I hope that everyone is well and managing the cold and snow—a winter reminiscent of years past for many of us. In the midst of that chill, I hope this message brings warmth, comfort, and a sense of joy. The year 2026 will mark two truly monumental milestones for our congregation: our 50th anniversary and the arrival of a new Senior Rabbi.

It is my great pleasure to announce that, with the unanimous recommendation of the Rabbinic Search Committee and the unanimous and enthusiastic support of the Board, Rabbi Ariel Boxman will become our next Senior Rabbi, beginning July 1, 2026.

Please make sure to click on the video below to hear a message she has recorded for our congregation and visit her website: www.RabbiBoxman.com.

Rabbi Boxman is a dynamic Reform rabbi and educator known for her warmth, energy, and deep commitment to Jewish life. She was ordained by Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion and holds a Master’s degree in Jewish Education. Rabbi Boxman brings a strong passion for lifelong learning and meaningful engagement across generations. She currently serves at Temple Shalom in Naples, Florida, where she plays a central role in leading Shabbat and holiday services,  shaping educational programming, officiating lifecycle events, and providing pastoral care. Her Rabbinic roots are also personal as both her sister and father serve as Reform Rabbis in Florida.

In her personal statement, Rabbi Boxman speaks directly to who we are as a community, grounding her vision in three core values that resonate deeply at Shaaray: lifelong learning, the pursuit of justice, and sacred community—Kehila Kedosha.

I want to extend our collective and heartfelt thanks to the Rabbinic Search Committee, co-chaired by Brooke Levenson and Susan Goodman, and to committee members Marian Gassman, Stephanie Garry, Jeff Kohn, Barbara Rodkin, Leah Jacobson, Dave Mann, Buddy Courtenay, Rachel Kurth, and Josh Kapelman. Over the past two years, they led an outstanding, disciplined, and thoughtful process—reviewing applications and interviewing more than 20 candidates. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude.

Thank you as well to Rabbi Ross, Cantor Szterenberg, and Rabbi Greenberg for their leadership and support throughout this process, and to Howard Greenstein, and all our staff for the time and care they spent with Rabbi Boxman during her visits.

In accordance with our by-laws, we will hold a special congregational meeting during the week of February 23rd. The selection of Rabbi Boxman is subject to a vote of the majority of congregants, to be conducted in connection with this meeting. The specific meeting date and voting details will be shared in the coming days.

Finally, thanks to each of you—for your belonging, your engagement, and the energy and momentum you bring to our community. We are incredibly excited about this next chapter in the life of Shaaray.

We look forward to introducing you to Rabbi Boxman, her husband, Asher, and their sons, Jacob and Matan soon!

Best Wishes,
Bill