April 16 – Rabbi Search Committee formed (link to the April 16 blog post)

Mission of the TBE Rabbinic Search Committee
We, the member of the Temple Beth El Search Committee, enthusiastically and respectfully undertake the search for a new Senior Rabbi to lead us into the future. We acknowledge the diversity of our congregation and understand the awesome responsibility that had been entrusted to us.

Responsibilities of the Search Committee

• • Screen all resumes
  • Conduct Zoom interviews
  • Do background checks
  • Conduct in-person interviews
  • Determine materials to be submitted by candidates
  • Attend focus groups

April 30 – Congregational informational meeting

Highlights of the Rabbi Search Survey
Respondents across demographics selected the following six attributes (out of 14) as most important for a Rabbi:

• Uniter
• Pastor
• Exemplar/Role Model
• Service Leader
• Team Player
• Educator
• The majority of the congregation is comfortable hiring a non-Conservative-trained Rabbi who follows the Conservative Moment’s Standards of Practice as a mara d’atra.
• 59% are comforable with a Rabbi who does not keep a Kosher home
• 75% don’t object to the Rabbi driving on Shabbat to the synagogue or visiting family, friends and congregants
• Over 90% want a Rabbi who would speak publicly about social justice issues and officiate at LGBTQ weddings
• Congregants would like to interact with the next Rabbi through:
  • counseling on personal/religious matters
  • studying/learning
  • talking and connecting
• Above all, congregants want the Rabbi’s priority to be to connect with members and build a strong community

May – Support Committees formed
Focus groups conducted and results combined with survey data

Support Committees:
Preliminary/Advisory
Survey/Assessment
Marketing & Communications
Candidates’ Weekends
Human Resources

If you’d like to participate please email stamfordtberabbisearch@gmail.com or sign up at https://rb.gy/mh4pf

June – August – Focus group results presented
Subcommittees complete support materials

September – October – Official search begins after the High Holidays

October – December – Candidates screened; first and second interviews conducted remotely
Finalist weekend visits scheduled

December – January – Weekend Visits with Finalists
Each weekend will include services, meals and workshops
Search committee presents recommendation to Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees votes on final candidate