Assistant Rabbi Candidate Visit with Sara Birnbaum

Rabbi Birnbaum will be visiting WJC from Friday, March 27th through the morning of Sunday, March 29th, with additional events on Wednesday, March 25th and Thursday, March 26th for those who may be leaving town that weekend for Spring Break.

Rabbi Birnbaum is completing her studies at the Rabbinical School of the Jewish Theological Seminary and will be ordained this May. She comes to the rabbinate with a strong background in clinical social work and in Jewish education. Over the course of her visit, Rabbi Birnbaum will attend and participate in our worship services, have the chance to interact with WJC members and families in a variety of settings, and meet with key staff members.

The weekend will be an opportunity for us to learn more about Rabbi Birnbaum, and for her to learn more about us. Please join us for as much of her visit as you can; the schedule appears below.

Assistant Rabbi Search Committee

Co-chairs: Amy Mayer, Howard Mizrachi

Congregant members: Jordana Brennan, Alison Gottsegen, Evan Levy

Clergy members: Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz, Cantor Ethan Goldberg

Schedule:

Wednesday, March 25

6:00pm-7:00pm: Sample Sermon with Q&A Session with Rabbi Sara Birnbaum

Rabbi Birnbaum will deliver a d’var torah from the bima in the sanctuary. Then, the search committee chairs will interview Rabbi Birnbaum about her background, values, experience and priorities. Submit questions in advance to hhmizrachi@gmail.com or amy.rublin.mayer@gmail.com. We will not be taking questions from the audience during the session.

Thursday, March 26

6:30pm-7:00pm: Meet and Greet with Rabbi Sara Birnbaum

Everyone is invited to attend this meet & greet. This does not require a registration.

7:00-10:00pm: The Great Challah Bake

Rabbi Birnbaum will offer a short teaching about challah and have the opportunity to meet those attending the event. Click here to register. This registration is only for the Challah Bake.

Friday, March 27

9:15-9:45am: Rabbi Birnbaum will participate in ECC Community Shabbat

5:30pm: Rabbi Birnbaum will observe Preschool Pajama Shabbat Service with an opportunity to meet young children and their grown-ups.

6:00pm: Congregational Dinner – Click here to register

7:00pm: Rabbi Birnbaum will offer teachings as part of Rhythm & Ruach (Available on livestream)

8:00pm: Oneg Shabbat Reception

*An additional opportunity to get to know Rabbi Birnbaum.

Saturday, March 28

9:15am-12pm: Shabbat morning service (Available on livestream)

Rabbi Birnbaum will deliver the sermon, read Torah and observe Torah for Tots and Youth Services

12-1:30pm: Kiddush lunch with additional opportunities to get to know Rabbi Birnbaum.

Sunday, March 29

8:30am: Rabbi Birnbaum will lead Morning Minyan and offer a short d’var torah (Available on livestream)

9:30-10:30am: Breakfast and Q&A Session with Rabbi Sara Birnbaum

The search committee chairs will complete another interview of Rabbi Birnbaum. There will be breakfast served at this session. Please submit questions in advance to hhmizrachi@gmail.com or amy.rublin.mayer@gmail.com as we will not be taking questions from the audience.