Rabbinic Search Committee
Welcome! This page will host periodic updates on our search for TBA’s next rabbi. We are following the Reform Movement’s transition framework and CCAR Rabbinical Placement Commission process. We will keep the congregation informed while honoring candidate confidentiality.
Updated: Jan 2026 • Next: congregational announcement
Search Timeline
Settled-rabbi searches are often described as a 12–18 month process. Because Rabbi Holtz announced his retirement well in advance and TBA has already completed much of the early preparation, our timeline is more compact. We are on track to complete the search and contract with our next rabbi during winter 2025–26, well ahead of the July 1, 2026 transition date.
Committee formation, listening sessions, orientation with CCAR/URJ, and adoption of confidentiality and communication guidelines.
Application submitted; listing posted on the CCAR placement site; candidate packets received.
Initial Zoom/virtual interviews completed; candidate pool narrowed.
Second interviews, deeper conversations, and reference checks (with candidate consent).
Finalist visits completed; services, teaching, and meetings held; structured congregational feedback collected.
Search Committee recommends a candidate; Board approves; contract finalized and announced to the congregation.
Community rituals of welcome and ongoing support for our new rabbi, aligned with Rabbi Holtz’s retirement on June 30, 2026.
Meet the Rabbinic Search Committee
Our committee reflects the diversity of our community, including past presidents, current board members, and individuals who have not yet served in leadership roles. The committee spans different ages and life stages, and includes members who pray in both the Reform and Conservative traditions. Staff and clergy advise the committee but do not attend deliberations.
Audrey Gelfand (she/her)
My name is Audrey Gelfand and I am the co-chair of the Rabbinic Search Committee. I am a past president of TBA and served as the chair of the TBA Board of Education. I have been a TBA congregant for almost 20 years. I have three children who grew up at TBA and my parents have been long time members. I believe strongly in preserving the legacy of TBA for generations to come and that’s why I am excited to help find our next Rabbi. I am married to Ben Gelfand and we live in Briarcliff Manor. I am a psychologist professionally and enjoy skiing, running, hiking and kayaking in my spare time. I also love a good cup of coffee, a cozy chair and a good book. Please feel free to reach out to me or Loren if you have any questions about the Rabbi search process. We are happy to talk and appreciate all those who care about the future of TBA.
Loren Ratner (she/her)
Hi, I’m Loren Ratner. My husband, Paul Levy and I have been members at TBA for 18 years. We have two sons who attended TBA’s religious school and had their Bar Mitzvah’s at TBA. I’ve held a variety of positions at TBA, including Co-President from 2021 to 2023, Chair of Member Services Committee, and Legal Committee. Professionally, I’m an in-house attorney within the Montefiore Health System. When I’m not doing work for TBA or Montefiore, I enjoy swimming, cycling, running, traveling and cooking. One of my favorite extracurricular activities is TBA’s Books@Niight book club.
Barry Agdern (he/him)
Hi, I am Barry Agdern. My wife, Jane, and I have been temple members for over 50 years and we raised our two children here. Jane taught Sunday school at the temple for 25 years. I was privileged to be the temple president when Rabbi David Holtz first came to TBA and I feel honored to be part of the Search Committee to bring his successor to TBA.
Sharon Kirschner (she/her)
Hi! I’m Sharon Kirschner and I’ve been at TBA for 35 years. I have two grown daughters who started at CGC in the 2s and continued through 12th grade at TBA. I joined TBA because I wanted to give my kids a sense of Jewish community and opportunities for Tikkun Olam and stayed because I loved it. I was a hebrew school teacher at TBA for 13 years and loved my time with my students! Over the years, I’ve enjoyed my volunteer work with Tikkun Olam, Member Services, Ritual, Purim Shpiel, Volunteer Choir, ushering at the High Holydays and just about everything else! I love that TBA is open to trying different things and am a proud co-creator of TBAs first interactive service and the sTorahtelling services at our TBA Shabbatons and Shabbatinis (and would love to help bring them back!). I’m now retired and love traveling, volunteering, my dog Oreo (ok — my kids & granddaughter too) and theater! I’m excited to participate in the search for our next Rabbi who will be an integral and inspiring part of our TBA community!
Avi Lipski (she/her)
Hi, I’m Avi Lipski. I was born and raised in the close-knit Jewish community of Melbourne, Australia, and moved to New York in my early 20s, where I met my husband Jonathan. After moving to Los Angeles in 2018, we had our first son Julian, now 5, in 2020, and moved back to New York later that year, settling in Tarrytown. We have fallen in love with the community here and feel especially grateful to have found a home at TBA, where our younger son Gabriel (2.5) was one of the first new students at the revived Children’s Garden Center. After a career in the entertainment industry as a talent manager, I now work for a tech startup in the influencer marketing space. Outside of work and parenting, you can find me riding the streets of Tarrytown on my ebike (usually with Gabe in tow), at the farmers market, and trying to find a good espresso.
