Departure of Rabbi Ash

It is with regret that we announce that Rabbi Dr Robert Ash, who has served as Rabbi of Beit Emanuel since late 2007, has confirmed that he will not be extending his contract with our synagogue, and will depart South Africa early in December 2012.
The Management Committee (Mancom) is actively and urgently seeking a replacement for Rabbi Ash, and has sought the assistance of the SAUPJ and the rabbinic placement arms of the WUPJ, the URJ (USA), and progressive movements in Europe and the UK in this regard.
The Mancom will make every effort to ensure that there is no interruption in rabbinic leadership during the transition period. This may involve the appointment of an interim candidate (e.g. a senior student, or a Rabbi on sabbatical, or one who has recently retired) until a permanent replacement can be found.
Issued jointly by the Management Committee and Board of Guardians – Russell Cohen, Chairman