Shaare Torah in Gaithersburg will lose its husband-wife rabbinical team at the end of June when Rabbi Yosef Goldman and Rabbi Annie Lewis leave for new roles out of state. Their contracts are ending after three years with the congregation.
News of the rabbis’ departure was announced in March, and the synagogue has worked to create a smooth transition for congregants. Rabbi Scott Hoffman will serve as interim rabbi for the 2024-2025 year while the search for a full-time rabbi is conducted.
“Rabbi Annie and Rabbi Yosef brought cohesion and vibrancy to our already thriving, tight-knit synagogue community,” said Shaare Torah Executive Director Matt Oziel. “What they accomplished with us is a tribute to their energy and creativity, and to the enthusiasm and commitment of our entire congregation.”
The rabbis began their tenure in July 2021 at a pivotal point for the congregation. They navigated the challenges of the pandemic and worked to transition the synagogue back to an in-person model.
Oziel said that the rabbis have had a guiding voice and hand in all the important events that have impacted congregants — and that impact they’ve had will be felt.
Now, as they prepare to leave, the rabbis reflected on serving the community and how both parties were able to shape each other and become part of a congregational family.
Goldman said that the pair grew significantly both professionally and personally during their time with the congregation, dealing with the unique challenges of the pandemic and gaining hands-on experience. It was the first time either held a senior rabbinical position and the first time they had co-led.
“There was so much to learn. There’s a qualitative difference between being part of a clergy team and being in senior leadership. We learned so much about leadership,” Goldman said.
Lewis said that the Shaare Torah community also grew and became more involved with the presence of the rabbis to guide them.
“We’ve also helped the congregation to step out more into the wider community in terms of being involved in vigils and marches and rallies for reproductive rights. We stood together against antisemitism and Jewish hatred, and we’ve done work related to racial and economic justice,” Lewis said.
Lewis added that congregants have put together initiatives about inclusion, interfaith work and social justice over the past three years that she and Goldman enjoyed supporting.
She said that she will miss the energy and spirit of innovation at the synagogue along with all the people.
Goldman added that he will miss the music programs they’ve implemented and the opportunities for music that they’ve built partnerships around with other area groups like The Jewish Studio.
The couple will be moving to the New York area, where Lewis will work at Jewish Theological Seminary as director of recruitment and admissions. Goldman will freelance in Jewish music, prayer, artists’ residencies, consulting and teaching.
Oziel said that the departure will be bittersweet.
“We want them to succeed in what they’re doing. And, at the same time, we feel like we are in a good position to move forward. And we wish them well. And I know that they want the best for our congregation,” Brian Abraham, the synagogue’s president, said.
The congregation held a farewell celebration on June 15, something that both rabbis enjoyed as a meaningful way to hear from people about the impact they had and to mutually deliver well wishes.
Oziel said that with the departure of the rabbis being announced this spring, it was outside of the usual hiring cycle, which typically occurs after the High Holidays.
After looking at various candidates, Hoffman was chosen by the synagogue to serve as interim rabbi.
“He rose to the top for many reasons, including understanding the dynamics of our congregation and understanding what void he would be filling,” Abraham said.
Abraham added that the synagogue put together a team quickly to begin the search and put together a full comprehensive list of qualifications they can post to interested candidates.
Oziel said that with everything in place to support the transition, the synagogue will be in shape to continue with its plans, though there won’t be sweeping changes.
“We’re going to continue doing work that we were already doing, or that was already planned for next year,” Oziel said.
