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The Interim Rabbi : Four Questions
- 1. The Interim Rabbi The Interim Rabbi: Four Questions
- 2. The Interim Rabbi 1. What is an Interim Rabbi? • A rabbi with a defined and short-term contract (one year – July 1 to June 30) • Sometimes called transitional rabbi • „The rabbi between rabbis‟ • Specially trained and educated 2. When should we consider an interim rabbi? • Retirement or departure of a long-term beloved rabbi • Trauma or crisis
- 3. The Interim Rabbi 3. What does an interim rabbi do? • Handle day-to-day, traditional rabbinic functions • Allows a congregation time for thoughtful, intentional work, enabling success for the permanent rabbi • Provides the congregation with a sense of continuity • Works at a deep emotional level on issues of separation (grief, anxiety about the future) • Facilitates the discovery of a new congregational identity and the creation of a new vision • Understands the systems of congregational life, identifies the strengths of the congregation and the staff, heals the emotions related to the earlier rabbi
- 4. The Interim Rabbi 4. Will the interim rabbi become our permanent rabbi? • NO! The interim rabbi is engaged precisely to avoid rebound relationships • The interim cannot speak the hard truths if he or she is trying to become the permanent rabbi • It is unfair to other candidates if the interim is allowed to have the inside track • If word gets out that the interim is a candidate, it will discourage others from applying
- 5. The Interim Rabbi For further reading • Deborah Prinz, “When do You Need an Interim Rabbi.” New York: Central Conference of American Rabbis, 2009. • Deborah Prinz, “When Your Rabbi Leaves.” Reform Judaism (Summer 2010), p. 33. • Interim Ministry Network. www.imnedu.org • Ralph Macy, The Interim Pastor. Herndon VA: The Alban Institute, 1986). • John Vonhof, The Pastoral Search Journey (Herndon VA: The Alban Institute, 2010). • Roger Nicholson (ed.), Temporary Shepherds, A Congregational Handbook for Interim Ministry (Herndon VA: The Alban Institute, 1998). • William O. Avery, Revitalizing Congregations: Refocusing and Healing Through Pastoral Transitions (Herndon VA: The Alban Institute, 2002). • Loren Mead, The Interim Pastor: A Neglected Role in Parish Development. (Herndon VA: The Alban Institute, 1976).