Dear Friends, 

When I was offered the role of Senior Rabbi of CBST in 2024, I felt humbled by the opportunity to engage with the work of this sacred kahal, feelings which have only grown as I have been welcomed so warmly by the community and have come to know the congregation. 

Often, when a longtime rabbi completes their service to a congregation, that community will engage an interim rabbi to lead the community through a transition and help it focus on the longer term. I accepted the position of Senior Rabbi even though I knew CBST had chosen not to engage an interim rabbi and was aware that much of my initial work would necessarily be transitional: refining leadership structures, improving systems, and planning for CBST’s future.

It has become clear that I have functioned in an interim capacity, although that was neither the board’s nor my intention when I began my service to CBST. So it is with mixed emotions that I have decided to step away from the role of Senior Rabbi at the end of the month and make room for new leadership. My last Shabbat on the bimah will be Friday, February 27, and I hope to connect with you between now and then.

Since my late teens, CBST has meant a great deal to me, and for decades I have understood its successes as a barometer and a harbinger of progress for the LGBTQ+ and Jewish worlds. I have been honored to serve you. This congregation will always hold an important place in my heart.

Warmly,

Rabbi Jason Klein

Senior Rabbi, CBST

Dear Friends, 

The Board of Directors at CBST is deeply grateful to Rabbi Jason Klein for the hard work and thoughtful leadership he has provided for the past 20 months. Rabbi Klein has challenged us to expand our ideas of what CBST could be as both a Jewish institution and an LGBTQ+ trailblazer. We are fortunate that Rabbi Klein’s collaborative style has allowed other members of our clergy to step up and stand out during this transition. He has also launched important conversations about structure and governance that the Board is continuing to address.

The Board recognizes that Rabbi Klein’s announcement has many wondering who will be CBST’s next spiritual leaders. We are pleased to share that Associate Rabbi Yael Werber and Cantor Sam Rosen have agreed to serve as acting co-clergy leaders. Synagogue leadership shared equally by a cantor and rabbi is part of a growing movement to creatively expand the roles held by clergy in a congregation. We believe that this model is the one that will best serve CBST as we move forward. Consistent with this, Associate Rabbi Werber’s title will be changed to Rabbi upon Rabbi Klein’s departure. The Board is working closely with Cantor Rosen, Rabbi Werber, Rabbi Klein, and the rest of the staff, to ensure that this transition proceeds smoothly. We will continue to be in touch about long term plans for clergy leadership.

We know that this may be a lot to take in, and we welcome your thoughts. Please email any comments or questions for the Board and Clergy to next@cbst.org. We will reach out to the entire kahal with opportunities to connect and answer questions in the very near future.

Fondly,

Ivan Zimmerman

President, CBST