As Rabbis Vogel and Camras prepare to transition to Rabbi Emeritus status in July 2026, this page will serve as your central source for all updates, announcements, and opportunities to engage in the process. Here, you’ll find the latest news, event details, FAQs, and ways to share your thoughts as we work together to shape the future of our rabbinic leadership. Our commitment is to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition, guided by transparency, community contributions, and a shared vision for Hamakom’s next chapter. We encourage you to check back regularly for new information and upcoming opportunities to participate in this important journey.
CLERGY TRANSITION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Clergy Transition Letter 2025-06-17
Hamakom Rabbinic Search Committee:
We are preparing for our rabbinic search by finalizing our committee. Our Co-Chairs, Sean Luner and Melissa Garai, along with Paula Russell, have been working to assemble a committee of 10-12 representatives of our whole community. We’re considering overall involvement, Shabbat attendance, ritual observance, general demographics, having children in our different programs, participating with affiliates, and participating in adult education. We are finalizing the committee and will soon reach out to get back with all interested individuals before sharing the whole committee with the congregation. Thank you to the many who have thoughtfully expressed their interest in this committee.
The timeline and process of the search is defined by the Rabbinical Assembly. The committee will complete our questionnaire application in September and submit it by October, which officially kicks off our search. The committee will assess and hold first-round interviews with candidates. In late fall, after the holidays, the committee will schedule three to four weekend visits by our top candidates. These weekends will provide our whole community with a variety of opportunities to interact with the candidates through learning, Shabbat services, and informal moments. Following each candidate’s visit, the committee will solicit feedback from the congregation to take into consideration as they debrief on each candidate. After the last candidate visit, the committee will review each candidate again to make a recommendation of our top candidate.
