After announcing the opening for this role in November 2025, we received over 30 applications from diverse candidates across the globe. The Search Committee conducted initial screenings of 15 candidates. A panel of community leaders interviewed 7 of those candidates, from which we chose 3 candidates to spend a discernment weekend with us. The criteria for selecting our 3 finalists included:
- Spiritual Depth & Embodied Presence
- Transformational Teaching & Facilitation
- Adult Learning, Conversion, & Rites of Passage
- Family & Youth Relational Leadership
- Entrepreneurial Execution & Ownership
- Data Literacy, Tech Comfort, & Learning Mindset
- Navigating Israel/Palestine with Compassion & Pluralism
- Collaboration, Role Fit, & Self-Awareness
On the discernment weekends, candidates led candle lighting or offered a drash (teaching) during a service, taught two classes, had two meet-and-greets with Chochmat members, and met with Chochmat leadership. Over 120 Chochmat members who participated in these events submitted feedback forms, which played a central role in selecting our final candidate.
Search Committee:
- Jackie Hausman (Board President)
- Matt Weiss (Board Member, HR Committee)
- Phil Narodick (Community Representative)
- Inette Dishler (Community Representative)
- Jessie Austin (Operations Director)
- Advisor: Rabbi Zvika Krieger (Spiritual Leader)
Special thanks to Matt Weiss and Phil Narodick who co-chaired the committee and to Inette Dishler who dedicated countless hours and deep care serving as lead organizer and primary candidate contact for our three discernment weekends!
Panel Interviewers:
- Peter Arvai (Family Programming Committee, Board Member)
- Daniella Salzman (Programming Committee)
- Jeffrey Kessler (Programming Committee, Ritual Committee)
- Delilah Raybee (High Holy Days Committee)
- Jessie Austin (Operations Director)
Leadership Interviewers:
- Jackie Hausman (Board President)
- Neil Goldberg (Board Vice President)
- Rebecca Abravanel (Board Treasurer)
- Jessie Austin (Operations Director)
- Rabbi Zvika Krieger (Spiritual Leader)
More highlights from the community feedback about Rabbi Rishe:
“Rabbi Rishe’s joyfully expressive deep familiarity, fluency, and fully embodied sincere wealth of wisdom present us with a tremendous opportunity for the various programs she would run to spark multiple whole new levels of enthusiastic engagement, even above and beyond the flourishing our beloved community is experiencing right now.”
“Her teaching is very impressive, coherent and multi-dimensional, erudite and engaging.”
“She adds mind-opening and heart-opening dimensions to whatever she’s leading.”
“She felt spiritually alive yet engaged in reality”
“Her spiritual presence was palpable—this is an integral part of who she is.”
“I was immediately interested and pulled in. I found myself leaning forward and wanting to hear what she had to say next. I trusted her to hold the moment. I felt the spirit.”
“She brings warmth and fun and silliness — that is what makes a house a home. I think she would challenge me in ways I need to be.”
“I didn’t think you could find a candidate that would be able to do everything that is required in the position description – but I stand corrected!!”
“She feels like a unicorn that would fit in well with our other unicorns!”
About The Role
The Rabbi/Director of Learning and Transformation will collaborate closely with our Senior Rabbi/Spiritual Director to support and strengthen the spiritual, educational, and ritual life of the community. The specific mix of responsibilities will be shaped by the candidate’s strengths and interests, as well as the evolving needs of our congregation. Current priorities are outlined below, with the understanding that the role may grow or shift over time.
Key Responsibilities
Adult Learning, Conversion, and Rites of Passage (approximately 50%)
- Design and lead Chochmat HaLev’s new Conversion and Adult B’nai Mitzvah (rite of passage) programs, guiding participants on their personal and spiritual Jewish journeys.
- Teach and facilitate adult education offerings, including classes on Jewish fundamentals, spiritual practice, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Family and Youth Engagement (approximately 25%)
- Ensure that families with children feel connected, supported, and represented in congregational life.
- Direct family and youth programming, including holiday celebrations, Spacious Shabbat, teen engagement, and intergenerational events, together with Chochmat HaLev educators, musicians, and community leaders.
- Oversee youth and family education programs including Mitzvat HaLev (B’Mitzva), Torat HaLev (Hebrew School), and Chavurat HaLev (family groups) led by Chochmat HaLev educators.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and outreach strategy to expand visibility, participation, and impact of our youth and family programming.
Virtual Community Leadership (approximately 15%)
- Develop and nurture Chochmat HaLev’s online community, creating meaningful virtual experiences that foster connection across distance.
- Oversee online learning, ritual, and engagement offerings, ensuring high-quality, accessible virtual participation.
Additional Spiritual Leadership (approximately 10%)
- Supporting spiritual leadership as needed, such as leading services or programs, representing Chochmat HaLev at community events, or responding to emergent community needs.
- Possible periodic leadership at Chochmat HaLev satellite communities or other regional programs.
- Serve as a compassionate and attentive spiritual presence within the community.
