Rabbi Search

Dear Chaverim,
 
Our congregation embarked on an extensive Rabbinical search back in October of 2021.  The search committee, a diverse team of congregants representing our kehillah, led by Laurie Blumstein, past President, worked to provide the Rabbinical Assembly with an application that represented BSO in its truest form - -a pluralistic, egalitarian community with diverse wants and needs. 

The committee reviewed rabbi applications, conducted interviews, and shared impressions of each candidates’ strengths and considered whether we could collaborate with the applicant to move BSO beyond our 50th anniversary and into our next chapter.  At our last congregational meeting, the congregation voted almost unanimously to recommend to the board to enter into negotiations with Rabbi Jesse Nagelberg. 
 
On behalf of the Rabbinical Search Committee and the Board of Officers and Trustees, it is my enthusiastic pleasure to announce that negotiations have concluded, and Rabbi Jesse Nagelberg has agreed to become the Rabbi of Bnai Shalom of Olney starting July of 2022.

Our sincere thanks go to our Rabbinical Search Committee members, Rabbi Matthew Bellas, Aaron Weinberg, Paula Evans, Gary Bonnett, Lisa Ratta-Shoshan, Zach Britton, Emie Weingarten and Lauren Gould for their time, vison, perspective, thoughtfulness, and hard work. I also wish to thank all of you, our congregation, for an overwhelming turn-out at the various engagement opportunities that were offered to meet and learn from Rabbi Nagelberg; your participation truly makes this a decision by our community on BSO’s future.  And last but not least, my warmest regards to Laurie Blumstein, Rabbinical Committee Search Chair, (just one of Laurie’s recent titles) for her continued dedication and passion for everything BSO.

L’Shalom,

Brian Lubin
President of BSO
Brian.lubin@bnaishalomofolney.org 
443.829.3666

 
               

               

A Note From Rabbi Jesse Nagelberg:
 
Dear BSO Community, 
 
I am often asked what I have learned in five years of rabbinical school. I could tell you that I have spent countless hours studying Jewish texts and thinking about how Jewish communities have transformed throughout history. Or I could tell you that I have apprenticed with and learned from fantastic mentors and teachers who have inspired me and challenged me. But what I have truly learned is how to enter into an experience and begin, with a spirit of exploration, a hunger to listen and learn, and an inclination to build deep relationships. It is with that spirit and immense gratitude that I am thrilled to begin the next chapter of my rabbinic career as your rabbi, just as BSO looks to its next chapters and celebrates its 50th year. I look forward to joining your community in just a few short months!
 
B’yedidut (with friendship),
Rabbi Jesse R. Nagelberg