Dear BJBE community,
Congregation BJBE is thrilled to announce that Rabbi Philip Sherman has been named as our new Senior Rabbi. Rabbi Sherman’s spiritual strength and warmth, commitment to relational Judaism, and dedication to lifelong learning make him a perfect fit for our congregation. He will begin in his new role on July 1, 2022 and there will be many opportunities to meet him throughout the summer and fall months.
Rabbi Sherman is currently the Associate Rabbi at Temple Beth Elohim (TBE), an exciting, dynamic, and innovative 1,350-family Reform congregation in Wellesley, Massachusetts. He joined the synagogue as an Assistant Rabbi in 2013 and has served as the Associate Rabbi since 2015. Congregation BJBE and TBE share the same values and mission to help members find their own pathway, or portal, into Jewish life.
Rabbi Sherman holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Distinction, Honors in Jewish Studies from Indiana University. He also completed a semester abroad program in Jewish Studies at Charles University in Prague. He was ordained in June 2013 at Hebrew College in Newton, Massachusetts, where he also received a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education.
Rabbi Sherman grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. From a young age, he enjoyed being active in the Jewish community. He was president of Emtza Region USY, and he spent 15 summers at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin as a camper, counselor, and Rosh Eidah. While a student at Hebrew College, he held various positions in several Boston-area synagogues as well as MIT Hillel, and served as Student Rabbi for the Jewish Community of Greater Stowe in Stowe, Vermont. He also spent a summer as a chaplain at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.
He found his connection to Reform Judaism while in rabbinical school. During those years of study and throughout his tenure at TBE, he explored and experienced the beauty of the theology, practice, and prophetic call that are the foundation of the Reform Movement. As a member of the CCAR, the Reform rabbinic professional leadership organization to which all of our BJBE rabbis belong, Rabbi Sherman is deeply commited to the meaning and purpose that Reform Judasim can bring to our lives.
Connecting with others is how Rabbi Sherman finds meaning in the world, and a core aspect of his life as a rabbi is viewing his community as his family. He and his wife, Leah, are excited to become part of the BJBE community where they can build lifelong friendships and find a sense of true belonging for themselves and their three children, Elsie, Azi, and Nava.
Rabbi Sherman is passionate about guiding and supporting our community to observe and cultivate those sacred sparks in the rhythm of daily life, to share those sparks with others, and use them to brighten our world – “in doing so, we build sacred connections with one another and deepen our love for the Jewish tradition.” Rabbi Sherman also believes that when we meet others where they are and truly see them, we affirm the power of relationship and ensure strong and diverse communities. “When we connect and engage with others through study, prayer, action and care, the meaning of the experience is elevated for each person and for the community as a whole.” Rabbi Sherman has shared a video message for us below.
At BJBE we have a long tradition of inspired, innovative leadership. We are confident that Rabbi Sherman’s vision and dedication to the Jewish people and the world will carry on the legacy set forth by Rabbi Shapiro and Rabbi Kedar. We are eager for you to meet him and welcome him into the beautiful community we have built. We know that the sacred partnership we will create together will bring BJBE into its next great chapter.
With gratitude and blessing,
Brian Tenner
President
Steffanie Pinsky and Steve Harfield
Gesher L’Atid Co-Chairs
