Temple B’nai Chaim (TBC), the reform congregation in Georgetown, just welcomed Rabbi Rachel Bearman as its new spiritual leader. She began on July 1.
In her new position, Rabbi Bearman will be actively involved in all aspects of synagogue life. She says she looks forward to partnering with staff and lay leadership as they work to honor TBC’s unique identity and vision.
“From my conversations with TBC members and leaders, I know that our congregation has been and continues to be a place where families and individuals come for spiritual and intellectual sustenance, a place where joy is intensified and grief is lessened by the presence of the community. I’m so excited to guide and grow with this amazing congregation.”
“Rabbi Bearman brings to TBC a profound sense of spirituality, deep scholarly knowledge, and her own unique experiences,” says Dina Gumins, president of Temple B’nai Chaim. “I think we’re fortunate, particularly at this juncture for TBC, to have Rabbi Bearman, with her boundless energy and enthusiasm, to lead us forward.”
Rabbi Bearman is originally from Memphis, TN and was ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. She also has a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters from the same institution and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Middlebury College.
In addition to her academic experience, Rabbi Bearman has had rabbinic internships and student pulpits in Ohio and Indiana, respectively. She also served as a student chaplain at hospitals in Cincinnati and Middlebury and has contributed to many other aspects of Jewish life as a mentor, teacher and leader.
Rabbi Bearman’s studies and experiences have instilled within her a deep love of Jewish history and prayer, and she is passionate about finding and amplifying Jewish voices that are too often overlooked. In her writings Rabbi Bearman has explored the nature of Reform Judaism, highlighting the ways that the movement incorporates both reason and faith and celebrating Reform Judaism’s commitment to treasuring the past while embracing progressive ideas and goals. She has also emphasized the importance of ethical leadership and ethical living, and the principle that each person is obligated to work for equality and justice, stand up against hate and oppression, and protect the dignity and safety of people everywhere.
Over the next months there will be many opportunities to meet and speak with Rabbi Bearman, including at weekly summer Shabbat services held at 6:30 p.m. every Friday. More information about these and other TBC events is available on the synagogue’s website.