Skolnik Named Leader of Conservative Rabbis Group

By JTA May 8, 2012

Rabbi Gerald Skolnik was installed Monday as president of the Rabbinical Assembly of Conservative rabbis during its national convention.

He replaces Rabbi Gilah Dror, who held the position for the last two years.

Skolnik was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1981 and served as assistant rabbi of The Forest Hills Jewish Center, the largest Conservative congregation in Queens, for almost three years. Upon the death of Rabbi Ben Zion Bokser in 1984, he assumed the position of senior rabbi of the congregation.

“I am honored and humbled to assume the presidency of the RA at this critical juncture for the Conservative movement,” Skolnik said during Monday’s installation ceremony. He previously served as vice president of the assembly.

The Rabbinical Assembly’s national convention is currently taking place in Atlanta.

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