Dr. Sheldon Rotman, President of Congregation Beth Tzedec in Toronto, one of the world’s leading voices in Conservative Judaism, has announced that Rabbi Steven Wernick, currently CEO of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) will join the congregation as its new Senior Rabbi beginning February 2019.
Rabbi Wernick received his ordination and a Masters of Arts in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1996. He served as associate rabbi for seven years in Cherry Hill, NJ following which he served for seven years as senior rabbi in Merion Station, PA. Since 2009, Rabbi Wernick has been at the helm of USCJ, helping to reshape it and the Conservative Movement for the future. Rabbi Wernick has held numerous board and executive committee posts and has represented the Conservative Movement at political and organizational tables around the world. Rabbi Wernick has been named to both the Forward 50 and Newsweek 50 most influential rabbis and Jewish leaders.
“This is a tremendous moment in the history of our congregation and our community,” said Rotman. “Rabbi Steve will be an outstanding spiritual leader, following in the footsteps of great rabbis who have preceded him. We know he will join in our mission of bringing the gifts of Judaism to our community. We look forward to hearing him speak, teach and to play a meaningful role in our lives.”
“I am really excited to be joining such a dynamic congregation in a vibrant city at this crucial time in Jewish history,” said Rabbi Wernick. “Beth Tzedec is a community committed to Jewish wisdom and practice, experienced through relationship, as our people’s tried and true pathway to living a life of meaning and purpose. I’m looking forward to partnering with Beth Tzedec’s outstanding spiritual leaders, professional staff and lay leaders to build upon its strengths to increase its impact upon the Jewish and secular communities of the GTA, Canada and beyond.”
As Beth Tzedec prepares to welcome Rabbi Wernick, the Congregation also readies to transition from over a quarter century of rabbinic leadership by Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl. Rav Baruch, as he is known, and Rabbi Steve will work together for several months before Rav Baruch officially retires in the summer of 2019, after which Rabbi Wernick will carry the title of Anne and Max Tanenbaum Senior Rabbi of Beth Tzedec Congregation. Married to Jody, a registered nurse, together they have three children.
About Beth Tzedec Congregation:
We are a landmark congregation dedicated to being a “Community Destination for Jewish Living.” A rich, colourful history and warm embrace await you in the heart of the city of Toronto. We offer the community opportunities to grow spiritually, socially, culturally and educationally, as well as the ability to take part in more than 200 programs annually. From children to elders, you will find your niche at 1700 Bathurst Street.
For more information contact Randy E. Spiegel, FSA, ATz, CFRE, Executive Director, 416-781-3511 or rspiegel@beth-tzedec.org.
