The Search is On: Defining a New Role for the Third Clergy

THIRD CLERGY SEARCH COMMITTEE

As we prepare for Rabbi Segelman’s departure, the Third Clergy Search Committee is busy making sure that WJC’s third clergy member is the right fit. Under the leadership of Marty Marcus and Mia Mandel and in close discussion with Rabbi Arnowitz and Cantor Goldberg, we have envisioned the role and responsibilities of this new clergy member which could be filled by either a rabbi or a cantor.

This addition to our clergy team will be a new kind of clergy person for WJC. Rabbi Arnowitz and Cantor Goldberg are committed to meeting the needs of our youth and families as a team, so we are not looking for the kind of assistant rabbi/youth and family person we have had in the past. While sharing the general pulpit responsibilities like teaching, preaching, lifecycle officiating, leading services, etc., this person will have unique portfolios, including engagement—identifying people who might benefit from involvement at WJC (members and non-members) and helping them find how best to connect. Another portfolio will be contemporary spirituality—helping to create new and innovative experiences to meet the needs of our ever more diverse and active congregation. These initiatives might include embodied practices such as yoga and chant, mindfulness and contemplative practice, reflective text study, earth-based Jewish practice, and Musar.

While clergy transitions can be challenging, we are excited about the future. Our current clergy and this moment in the life of the synagogue present a wonderful opportunity to move forward in our mission of being the “Center of Jewish Life.” If you have questions or thoughts you would like to share with us, please be in touch with Marty, Mia, Cantor Goldberg or Rabbi Arnowitz. We will post the latest information about candidates and visits on wjcenter.org.