Roger London (he/him)
I am Roger London and Loretta and I have been TBA members for 8 years. We served together on the reopening committee during Covid and since then I have worked on the security and finance committees. We have lived in Tarrytown for over 20 years and currently I work as a health care consultant and as Loretta’s favorite volunteer. We enjoy serving several community organizations and growing vegetables for our extended family in our backyard. I am honored to serve on the Search Committee as we look to identify, recruit and onboard the next generation of our Rabbinic leadership.
Judi Markowitz (she/her)
My name is Judi Markowitz. My husband Glen and I have been congregants of Temple Beth Abraham for over 20 years. Both of our sons attended the Religious School and had their Bar Mitzvah at TBA. In addition to serving on the board of education, tikkun olam, and co-leading the blood drive, I have enjoyed attending weekly Torah study with Rabbi David for many years. While I am sad to see Rabbi David retiring, it is an honor to participate in the search committee for a new Rabbi and I wish Rabbi David all the best in his retirement.
Mark Polisar (he/him)
My name is Mark Polisar. My wife Felise Milan, along with our daughter Ariel, son Reuben, and son Benjamin have been members at TBA for 26 years. My daughter is the Assistant Rabbi at Kol Ami in Cherry Hill, NJ and my wife co-writes and co-leads the interactive Rosh Hashanah service annually here at TBA. Over the years at TBA, I have been on the Board most of that time, I have served as Religious School chair for a couple of three year terms, as Secretary for at least two three-year terms (including the current one), I have sung in the choir for High Holy Days for several of the years, I helped to found the S2Kafe which used to be in the TBA kitchen Sunday mornings, I started our TBA Chavurah program, and I served on search committees for past religious school directors and for our current Cantor. I am currently a new member of the North American Board of the URJ. I look forward to helping us to find the next Rabbi to serve here for 30+ years.
Kate Press (she/her)
Hi, I’m Kate Press. My husband, Daniel, and I first attended a service at TBA for Purim in March 2020, just days before the world began shutting down due to COVID-19. It took us a little while to re-engage, but today we’re proud to be active members of the TBA community. All three of our children, Gabriel (11), Rafael (8), and Levi (5), attend religious school on Sundays, and our whole family feels at home here. Daniel and I both grew up in the Conservative movement, and we chose TBA because of its unique blend of Conservative and Reform services, outstanding family programming, and inclusive spirit. I’m a progressive Zionist and outside of TBA I work for J Street, a pro-Israel, pro-peace organization. I’m excited to serve on the Rabbi Search Committee and help TBA step confidently into the future.
Amy Shapiro-Kessler (she/her)
Hi, I’m Amy Shapiro-Kessler. I grew up at TBA and am so grateful that my kids are the third generation in our family, so far, to be part of the community! I am a Co-Chair of the Board of Education and have been involved in the Membership Committee and our JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Task Force. Professionally, I’m Executive Director of a synagogue in Manhattan. I’m honored to serve on the Search Committee to ensure TBA goes from strength to strength, and continues to thrive.
Jon Strom (he/him)
Hi, I’m Jon Strom and have been a member of the Board of Trustees of Temple Beth Abraham for the past two years. I also serve on the Membership Committee. My wife Nicole and I joined TBA four years ago after moving to Tarrytown from Brooklyn. We have two children, Frieda (5) and Ike (4), who attended many Tot Shabbats before graduating to the Family Service. Nicole and I joined TBA because we wanted Judaism to be a key part of our family life. Nicole and I both grew up Reform (both attending Westchester Reform Temple) and Nicole was the President of Hillel at UNH. We wanted to continue our family traditions and ensure our kids live Jewish lives with Jewish values. At their young ages they are proud to be Jewish and being part of TBA, with the familiar, friendly space and faces of their friends, the clergy, and the incredible religious school staff, brings them joy and has helped them identify as confident, proud Jews (Ike wears his Chanukah pajamas year-round and they both sing Jack Black’s version of Oh Chanukah well into Spring). I am excited to support the effort to find our next Rabbi to lead our welcoming and vibrant community into the future. Outside of synagogue life, I am the Chief Legal and Operating Officer of Volta Talent Strategies, a boutique legal talent management consulting firm. I enjoy spending time with my family (we can often be found at the TaSh Market on Saturdays), running the hills of Tarrytown, playing tennis, taking in all the great live music in the Rivertowns, and rooting for the New York Giants.
Brian Schneider (he/him)
Hi, I’m Brian Schneider, President of Temple Beth Abraham. My wife Nicole and I joined TBA in 2012, and our three children, Ellie (15), Gabe (14), and Mira (11), have grown up in this community. We come from a mixed religious background, Nicole converted to Judaism, and I was raised Conservative, yet together we’ve made TBA the center of our Jewish life, primarily practicing Reform. Our older two kids celebrated their b’nai mitzvah with Rabbi David and Cantor Margot, and Ellie now serves as a madricha. Mira will become a bat mitzvah in 2027 with our new rabbi and Cantor Lauren. My mother was a cantor serving retirement communities in South Florida, so Jewish music and leadership have always been part of my family’s story. I’ve been proud to serve on the Board of Trustees since 2019 and now as an ex-officio member of the Rabbi Search Committee, helping to shape TBA’s future. Outside of synagogue life, I work in corporate insurance for Aon, helping organizations manage risk and plan for the future.
