Change can be difficult, and thrilling, and full of both moments of excitement at the newness and moments of terror at the loss of the familiar. We are witness to one of those moments, as Rabbi Deborah Waxman takes her leave as the guiding hand of Reconstructing Judaism. Her dedication and responsiveness to the needs of change and the changing needs of the college and movement have been grounding and transformative. We know that this shift in her life will give her more time for family, and we hope also to continue her research, as well as to tend her garden, both spiritual and physical. 

Stepping into the role is Rabbi Elliott Tepperman who throughout his rabbinate, has emphasized that Jewish life is most meaningful when spiritual practice, learning, and community become a foundation for repairing the world. He has argued that congregations should not only pray and study together, but also organize, advocate, and act collectively in pursuit of justice, building what he describes as communities that are “a powerful force for making change in the world.”

The Mordecai Kaplan Center for Jewish Peoplehood wishes to extend our congratulations to both Rabbi Waxman and Rabbi Tepperman, and to bless the latter with wisdom, courage, and inspiration, so that his commitment to building communities and training other leaders to be grounded in Torah, justice, and genuine human connection may continue to strengthen the movement, the college, and Jewish life for years to come.