Rabbi Earl Kideckel

Rabbi Earl Kideckel joined the Temple Beth Torah family in the summer of 2001. He is a graduate of both the Rabbinical School of the Jewish Theological Seminary and its undergraduate Joint Program, as well as Columbia University, holding Bachelor degrees from both institutions. He also has a certificate in Advanced Pastoral Counseling for the Blanton-Peale Graduate Institute in New York. With his many years of rabbinical experience, Rabbi K. (as he is often referred to) has helped to foster an evolving religious communal experience to the wonderful model of our Temple Beth Torah. With his guidance, Temple Beth Torah has brought a great deal of involvement on the part of our congregants and their families into our synagogue experience. Children are encouraged to participate in Shabbat services. Adult volunteerism to participate in reading Torah and Haftorot has brought several individuals to study and be a part of the service. Rabbi K. frequently steps down from the Bima for discussions and study related to Torah, prayers, and the world in which we live. Our Ruach Shabbat has the Rabbi leading our congregation in an upbeat Friday service, joined by a group of volunteer musicians. His involvement with our children begins with our monthly Small World Shabbat and continues through Confirmation, USY and beyond. Rabbi Kideckel brought new meaning to our congregation's holiday observances with creative programming such as a pancake breakfast and program in the Sukkah, attended by more than 200 people every year. Adults enjoy attending his study sessions on both a weekly basis and for special programming such as on the first evening of Shavuot at the Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, where more than 40 adults now join to study with him. The warm, friendly, and caring manner of our Rabbi during his adult education classes has created not only a greater interest in studying our Jewish heritage, but a greater sense for community outside of the Temple as well. B'nai Mitzvah families know the level of commitment that Rabbi Kideckel has to the process of creating a well-rounded Jewish experience. He has developed a program whereby parent and child study with him to bring a personal experience to the study of the Torah portion over an extended period of time. This involvement by the Rabbi helps foster a deeper understanding and personal relationship with each and every teen and parent in our TBT family. Rabbi K.'s involvement with the greater Jewish community has brought recognition to our Temple. He is the immediate past President for the New England Region of the Rabbinical Assembly.