Rodeph Sholom
Rabbinical Review and Support Petition
Rodeph Sholom’s Board of Directors is scheduling a Board Meeting to discuss and vote on the renewal of Rabbi Joshua Hearshen’s contract. In order to preserve the congenial atmosphere within our congregation for generations to come, the signers of this petition support the following statements regarding both our current rabbi and any future rabbis that are employed by our congregation.
- At this time, we believe that the Board of Directors should renew Rabbi Hearshen’s contract and provide him with the support discussed below.
- We believe that Rabbi Hearshen has performed well under difficult circumstances for the first two years of his contract.
- Rodeph Sholom’s By-laws state: “A special committee may be set up for the purpose of determining the view of the Congregation in guiding [the Rabbi and an] effective way of discharging his duties and leadership.” We believe that a Rabbinical Liaison Committee should be established by the Board of Directors to, among other things: (1) communicate critiques to the Rabbi in a productive manner; (2) serve as a sounding board for the Rabbi when faced with complex synagogue political issues; and (3) assist with performance review protocols to be established by the Board of Directors.
- We believe that the termination or non-renewal of any rabbi’s contract without providing a platform to succeed and void of objective measurable criteria is not productive for our congregation.
- Prior to making any changes in clergy, we believe that the Board of Directors should: (1) conduct polls/surveys to obtain feedback from congregational members to ensure that the Board of Directors’ desire is consistent with congregational thoughts; (2) include in the evaluation process the employee’s success in meeting objective criteria previously provided; and (3) determine whether the relationship between the synagogue and the clergy is irreparable.
We, the undersigned agree to the above provisions.
Updates
October 15, 2015
The Board of Directors has acknowledged the volume of signatures and agreed to allow me a formal presentation at the upcoming meeting. I am currently finalizing the document that outlines the specific language needed for the creation of the Rabbinical Liaison Committee.
6 Comments
Rabbi Josh has been such a light for us. He really connects with the kids and always has time to talk. It would be a huge mistake to let him go now.
We have so loved having Rabbi here! What fantastic programs and brings since new life to our schul!! He has made Rodoph such a wonderful Place that instead of a "have to go" into I "can't wait to go!" What joy he has brought to our family and to Rodoph. Please continue to have rabbi Hershon as part of our Rodoph family and community. He Has become a valuable part and partner in all of all our lives.
When we undertook to find a new Rabbi, we said we wanted a young Rabbi with energy and dedication to the conservative movement. We wanted a Rabbi who would attract younger members. We found Rabbi Hearshen and he has in fact attracted younger members. No Rabbi is perfect nor are we likely to find the perfect Rabbi for our Synagogue when our congregation has a wonderfully diverse population with a wide variety of needs. Each of our needs change as we grow and as time takes its toll. In the 8 years Steve and I have been in Tampa, we have had 2 Rabbis and 3 Cantors. That causes me to think about what we as a Congregation need to do to find clergy we can all support. I believe that it would be injurious to our Synagogue to have an ongoing search for a Rabbi (or a Cantor) at this time or during the next few years. Our reputation in the greater conservative movement is important to attracting and keeping talent and I am afraid that our reputation is already tainted with the turnover we have experienced. With respect to Rabbi Hearshen, he has in fact done what we have asked him to do, although not always in the way each one of us would like, but in the best way he knows how. Some of the issues he has faced requires him to make a decision which will please one congregant while upset another. Political balancing comes with experience, time and guidance from congregational leadership. I support renewing his contract and giving him a chance, with the benefit of guidance from a congregational/board liaison committee, to grow and change with us, to adapt as we adapt and to help lead us by attracting young families and serving our families as we mature. When he missteps, the message should be politely and respectfully delivered by the congregant and accepted by the Rabbi, with the hope and plan that both learn from the situation. Our goal should not be to cause him to do what we as individuals want and need, but to do what is in the best interest of our Congregation and as con
Plz renew the Rabbi's contract. Thanks.
agree!
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Rodeph Sholom
Rabbinical Review and Support Petition
Rodeph Sholom’s Board of Directors is scheduling a Board Meeting to discuss and vote on the renewal of Rabbi Joshua Hearshen’s contract. In order to preserve the congenial atmosphere within our congregation for generations to come, the signers of this petition support the following statements regarding both our current rabbi and any future rabbis that are employed by our congregation.
