Dear Congregants,

I hope that you and your families had a good Pesach, and are now enjoying the start of spring. The warmth and promise of spring are truly welcome, this year more than ever!

Over the past several months, many of you have asked me what the next chapter of my involvement with Jewish life will look like next year, after I have stepped aside as Senior Rabbi.

I am pleased to be able to share my plans with you now. I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to enter this next phase of my life with commitments to the things that matter most to me: first and foremost here at Central Synagogue, in the wider Jewish community in New York City and the US, and as part of the conversation in the wider world about the positive role for multi-faith dialogue and action.

As I have said previously, following my transition to Senior Rabbi Emeritus I will be overjoyed to take my place in the pews with Kerry as a congregant during services. Central will continue to be my Jewish spiritual home. In addition, I am delighted to join Central Synagogue’s Melton teaching team in the fall.

Secondly, later today 92Y will share with its community that I have agreed to join that historic institution in a new position as Director of Jewish Community, which includes overseeing the Bronfman Center for Jewish Life. I will work with 92Y’s incoming Executive Director on how this unique New York City institution will raise to even greater heights the Jewish component of its mission. We will seek to build a vibrant Jewish institution that, alongside and in partnership with synagogues and others, can contribute to our collective mission of breathing new energy into the Jewish community in our city and beyond. My role there will not involve any lifecycle or prayer leadership.

Finally, as I reflect on what is most important to me personally for the future of our larger world, I have agreed to act as a sounding board to the Tony Blair Faith Foundation offering counsel and advice on certain of their projects and endeavors, and joining their US board. The Foundation is one of the most dynamic and fascinating organizations committed to engaging in multi-faith efforts to provide leaders and young people the practical support required to help prevent religious prejudice, conflict, and extremism.

All of these opportunities are exciting and will take up much of my time in the year ahead, but will also allow for me a more flexible schedule to be with my family (especially my grandchildren). However, before I turn to any of them, I look forward to seeing you in the weeks to come at the various Central Synagogue events we have scheduled, and at Shabbat services.

Warmly,

Peter J. Rubinstein
Senior Rabbi