Adas Israel, Prominent Washington Synagogue, Hires Co-Senior Rabbis
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
(JTA) — A prominent Washington, D.C., synagogue has hired co-senior rabbis.
Adas Israel announced Monday that it hired Rabbis Lauren Holtzblatt and Aaron Alexander to succeed Gil Steinlauf, who left the congregation four months ago to create an Innovation Lab for the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
Adas Israel President Ricki Gerger in the announcement of the new leadership said Holtzblatt and Alexander “are already recognized as two of the most celebrated and prominent rabbis in the nation, and as role models for clergy working in our movement and beyond.”
“They have both distinguished themselves as scholars, teachers, innovators, leaders, and as individuals of extraordinary sensitivity and caring,” he said.
The rabbis already have been working together at the congregation.
“While this partnership model is new to Adas Israel, it is not new to these two rabbis, nor to the synagogue world as a whole, Gerger said.
During her association with the congregation, Holtzblatt has revitalized its caretaking and bereavement efforts, co-created the MakomDC adult learning curriculum and led the “Return Again” worship services, the announcement said.
Alexander served for 10 years as associate dean and lecturer in rabbinic and Jewish law at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
