It is with delight that I write this letter to you, formally announcing Temple Beth Or's new permanent rabbi - Rabbi Jessica Kessler Marshall.
Every Temple Beth Or member I have spoken with is excited and ready to begin this new era of our congregation. Before we look forward though, I think it is important to mention the work of the Rabbinic Search Committee. For one year this group of Temple members has worked diligently, arduously, and with great spirit and pride for the benefit of all members. Each member of this committee is a volunteer of outstanding caliber. As a team of volunteers they could outshine any group in any organization:
Carolyn Henri, Chair
Lori Wolff
Eldon Wexler
Doug Wallis
Hanna Schwarz
Vicky Romero
Heidi Piel
Rachel Friedman
Susan Cross
Mark Bresnick
Rabbi Marshall comes to us by way of North Carolina as the recent Reform rabbi of UNC's Hillel. This is her first venture in living in the Northwest and she is now settling into an apartment in the North Seattle area. Her official start date with Temple Beth Or is April 14. She will ease into our community by meeting with committees, orienting herself to the Governing Board, and setting up her office. Rabbi Marshall is looking forward to meeting members as she attends services and activities with us.
Kathie Roon and Vicky Romero are steering a transition program to ensure that Rabbi Marshall's integration into Temple Beth Or life is as easy as possible. Several programs are being designed to provide Rabbi Marshall, Rabbi Sapsowitz and the Temple Beth Or members with opportunities for a fulfilling transition. Some programs currently being scheduled are: a Shabbat service of appreciation for Rabbi Sapsowitz, formal Installation Service for Rabbi Marshall, and a Religious School welcome program. Please check the Temple website for transition information, and calendar for the most current dates and times.
As members we must continue to remind ourselves that Rabbi Marshall's position is part- time. Much thought has gone into what the job description of a part time rabbi is, espcially when often a full time rabbi's hours are every day all day! Rabbi Marshall will be officiating at approximately three Shabbat services a month, work with the Religious School about once per month, spend time with our b'nei mitzvah students, and be available for members' life cycle events and pastoral care. The Governing Board will be working with Rabbi Marshall and committees on a continuing basis to ensure that both the members' needs are being met and we are adhering to a part time schedule. Rabbi Marshall can be reached by phone (425-259-7125), or her email address RabbiMarshall@templebethor.org. Office hours will be posted on the Temple Beth Or web site contact page.
Help and ideas are needed and welcome during this transitional phase of Temple Beth Or. Please contact me, Vicky Romero, or Kathie Roon and let us know that you are willing to help with programs. I feel very proud to be a member of Temple Beth Or, especially as I once again see how we join together in support of each other and welcome new leadership. I look forward to seeing you at services and upcoming events.
L'Shalom, Janis Warner President
On March 4, our congregation met and voted to authorize the Governing Board to enter into contract negotiations with Rabbi Marshall. She has signed a Letter of Intent to become our next rabbi, starting April 14!
I can never thank the members of the Rabbinic Search Committee enough for all the outstanding work they continue to do for our Temple community. I hope that you will take the opportunity to thank them as well next time you see them. They are: Mark Bresnick, Susan Cross, Heidi Piel, Vicky Romero, Doug Wallis, Eldon Wexler, and Lori Wolff.
Sincerely, Carolyn Henri Chairperson Rabbinic Search Committee Temple Beth Or
Download this document to read Rabbi Jessica Kessler Marshall's letter of interest, resume, vision statement and examples of recent writings and sermons.
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