TBD Interim Rabbi Search Committee Update

Shabbat Sholom!

I am pleased to report that the Interim Rabbi Search Committee has continued to make steady progress with our mission to find an interim rabbi for Temple Beth David.  Since the last Shabbat-to-Shabbat message the following actions have been taken:

• On March 16, 2022, I received an email from the CCAR with an attached resume from a candidate who is interested in our posted position for interim rabbi.  I immediately communicated with the rabbi candidate to acknowledge and discuss potential dates for an initial Zoom interview with our Committee. 

• Communicated with both the Committee and interim rabbi candidate, and eventually settled on a date for the Zoom interview.

• Created a list of significant questions for anticipated Zoom interview by gathering input from Committee members and referencing material from the CCAR.  Created a ratings sheet for Committee members to use during Zoom interview. 

• On March 20, 2022, I conducted a successful 60-minute Zoom interview according to the CCAR guidelines. Seven Committee members were present on the Zoom. On Monday, March 21, the two Committee members who were unable to participate in the Zoom interview watched a recording of the Zoom interview. 

• Over the next 48 hours the Committee engaged in a thoughtful discussion to share impressions, observations, and feedback.

• On March 22, 2022, the  Committee unanimously decided to move forward and formally indicate our interest in the interim rabbi candidate. Committee requested references, publications, opportunity to attend virtual Shabbat services, and a second Zoom interview. Interim rabbi candidate responded same day and included all requested material, dates for Committee to attend virtual Shabbat services, and happily agreed to a second Zoom interview.

The CCAR understands that we are moving forward with this candidate and following the prescribed guidelines. Although we are taking the next step and moving forward, our application is still active and the CCAR will forward resumes if additional candidates apply. 

Finally, I will stay in contact with Rabbi Hirsch, who is the Interim Director of Congregational Search Services at CCAR. She has been a wealth of information and provided steady guidance throughout this process. The Committee and I look forward to the steps in this process. I will welcome any questions or suggestions you may have regarding this effort.

Sincerely,

Gabrielle Tougas

TBD Interim Rabbi Search Committee Chair

Thank you to everyone who purchased squares in our March Madness fundraiser. WE SOLD OUT! The fundraiser generated $1042 for the General Fund. Good Luck to all players!

Thank you for helping to make JCARR's Family 7 feel welcome in Connecticut! There are a few items they still need that would be very much appreciated. Here is the link to what is needed.

Also, the mom of Family 5 is expecting a baby boy in the next month and we have set up a baby registry on Target for JCARR's newest American. You can find it by searching on the Target website (NOT the app) for:



Ruth Kioni

Birth date: April 1, 2022

Any questions, contact Kris Oser at [email protected].

Crisis in Ukraine



If you are interested in finding out how to help Ukraine through the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, please click this link.

Joining TBD

Are you interested in becoming a member of the Temple Beth David community? Please contact our Membership Chair at [email protected] for more information.