Dear Friends,
A few weeks ago we began reading the Torah anew, returning to the foundational journeys and dreams of our ancestors. I think of our matriarchs and patriarchs, leaving everything they knew and setting out for distant lands, all because God instructed them to head into the wilderness and be holy. Sometimes, in order to find ourselves, the Torah teaches, we must be willing to leave our comfortable and familiar places, and go out on the journey that God has set for us.
It is with more than a little sadness that I have come to understand that it is time for me to take the next steps in my own personal journey. This evening I informed the Beth Sholom Board of Directors that I will be stepping down as your rabbi, effective July 31, 2017.
It is important for me to emphasize that this decision is mine and mine alone. There has been no movement to replace me, and the leadership of our synagogue has in fact tried to dissuade me from moving on. Alas, as much as I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting, working, learning and praying with so many of you, it is clear that moving on is the right next step for me. As wonderful as Beth Sholom and the Memphis Jewish community are, I know that there is more work around Judaism, healing, inspiration, and spirituality for me to do.
Between now and the end of July, I will do everything I can to help our leadership with the rabbinic search process, and to help the next rabbi succeed. I will continue working as hard as I can for the betterment and growth of this wonderful synagogue.
I do not yet know where the journey will take me next. I will certainly share as more information becomes available. I welcome your calls, emails, and messages of support between now and then, and before I leave I’ll share my personal contact information for those who wish to remain in touch.
I can’t thank each of you enough for supporting me, challenging me, learning with me, and inviting me into your homes and your lives these last few years. My leaving is not a result of being mad at anyone or thinking that this isn’t a good shul – on the contrary, I am proud of all we have accomplished together, and I truly hope Beth Sholom continues to flourish.
I hope to see you in the next weeks and months ahead. We have exciting adult ed classes starting soon (a new class on Israel starts Tuesday night at 7 pm). I am here for you for the rest of my tenure here – please do not hesitate to reach out if I can assist you in any way.
I thank you again for extending so much kindness and generosity to me over the years. It has meant more than I could possibly convey.
With all my blessings,
Rabbi Ilan
December 8, 2016
Dear Fellow Congregants,
It is with deepest regret that the Beth Sholom Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Rabbi Ilan Glazer this week. As designated in his contract, he has given us eight months notice and will be with us through July 31, 2017.
During his tenure at Beth Sholom he has contributed not only to the Beth Sholom community but also to the Jewish and greater Memphis community. He has built many personal relationships, brought us many outstanding programs, added music and spirituality to our worship services, discussed new ideas with us and inspired us with humor, adult education classes, sermons, and his beautiful service leading. He will be missed but we wish him all good things going forward.
We have started a search committee to find our next rabbi. Many thanks to Judy Bookman and Danny Schaffzin who have agreed to co-chair this committee. We will be looking for the right rabbi for the Beth Sholom community, and will weigh many factors as we search. This may not be the fastest process but we want to be very careful in our choice. We will keep in touch as things develop.
Wishing you all the best,
Dot Bilsky
President
