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Alan Halpern has been named the temple’s newest executive director, while Sara Abrams will assume the role of assistant rabbi, working alongside senior Rabbi Jonathan Blak, assistant David Levy, senior cantor Jill Abramson and associate cantor Mia Fram Davidson.
Halpern comes to the WRT from Temple Israel in Dayton, Ohio, where he served in the same capacity for more than a decade. He was tasked with providing administrative and musical leadership for the congregation, and served as a prayer leader and soloist. The Yale graduate serves on the Union for Reform Judaism’s Commission on Social Action, where he is the chair for the group’s task force on economic justice, women and families.
Before making her way to the WRT, Abrams was a rabbinic intern at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills in Los Angeles. She holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Hunter College and the University of Colorado. Abrams said she hopes to assist others in “nurturing a clearer and calmer approach to daily life and in fostering a deeper connection to the divine.”
The community will have its first opportunity to meet the new team members during Shabbat Evening Services at 6:15 p.m. on Friday. Rabbi Abrams will deliver the sermon and Halpern will be present during the reception following the service.
“Westchester Reform Temple is now entering its 60th year, and continues to embrace innovation and tradition side-by-side,” Blake said. “I am thrilled to welcome two outstanding new members of our staff who will strengthen our synagogue and extend our reach within our congregational membership and wider community.”
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