Rabbi Lindy Reznick’s Installation

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Once in a generation…

…Congregation Emanu El welcomes a new permanent rabbi. In a very short time, Rabbi Lindy Reznick has become beloved by our congregation. Her formal installation is an opportunity to celebrate and honor her, and for all of the San Bernardino area to formally recognize her as the leader of the area’s Reform Jewish community.

Why are we doing an installation now?

It’s customary for a rabbi to be installed within her or his first year, but not right away. This gives the community time to get to know the new rabbi, so the installation can be even more joyous.

Who will be participating?

 

Rabbi Suzanne Singer is Rabbi and Educator of Temple Beth El in Riverside, California, a post she has held since February of 2008. She has been actively engaged in social justice work, serving as a member of the Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC) Clergy Caucus and as a commissioner for the City of Riverside’s Human Relations Commission. We are especially pleased that she will be participating in Torah Study and leading Shabbat Services on Saturday.

 

Rabbi Lisa Edwards, Ph.D., has been a Jewish lesbian activist from the pulpit, on the page and on the Web, in the classroom, and in the streets of Los Angeles for over two decades. Since 1994 she has been rabbi of Los Angeles congregation Beth Chayim Chadashim (BCC), “House of New Life,” the first synagogue in the world founded by gays and lesbians [1972], and today an LGBTQS inclusive, progressive, diverse community celebrating Jewish faith and culture. We are honored that she will be installing Rabbi Reznick as Rabbi of Congregation Emanu El.

 

Cantor Juval Porat is no stranger to Congregation Emanu El. He has participated every year in our annual Cantor’s Concert and his solos are a high point of every event. When not singing in Cantors Concerts and cabaret-style show, in Purim drag, on YouTube, with choir or  children, he serves as cantor of congregation Beth Chayim Chadashim in Los Angeles. We are pleased to welcome Cantor Porat every time he visits.

 

No celebration would be complete without our beloved Cantor Jennifer Bern-Vogel. Cantor Bern-Vogel has been with Congregation Emanu El since 2009 and her voice lifts us up to new heights. She is passionate about bringing worshippers an eclectic representation of musical genres, inspiring them to greater spiritual heights of prayer reflection, contemplation and celebration throughout the yearly calendar cycle from Shabbat services to Life Cycles, Festivals and the High Holy Day season.

 

Organist and Choir Director Jerry Ripley is the living embodiment of Congregation Emanu El’s ongoing history. Jerry has served the congregation since 1983 and has partnered with all of our rabbis and staff. Jerry’s musical talents enrich every event he participates in and we are overjoyed that he is joining us for Rabbi Reznick’s installation.

Schedule of Events

Friday, May 3 2019

  • 6:30pm: Hors d’oeuvres reception (we’re calling it a “proneg”) before the formal installation. Everyone is invited.
  • 7:00pm: Installation service begins. Rabbi Lisa Edwards, Cantor Juval Porat, Cantor Jennifer Bern-Vogel, and Jerry Ripley will be participating.
  • 8:30pm (approximately): Everyone is invited to an Oneg Shabbat reception in Rabbi Reznick’s honor in Congregation Emanu El’s Social Hall.

Saturday, May 4 2019

  • 9:15am: Torah Study with Rabbi Suzanne Singer
  • 10:00am: Shabbat Services led by Rabbi Suzanne Singer. Cantor Bern-Vogel, Jerry Ripley and Congregation Emanu El’s choir will participate.
  • 12:00 Noon (approximately): The Women of Faith, an interfaith service community hosted by the Redlands CA Stake Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be conducting service projects in the social hall for all to engage in. Special thanks to Jean Arnott for coordinating this day of service.

Saturday Service projects

  • Quilt tying –  for refugees
  • Fleece blankets – for refugees
  • Doggy toys – for area animal shelters
  • Kitty toys – for area animal shelters
  • Origami peace cranes – for Peace Crane Project (Riverside Metropolitan Museum)
  • Knitting hats on looms – for homeless and cold-weather shelters, hospital nurseries, cancer patients, Youth Hope, etc.
  • Hand sewing snaps on baby gowns – for LLUCH’s Bereavement Program
  • Coloring ABC books – for refugees
  • Greeting cards – for LLUCH and Veteran’s Hospital
  • Writing letters to veterans – for veterans through Inland Empire Honor Flights
  • Welcome Home posters for veterans – to welcome veterans when returning from their Honor Flight to the Ontario Airport
  • Filling bean bags – for refugees, schools, hospitals, etc. (a project especially for the youngest participants)

How you can participate

Services are open to all members of the community, of all faiths and walks of life. Everyone is welcome to take part in honoring and celebrating Rabbi Reznick!

The Jewish community is naturally drawn to acts of tikkun olam, healing the world. Please take a moment after Saturday services to participate in the Women of Faith’s service projects.

Support Congregation Emanu El

It is customary to offer support for Congregation Emanu El in lieu of presenting a gift to Rabbi Reznick personally. We recommend donations of $18, $180, or $1,800 in Rabbi Reznick’s honor.

To donate, fill out the form below and bring it to the office at 1495 Ford Street, Redlands. Or, simply e-mail cee@emanuelsb.org with your preferred donation amount. Congregation Emanu El members may put donations on their monthly statements. All others are encouraged to pay by cash, check, or credit card at the temple office.

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See you there!