Dear Agudas Achim community,
We are writing with important news about our congregation. Over the last year, and especially in the weeks since the High Holidays, we have gathered a great deal of feedback and input from many of you, and engaged in deep and contemplative discussions as a board and with Rabbi Talya. Rabbi Talya and the Board have mutually decided that we will part ways when Rabbi Talya’s contract ends in June. We want to reassure you that we will work diligently to find a new Rabbi thoughtfully, and in time for a smooth transition after Rabbi Talya’s departure.
We appreciate how Rabbi Talya has worked hard to get to know the members of our congregation, and to help bring new members into the fold. She has done excellent work in reorganizing our office and administrative functions, and systematizing communication among committees. She led the way as we made the transition from pandemic mode back to in-person services and a range of activities. Her passion for teaching and Judaism has come across strongly, and we are grateful for her contributions.
We also come to you with hope and enthusiasm because we see many positive things happening in our community. Our Hebrew School is flourishing under the direction of Hagit Moverman. Our strategic planning process identified new ideas and initiatives to re-energize our community and to connect us more firmly to ourselves and to our Attleboro-Rhode Island area. Our values are strong, grounded in centuries of Jewish tradition but evolving collaboratively to meet the needs of today’s world. We will work together to create a spiritual community that suits us. Our community is more than just its rabbi.
We will be seeking a rabbi to work full-time during the nine-month school year with summers off; we think this schedule will align most closely with the times of the year when our community’s rabbinic needs are greatest. We will look for someone with energy who will be a strong service leader, engage in our school life, and be able to spend more time on community outreach and leadership.
We will need your support. Reaching the best possible outcome will rely on advice, input, and participation from as many members as possible. We thank you in advance for your help.
The Board of Trustees:
Molly Jacobs, President
Jeff Codella
Donna Cohen-Avery
Tristan Davies
Glenn Gruber
Lee Judson
Barbara Shays
Toni Tinberg
