In the past year, an unusual number of Canadian rabbis are changing jobs, even while COVID restrictions make job interviews difficult. Rabbis across the country have announced they are leaving their synagogues, either to change things up or for personal reasons. Some came as a surprise, like Matthew Leibl in Winnipeg, who announced his resignation in April; others left to pursue other projects, like Yossi Sapirman of Toronto. Rabbi Jarrod Grover told his Beth Tikvah congregation he was moving to Montreal, but an email blast to the members Thursday revealed the rabbi “withdrew his application” and will be remaining at the Toronto synagogue.
“Rabbi Grover and his family have become an integral and beloved part of the Beth Tikvah family, and we very much look forward to enjoying that relationship for many years to come,” writes Doug Millstone, the president.
What is it like for a rabbi to change positions? How easy is it for them to move? In today’s episode of The CJN Daily, our news podcast, Rabbi Lionel Moses, a veteran Canadian rabbi who ran the matching system between rabbis and synagogues for the Conservative Jewish community in North America, says it’s a lot like dating—and mourning. And this year hasn’t made it any easier.
What we talked about:
- “‘Rabbi Yossi’ now heads outreach group he founded” (thecjn.ca)
- “Leaving one home for another” (about Rabbi Don Pacht, at jewishindependent.ca)
- “Rabbi Chaim Strauchler To Take the Helm at Rinat” at jewishlink.news
- “Meet Rabbi Aubrey Glazer” (mauijews.org)
- “Rabbi Matthew Leibl leaving position” (szwinnipeg.ca)
- Sign up for The CJN’s newsletter at mailchi.mp/thecjn/newsletter
The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Victoria Redden is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. Find more great Jewish podcasts at thecjn.ca.