Herb Baer (he/him)
Hi, I’m Herb Baer and a two-time former President of Temple Beth Abraham, as well as a two-time former chair of our Ritual Committee. My wife Melissa is also very involved in Temple life and is currently the administrative assistant in the Temple office. We joined TBA over 21 years ago when our oldest child started at the Children’s Garden Center. Ever since, the Temple has been a big part of our lives. We are a “mixed marriage”: I grew up at a Conservative congregation on Long Island and Melissa’s family were members of a Reform temple here in Westchester County. Temple Beth Abraham was and remains the perfect spiritual home for us. When I’m not at a Temple meeting or attending services, I work in corporate restructuring.
Note on pronouns: Sharing pronouns is one way we express our commitment to inclusion and belonging at TBA.
Search Update: Finalist weekends are complete and congregational feedback has been collected. The committee is now in Phase 6, selection and contracting, including a formal recommendation, board approval, and final contract discussions.
What we can share: milestones, ways to participate, and timing of phases. What we can’t share: candidate names/employers until final selection.
Our Commitment to Equity & Inclusion
All members of the Rabbinic Search Committee have attended the URJ implicit bias training. Several of us have been members of the Temple’s JEDI Committee (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) formed as an outgrowth of the events of 2020. The Committee as a group regularly discusses the importance of being informed about issues of equity and inclusion, for the search, as well as for the strength and vitality of our community.
In accordance with CCAR guidelines, TBA does not discriminate in the search process based on gender, sexual identity, race, age, marital status, or whether the rabbinate is a candidate’s second career. We are committed to finding the best rabbi for our diverse and inclusive community.
How You Can Participate
Your voice matters in this sacred process. Here are ways to continue participating:
Share Your Input: Have thoughts about what you’d like to see in our next rabbi? Questions about the process? Email the co-chairs at search@tba-ny.org.
Meet the Finalists (December 2025 – Early January 2026): When we invite finalists to visit TBA, you’ll have opportunities to:
- Attend mock Shabbat services led by the candidate
- Participate in teaching sessions and Q&A
- Join group discussions with other congregants
- Provide feedback through surveys and other channels
Learn More: What Makes Us Us
This brief supplement shares how we present TBA to prospective rabbis, our values, worship, learning, and community life.
Read the supplemental profile (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why must candidate names remain confidential?
CCAR rules require strict confidentiality to protect both candidates and their current employers. If a rabbi’s search becomes known but they don’t ultimately leave their current position, it could severely damage their relationship with their congregation and community. This confidentiality creates a safe space for rabbis to explore new opportunities. Only when a final candidate is selected and accepts our offer will their name be announced.
How can I provide input to the Search Committee?
We welcome your thoughts throughout this process. Email the co-chairs at search@tba-ny.org with any input about what you’re looking for in our next rabbi, questions about the process, or other feedback.
What are the CCAR requirements for this search?
As a URJ congregation, we work exclusively through the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) Rabbinical Placement Commission. The CCAR sets ethical standards for the search process, requires anti-bias training for search committees, mandates candidate confidentiality, and prohibits discrimination based on gender, sexual identity, race, age, marital status, or career path.
Will I get to meet the finalists?
Yes. During Phase 5 (December 2025 – Early January 2026), finalist candidates will visit TBA for comprehensive weekend experiences. You’ll be able to attend mock services they lead, participate in teaching sessions and Q&A discussions, meet them in various group settings, and provide feedback.
How will finalists be selected?
The Search Committee completes interviews and reference checks (Phase 4), then invites finalists for in-person visits. The committee evaluates each candidate based on rabbinic skills, leadership style, vision for TBA, and alignment with our community’s values and needs.
What happens after a rabbi is selected?
The Search Committee will recommend a candidate to the Board of Trustees for approval. Once approved, a contract will be negotiated and finalized. The selection will then be announced to the congregation (Phase 6). Following the announcement, we’ll begin transition planning and welcome activities leading up to the rabbi’s start date of July 1, 2026.
How can I stay informed about the search progress?
This page will be updated regularly with process milestones and next steps. Important updates will also be shared through temple communications.
What happens if we don’t find our ideal settled rabbi during this search?
If the candidate pool doesn’t yield the right long-term match for TBA, we would hire an interim rabbi. An interim rabbi is specially trained in transition management and would perform all regular rabbinic duties, typically for one year. Interim rabbis cannot apply for the settled position.
Contact
Questions or input? Email the co-chairs at search@tba-ny.org.