- At this time, we believe that the Board of Directors should renew Rabbi Hearshen’s contract and provide him with the support discussed below.
- We believe that Rabbi Hearshen has performed well under difficult circumstances for the first two years of his contract.
- Rodeph Sholom’s By-laws state: “A special committee may be set up for the purpose of determining the view of the Congregation in guiding [the Rabbi and an] effective way of discharging his duties and leadership.” We believe that a Rabbinical Liaison Committee should be established by the Board of Directors to, among other things: (1) communicate critiques to the Rabbi in a productive manner; (2) serve as a sounding board for the Rabbi when faced with complex synagogue political issues; and (3) assist with performance review protocols to be established by the Board of Directors.
- We believe that the termination or non-renewal of any rabbi’s contract without providing a platform to succeed and void of objective measurable criteria is not productive for our congregation.
- Prior to making any changes in clergy, we believe that the Board of Directors should: (1) conduct polls/surveys to obtain feedback from congregational members to ensure that the Board of Directors’ desire is consistent with congregational thoughts; (2) include in the evaluation process the employee’s success in meeting objective criteria previously provided; and (3) determine whether the relationship between the synagogue and the clergy is irreparable.
We, the undersigned agree to the above provisions.
Updates
October 15, 2015
The Board of Directors has acknowledged the volume of signatures and agreed to allow me a formal presentation at the upcoming meeting. I am currently finalizing the document that outlines the specific language needed for the creation of the Rabbinical Liaison Committee.
6 Comments
My family thinks the world of our precious Rabbi and his beautiful family. We have watched him grow and think he is a blessing for our congregation. Jumping through obstacles he has lifted the morale, and given all of us hope, reasons to smile and be a part of something very special. With all of our hearts the Della Rocca family believes in Rabbi Hearshen!
Rabbi Josh has been such a light for us. He really connects with the kids and always has time to talk. It would be a huge mistake to let him go now.
We have so loved having Rabbi here! What fantastic programs and brings since new life to our schul!! He has made Rodoph such a wonderful Place that instead of a "have to go" into I "can't wait to go!" What joy he has brought to our family and to Rodoph. Please continue to have rabbi Hershon as part of our Rodoph family and community. He Has become a valuable part and partner in all of all our lives.
When we undertook to find a new Rabbi, we said we wanted a young Rabbi with energy and dedication to the conservative movement. We wanted a Rabbi who would attract younger members. We found Rabbi Hearshen and he has in fact attracted younger members. No Rabbi is perfect nor are we likely to find the perfect Rabbi for our Synagogue when our congregation has a wonderfully diverse population with a wide variety of needs. Each of our needs change as we grow and as time takes its toll. In the 8 years Steve and I have been in Tampa, we have had 2 Rabbis and 3 Cantors. That causes me to think about what we as a Congregation need to do to find clergy we can all support. I believe that it would be injurious to our Synagogue to have an ongoing search for a Rabbi (or a Cantor) at this time or during the next few years. Our reputation in the greater conservative movement is important to attracting and keeping talent and I am afraid that our reputation is already tainted with the turnover we have experienced. With respect to Rabbi Hearshen, he has in fact done what we have asked him to do, although not always in the way each one of us would like, but in the best way he knows how. Some of the issues he has faced requires him to make a decision which will please one congregant while upset another. Political balancing comes with experience, time and guidance from congregational leadership. I support renewing his contract and giving him a chance, with the benefit of guidance from a congregational/board liaison committee, to grow and change with us, to adapt as we adapt and to help lead us by attracting young families and serving our families as we mature. When he missteps, the message should be politely and respectfully delivered by the congregant and accepted by the Rabbi, with the hope and plan that both learn from the situation. Our goal should not be to cause him to do what we as individuals want and need, but to do what is in the best interest of our Congregation and as con
Plz renew the Rabbi's contract. Thanks.
agree!
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My family thinks the world of our precious Rabbi and his beautiful family. We have watched him grow and think he is a blessing for our congregation. Jumping through obstacles he has lifted the morale, and given all of us hope, reasons to smile and be a part of something very special. With all of our hearts the Della Rocca family believes in Rabbi Hearshen!