Temple Beth El invites you to share in the simcha of the formal Installation of Rabbi Rachel Simmons as our rabbi and spiritual leader. Our congregation is filled with gratitude and excitement as we celebrate this moment, which marks not only the beginning of Rabbi Simmons’s leadership but also a renewal of our collective commitment to Jewish life, learning, and community connection. 

What is an installation? It is a celebration of the sacred partnership between a rabbi and a congregation, honoring a synagogue’s past, present, and future by marking a new phase of leadership and sharing our hopes for what is to come. We’ll symbolically pass the torch from our past presidents to Rabbi Simmons and take a moment to reflect on who we are and where we’re going as a community. The installation service will also feature songs performed by KBE students.

The event will take place on December 17 at 5:30 pm at Temple Beth El in Portland (400 Deering Avenue), with the Annual Chanukah Party immediately following Please join us as we come together with our community for latkes, live music, candle lighting, and a celebration of our new rabbi. 

We look forward to seeing you at this special occasion!