Temple Beth David of Cheshire is proud to announce that Rabbi Micah S. Ellenson will join the TBD community as rabbi beginning July 1. Rabbi Ellenson comes to Temple Beth David with a wealth of experience, warmth and enthusiasm. “I feel very blessed to come to a community that has so many wonderful things going on. The Temple Beth David congregation has a strong foundation of warmth, caring and commitment to Judaism, social justice and spirituality. In my brief time with this community, I can already see that Temple Beth David, Cheshire and the Greater New Haven Jewish community possess the right tools and potential for growth and exploration. There are so many exciting things in store for TBD. I feel so fortunate that my family and I are going to be a part of this wonderful Jewish community.”

Rabbi Ellenson, 39, was ordained by Hebrew Union College in 2014, and currently serves as the director of congregational learning at Temple De Hirsch Sinai in Seattle, Washington, where he oversees Pre-K to 12 religious school, preschool and early childhood education programs, temple youth groups, libraries and adult lifelong learning. He has extensive experience as a Jewish educator, having served at Milken Community High School and the Stephen S. Wise Temple in Los Angeles for many years. Rabbi Ilene Lerner Bogosian, who is currently serving as Temple Beth David’s interim rabbi, stated that she is excited to be working with the Temple Beth David community while they prepare to welcome their new rabbi and his family. “Rabbi Ellenson is a mensch whose love of learning and Jewish tradition will bring new growth and joy to the congregation,” said Rabbi Bogosian.

Rabbi Ellenson, his wife Sara, and their two daughters are already planning their move to Cheshire. According to Kim Math, Temple Beth David’s president, “Our entire community is looking forward to the enthusiasm, leadership and spiritual guidance that Rabbi Ellenson brings, and we are equally excited to welcome his young family into our temple home.”

Please join Temple Beth David for Kabbalat Shabbat services Fridays at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday mornings with Torah Study at 9:00 a.m. Family services are held the first Friday of every month beginning at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to join Temple Beth David in worship, learning and social action. Please contact the Temple office at (203) 272-0037 or our website www.TBDCheshire.org to learn more. Everyone interested in learning more about the vibrant Temple Beth David community is encouraged to inquire about our special “Welcome Rabbi Ellenson” events planned for 2017. Temple Beth David of Cheshire is located at 3 Main Street in the heart of Cheshire.