Chappaqua, New York – March 20, 2013
After eleven years of devoted service Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson will be leaving Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester effective July 1, 2013 to become the next Senior Rabbi of Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York (pending membership confirmation).
During his time at Temple Beth El, Rabbi Davidson has served the congregation with a brilliant mind and a compassionate heart. His leadership has inspired the congregation, and his passion for social justice and interfaith dialogue have left an indelible mark on both Temple Beth El and the wider community. Building on his knowledge and experience, his move to a prestigious congregation like Emanu-El is a natural progression for Rabbi Davidson’s rabbinate.
According to Temple Beth El President Harry Cohen, “While we are saddened by the departure of a rabbi we have come to know and treasure, we will take great pride in knowing that one of our own will be ascending to one of the preeminent pulpits of American Judaism.”
As the search for a new Senior Rabbi begins, Temple Beth El looks ahead to a bright future. Having recently completed a major renovation of its sanctuary and an expansion of its Campus for Living Judaism, including a newly-designed and state-of-the-art nursery school wing and event facility, Temple Beth El will also welcome on July 1st two new members of its professional staff – Cantor Star Trompeter and Rabbi Maura Linzer. To lead Temple Beth El through this transition and the opportunities it presents, Rabbi Alan Fuchs will return as interim Rabbi for one year beginning on July 1st, having previously served as Temple Beth El’s interim Rabbi in 2001-2002 during the temple’s last search. He is currently the Rabbi Emeritus at Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia where he served as Senior Rabbi until 1998. Since then he has been a writer, teacher and volunteer at various non-profit and educational institutions. In addition to Cantor Trompeter and Rabbi Linzer, Rabbi Fuchs will be joined on Temple Beth El’s clergy team by Associate Rabbi Geoffrey Mitelman, now in his sixth year with the congregation.
