b'be invested as hazzanim (cantors).Lets be mindful that we are pass- eton,N.J.,graduatedfromtheJewish In Summit, Temple Sinai, a Reforming not only the tradition of our peopleTheology Seminary in 2008 and served synagogue, hired Rabbi Erin R. Glazer the words, the passages, the parashatas interim rabbi at Agudas Achim Con-lastyeartoleadanall-femaleclergy(lectionaries) that are contained in thisgregationinColumbus,Ohio.Sheis team of three, and Congregation Bethscrollwe are passing also the historyalsotheformerdirectoroftheCenter Hatikvah, which is part of the Recon- of this congregation, he told congre- for Jewish Living and the David H. So-structionistmovement,hashadafe- gants during the ceremony. nabend Center for Israel at the Marlene male rabbi since 2014. In Short Hills,Treu said she takes that responsibil- Mayerson Jewish Community Center in at Congregation Bnai Jeshurun, whichityseriously,describinghervisionforManhattan. is Reform, three of four members of thethe Temple as one of openheartedness. Cantor Kissner, meanwhile, is a South clergy are women. And in Springfield,Forsome,inclusionisabuzz- Orange native: her family were membersRabbi Abigail Treu addresses the congregation of Oheb Shalom as she Rabbi Adrienne Rubin serves as spiri- word, she said. But what I mean byof Beth El. She is a 2021 graduate of thereceives the Torah scrolltual leader at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael,it is that I really want Oheb to contin- JewishTheologicalSeminaryandwas a Conservative synagogue. ue to grow as a place that is loving ofmentored by outgoing Cantor Lippitz.Oheb Shalom is no stranger to pav- wherever you are on your Jewish jour- In Cantor Kissner you have found someone who will help you to deepen your ing the way for female firsts. Cantorney,whetheryouwerebornJewish,appreciation for Jewish prayer, music and the joy of singing together as a congrega-Lippitz herself was recruited by Ohebwhether youre now part of a Jewishtion, Cooper told congregants.Shalom shortly after her 1987 gradu- family but you yourself are not Jewish,Schechner, speaking to Matters after the ceremony, said the fact that Rabbi ationfromtheJewishTheologicalor youre figuring it out. Treu is a woman didnt come up during their search for a new rabbi.Seminary as one of the first two femaleMy vision is for (Oheb Shalom) toThat was not part of it, he said. Thats one of the coolest parts. In fact, our cantors in the United States. be a place where people can grow andtwo finalists were both women.The feminism of the congregationfeel not judged or not pressured, butSchechner said the bigger picture is that Rabbi Treu represents a fresh new per-has deep, strong roots, Treu acknowl- just come as you are, she continued. spective and puts Oheb on the map as a forward-thinking Jewish community.edged.RabbiCooperdescribedTreuasI feel like Ive been blessed to be at the birth of a new synagogue, he said. Paul Schechner, president of Ohebsomeone who will challenge you, in- While we have traditions that we have to respect, they dont bind us. We can go Shalomandgreat-grandsonofthespire you, and motivate you to strength- in a new direction. Its very exciting. temples first rabbi, described the newen your connection to the Jewish tradi- Malia Herman married into a Jewish family but is not herself Jewish. She finds clergy team of Rabbi Treu and Cantortion and to this sacred congregation. Rabbi Treus vision refreshingly welcoming and, despite it being a nonstarter, the fact Kissner as the next generation. Rabbi Treu, who grew up in Princ- that shes a woman very exciting indeed.Brave. BrillianT. BoundleSS.Rigor becomes reward.Honor becomes instinct.Leadership becomes habit.Futures become limitless. The upper School aTwww.kentplace.org/admissionfeature story /53'