Quietly last week, Adath Jeshurun Senior Rabbi Harold Kravitz became the synagogue’s first-ever rabbi emeritus, as Rabbi Aaron Weininger was elevated to the senior rabbi post. Less quietly, Kravitz will be honored this weekend for his 36 years of service to the synagogue at Adath’s annual benefit.
Kravitz said it’s important to mark the transition that’s taking place, but also for him to thank the community.
“It’s important for a congregation to say to thank you, and I am very grateful,” said Kravitz. “[Rabbi Weininger] has worked hard and earned this. It’s been a very thoughtful transition, and people who work in the field know it’s not always that.
The weekend consists of a Friday night Shabbat service and Happy Hour, Shabbat morning service, and luncheon, and Sunday afternoon concert featuring violinist Meira Silverstein and clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein. When the couple lived in Minneapolis, Silverstein was the adult learning coordinator at Adath.
“When we were thinking about the benefit, [Meira and Alexander] were the only ones that was a good fit,” Kravitz said. “ And we’re thrilled they were available.”
When they were in Minneapolis, Silverstein played frequently with the Minnesota Orchestra. Fiterstein is a professor of clarinet and chair of winds at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. He released his first solo album on the Bridge label featuring only the music of Carl Maria von Weber.
“We’re expecting a big crowd,” said Craig Spencer, who is chairing the benefit with his wife, Debbie.
Said Debbie: “We just want people to come back to Adath and enjoy themselves.”
Kravitz said that his three children, Gabe, Talia and Elana, are all coming into town for the event, as are his former Adath colleagues Rabbi Aaron Brusso, who left in 2009, and Cantor Scott Buckner, who left in 2017. Others expected to attend include Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal who is the CEO of the Rabbinical Assembly and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Kravitz is the board chair of the Rabbinical Assembly.
The Spencers said that RSVPs are requested for Friday night and Saturday luncheon, and required for the Sunday concert. To RSVP and for more information, check out the event website.
Mazal tov to Rabbi Kravitz and his family for all they have contributed to our community!