Introducing Rabbi Ashley Englander, Director of Lifelong Engagement

will also be available to perform life-cycle events, collaborate on worship, and provide pastoral care - giving the Temple additional capacity to serve congregants.

develop a deep relationship with Judaism and the community at large.”

By Rabbi Maya Glasser

Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple)

Congregation Ahavath

Chesed (The Temple) is delighted to announce that Rabbi Ashley Englander is joining the Temple leadership in the new position of Director of Lifelong Engagement. A lifelong Floridian, Rabbi Englander was just ordained through the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. She and her family are moving from their home on the west coast of Florida so that she can begin her position in Jacksonville on July 1. She will work directly with Temple Senior Rabbi Maya Glasser.

As Director of Lifelong Engagement, Rabbi Englander will serve as the leader of the Temple Institute of Religion (TIR), as well as focus on youth engagement, adult education, and opportunities to interact with the unaffiliated Jewish community. She

Rabbi Englander is from the Tampa area, where she currently lives with her husband and young son. During her rabbinic training, she served in the Reform congregation in St. Petersburg, among other pulpits and internships, and she has experience at Camp Coleman as well. During her Zoom and on-site interviews, she met extensively with the Search Committee, as well as the Board of Trustees and with established Temple groups such as Parent-and Me, Youth Group, Wisdom learners, etc. Throughout the process, Rabbi Englander was very enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve the Temple’s congregation. “Reform Judaism allows the Jewish people to engage with their religion, tradition, and history through a progressive lens,” Rabbi Englander noted. “I am passionate about responsibly facilitating the space for people to learn more about Judaism while growing their own personal Jewish identity. It is my hope to continue to facilitate these spaces of meaningful learning, while the congregants I serve have the opportunity to

Rabbi Englander was recommended to the full board by its Search Committee, co-chaired by Wiatt Bowers and Edie Porter. An excerpt from the Search Committee’s report included this: “Rabbi Englander was selected…. because of her background and interest in working with young people, a primary role of this position. She also exhibited enthusiasm and authenticity that impressed the search committee. The committee cited her ability to connect with children as an important factor, but noted that her skills would also allow her to connect with members of all ages. She stated that music is an important part of her Rabbinical process -she is a capable singer and plays the guitar. Committee members, representing various demographics, were particularly impressed with a D’var Torah conversation she led …..”

Rabbi Glasser was very involved in the search process and is looking forward to Rabbi Englander’s arrival. “I am thrilled that Rabbi Englander will be joining us at Temple to complete our professional team. I am inspired by her energy and passion, and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her through watching her interviews and engaging in meaningful conversation with her. I am looking forward to seeing her engage with our Youth and our congregation as a whole. Rabbi Englander has much to teach and to contribute, and I can’t wait to be colleagues beginning this summer!”

Rabbi Englander is eagerly anticipating getting to know everything about her new community. “When my husband and I first visited Jacksonville, we were smitten by the city’s beauty, culture, and friendly people,” she remembers. “We are looking forward to relaxing on the beach, seeing a Jaguars game, and enjoying the different food venues the city has to offer. “And of course, we are so excited to join the Jewish community where our whole family has the opportunity to make meaningful relationships and find sacred moments that nourish our souls.”

Temple’s hardworking Search Committee included: Wiatt Bowers and Edie Porter, Co-Chairs; Lori Eisenberg Castro; Brett Gratz; Liana Hood; Kenneth Horn; Deb Kuhr; Ed Mallow; Ruth Nachman; Rachel Sandler; and Kendall Sisisky Valliere.