blogs/brentspodek

For the past 15 years, I’ve been honored to serve as the rabbi of this community, first in an informal gathering in my living room and then for the past 13 years, as the rabbi of Beacon Hebrew Alliance.

I’ve been proud to be the rabbi of this community at big public moments, such as Open to the Sky, visiting the White House and One Beacon; at communal moments in prayer, on Soul Strolls and in classes, and innumerable intimate conversations in my office, in the hospital, and at the cemetery. 

Over these years, this community has grown and changed, as have all the individuals in it. So have I. My dreams and aspirations have shifted, as has my own sense of who I am and who I hope to become. 

So, after extensive conversations with the Board, I will step back from my current role and become the rabbi emeritus of Beacon Hebrew Alliance as of July 1, 2024. 

In recent years, I’ve come to work intensively with couples preparing for marriage - discussing the blessings and challenges that go into this strange and wonderful institution. That work has been tremendously meaningful to me. It has reconnected me with the deep human relationships which drew me to the rabbinate years ago, and it’s the work to which I hope to dedicate the next chapter of my career. 

So what does it mean to be rabbi emeritus of Beacon Hebrew Alliance?

The Board and I are working out the details, but I will be in a significantly reduced role, only occasionally leading programs and meeting with congregants. I will still be present, but I won't be leading the congregation in the way I have in the past, and the Board of this beloved community will organize a process to search for a new rabbi who can lead us into the next chapter of our communal life. 

I say “us” deliberately. I was a member of the community before I became the rabbi of BHA and it is my intention to remain - together with my family - part of this community well into the future. I am excited to be the rabbi of this community through this spring, and remain in relationship with individuals and this community after that.

Serving as the rabbi of this community has been one of the great joys and honors of my life. I love this community dearly, and I have great confidence in the ability of the BHA Board and President Jesse Lunin-Pack, to guide us through this transition.

With blessings and prayers for the future,
 

Rabbi Brent Chaim Spodek