, I dont think any of us have ever done this before, Jurman said. Its important we have someone who is neutral, who doesnt have any skin in the game.

The committee will study such things as the buildings of both congregation, their cemeteries, their finances and administrative practices, clergy and worship practices, including how services are run, he said.

The most important thing and probably the hardest part, Jurman continued, is finding out from both sides, our congregants, what they need and what they want in a synagogue, in their worship life and how they feel about things, seeing if we can put together a structure that works for everybody.

As for Henrys announcement, Jurman said that Temple Sinai was aware of her decision and that it will be taken into consideration as part of the process that now affects both congregations.

Weve been factoring that into our discussions, he said. PJC

David Rullo can be reached at drullo@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Follow this link:

Changes coming to Rodef Shalom as talks with Temple Sinai continue - thejewishchronicle.net

Category: Rabbi
Tags: