Plans for the Rabbi’s Sabbatical

My upcoming sabbatical is upon us, and it is with deep gratitude that I share with you my plans for the coming months, as well as the plans in place for the Hebrew Center regarding rabbinic leadership in my absence. 

I will be on sabbatical from January thru May, and will be working on a book project related biblical interpretation, about which I will share more over the next year. I have been working sporadically on this project but the sabbatical, with its opportunity for concentrated time, will make more serious writing possible. This is my main project, but in addition, I hope to spend time in Israel as the situation permits, take music classes, and take time to recharge and renew. 

I want to share my deep gratitude to the leadership of the congregation as well as to the whole congregation for this opportunity. I thank you for your grace, wisdom and support that is so much a part of the sacred covenant of the work we do together.

I have been working with the congregational leadership, Rob Herman, Sharon Kleinberg, and Howie Bromberg, to help make sure that the time I am on Sabbatical will be an enriching one for the Hebrew Center as well. We are so fortunate to have a team of rabbinic leaders, all of whom are members, who will be working in the congregation during this time. Rabbi Giulia Fleishman grew up on the Island and is now Director of Spiritual Care at 2Life Communities in the greater Boston area. Rabbi Lori Shaller is a Spiritual Care Counselor with Hospice and Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard. Kohenet Batya Diamond is a singer/songwriter and was founder and spiritual leader of the Wilton (CT) Jewish Center. And Rabbi Jonathan Lipnick was the rabbi-in-residence at the William Davidson School of Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary. He is also an actor and pastoral counselor.

Rabbi Fleishman, Rabbi Shaller and Kohenet Diamond will each lead one weekend of Shabbat services each month. They will also lead holiday services. Volunteer lay leaders will lead one service each month, as is our custom. Rabbi Lipnick will teach an adult education class in the winter/spring on Finding God, a class on theology. 

There will be rabbinic coverage throughout the sabbatical for pastoral needs. Led by Rabbi Lori Shaller, we have a small group of Rabbis who will be available as needed, in case a member needs a rabbi in a time of crisis, sickness or death. Max Jasny, our Co-Office Manager will be the point of contact when a rabbi is needed. You can reach Max at the office number – 508-693-0745. When the office is closed, there will be a number to reach him in the outgoing message. I have also asked Max to notify me so I could be in contact. 

I want to wish all of you a healthy winter filled with the warmth of friendship and community, if not the actual weather! I will miss you all and look forward to sharing our experiences in June.