The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning continues to innovate with the announcement of its newly established “Rabbinic Council,” composed of a select group of congregational rabbis from across denominations. The rabbis serve in synagogues that support powerful Melton learning and embrace its “never stop seeking” spirit. The inaugural meeting of the Melton Rabbinic Council took place on November 9.
Members of the Council will support Melton’s international commitment to ongoing adult Jewish learning by: serving as sounding boards for big, new ideas that Melton is considering; assisting in identifying potential major donors or new international board members; and coming together online semi-annually to discuss key organizational initiatives.
Melton’s Rabbinic Council is made up of founding members: Rabbi Greg Alexander, Temple Israel, Cape Town, South Africa; Rabbi Richard Camras, Shomrei Torah Synagogue, West Hills, CA; Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, Park Avenue Synagogue, New York City, NY; Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh, Temple Emanuel, St. Louis, MO; Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, Short Hills, NJ; Rabbi Robert Slosberg, Congregation Adath Jeshurun, Louisville, KY; and Rabbi David Steinhardt, B’nai Torah Congregation, Boca Raton, FL.
The leadership team of the organization, Executive Director Rabbi Rachel Bovitz and International Director Rabbi Dr. Morey Schwartz, both spent time as congregational rabbis and have taught Melton courses in local communities. They value the unique role pulpit rabbis can play in putting adult learning at the center of their congregations’ agendas. They set up Melton’s Rabbinic Council to “elevate the adult Jewish education field by bringing dedicated leaders together for a unified mission that will help sustain Jewish life and advance Jewish learning globally.”
“The first meeting of the Melton Rabbinic Council was a milestone event. It reflects the close partnership between Melton and the rabbinate. The creative insights around the table were inspiring. I’m proud to be part of such a talented group,” said Rabbi Bob Slosberg of Congregation Adath Jeshurun.
Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh of Temple Emanuel added: “It is an honor to serve on the Melton Rabbinic Council. This diverse group of rabbis speaks to the deep commitment Melton has to pluralism. The Council’s unbridled enthusiasm will build unlimited possibilities and attest to Melton’s adult learning being an unparalleled educational treasure trove.”
