Update:

We will be honoring Rabbi Friedman at Shabbat worship on Friday, April 25.

Dear Congregants,

I am pleased to share with you the exciting yet bittersweet news that Rabbi Michael Friedman has accepted the position of Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel in Westport, CT, effective July 1, 2014. Temple Israel is a vibrant Reform Jewish community with approximately 800 member families.

Our community has a proud track record of Associate Rabbis ascending to their own pulpits following their time with us, and we are delighted that Michael will continue that tradition.

During his almost six years with Central, Michael has successfully engaged with all sectors of our congregation, helping to guide us, educate us, and connect us more deeply to our traditions and Jewish thinking. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude, even as we are excited for him to begin the next chapter of his Rabbinate.

Our clergy team remains strong. Starting in July 2014, Senior Rabbi Angela Buchdahl will be joined on the bimah by Rabbi Mo Salth, Rabbi Ari Lorge and Cantor Julia Katz. We are seeking to add a Senior Cantor and another Rabbi to the clergy team, although the timing of these additions is currently uncertain. We will keep you apprised as the winter progresses. I look forward to seeing you soon, and to celebrating with Michael in the spring.

David B. Edelson
President