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 a
group of volunteer musicians.
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. Everyone waits to see what the Rabbi will wear on Purim.
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'nei 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 serves as the current President for the
New England Region of the Rabbinical Assembly.
Rabbi Kideckel's wife, Lisa, adds a
great deal to the Rabbi's involvement in our community. She always brings a
sense of caring, humor, and friendliness. Lisa and the Rabbi have three children
- Stacey, a criminal justice major at Northeastern University; Cory, a freshman
at UMass Amherst; and Bradley, a middle school student at the South Area Solomon
Schechter Day School in Norwood.