Rabbi Bach’s Sabbatical Leave – May 20-August 10, 2010
Some Questions and Answers
What is a sabbatical?
The word “sabbatical” has its roots in the biblical concept of Sabbath (“to rest” or “to cease”). Sabbatical leave is a time for our rabbi to shift gears in order to rest, disengage, study, reflect and travel, in order to return to us renewed and refreshed in body, mind and spirit.
Rabbi Bach’s contract with Temple specifies that his sabbatical leave be every third summer. Its timing is tied to the Jewish calendar, beginning on the day after Shavuot (this year, on May 20), and ending on the last day of the Hebrew month of Av (this year, August 10).
Sabbatical is more than a vacation from meetings, budgets, sermons, and services. It is a time for Larry to receive spiritual nourishment and a change in perspective, to deepen relationships with self, family and friends, and God. It is a season of spiritual growth. This special time will also be a season of growth for the entire congregation.
Do other rabbis go on sabbatical?
A growing number of rabbis (as well as clergy of all faiths) are taking sabbaticals. The trend reflects what the Reform movement has recognized as a new model for rabbi-congregation relationships: a b’rit kodesh, or “sacred partnership.” Rabbis and congregations who care for one another experience fewer instances of burnout and dissatisfaction, and find themselves moving instead from strength to strength.
What will Rabbi Bach be doing on his sabbatical?
The Bachs will leave for Israel on June 6. Part of their time in Israel will be spent leading a congregational trip, while the bulk of the time will find them based in Jerusalem.
Is sabbatical also a time for study?
Yes! Free of the day-to-day responsibilities of the Rabbinate, Rabbi Bach will have time for more extensive reading and writing than usual. His formal study opportunities for study on this trip will include a week-long retreat with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Informal study with colleagues and the smorgasboard of study opportunities that exist in Jerusalem on a daily basis will round out the schedule. Rabbi Bach expects that he will return to us in August having tapped new wellsprings for adult learning, sermons, and worship.
Who will serve the congregation during Rabbi Bach’s sabbatical?
Temple’s Sh’lichei Kehillah (“synagogue associates”), Ellen Goodman, Ed Solomon and Tina Wolfe, will coordinate Shabbat services while Larry is away, leading them along with other laypeople. They will also be available to serve members in moments of crisis, including deaths. President David Kern and Outreach Director Susan Jaffee will be “go-to” people within the lay leadership and Temple staff. Finally, Rabbis Weiss will remain, as always, in touch with the congregation.
Who do I call if I have a personal or family crisis?
In the event of a personal or family crisis, please call the Temple (532.5959). The office staff will know whom to call, and how to reach Rabbi Bach when appropriate. After hours, Ext. 18 of the Temple’s voicemail system will have instructions for reaching key Temple staff and leaders in a crisis.
Will Rabbi Bach be in contact with Temple during his sabbatical?
Generally speaking, no. The point of the sabbatical is for the rabbi to be able to turn his attention elsewhere, so that he can refocus on his rabbinate with renewed energy and clarity. Being wrapped up in, or even aware of, the day-to-day goings-on at Temple defeats the purpose of the sabbatical.
The exception to this rule will be in the case of deaths within the congregation, when Rabbi Bach has asked to be notified so that he may be in touch with grieving families.
Will Rabbi Bach be reading his email during his sabbatical?
No. Our “techie” rabbi needs a sabbatical from email as much as anything else. His email account, lbach@templemountsinai.com, will not be a reliable way to reach him during sabbatical, and email sent to that account May 19 and August 10 may not be read.
Will the Temple just be in a “holding pattern” while Rabbi Bach is away?
We certainly hope not! Though summertime is generally a quiet time at Temple anyway, we expect that all of our regular activities will continue and that some new ones may flourish. The sabbatical is really a two-way process. While Larry is on his journey of renewal, refreshment and reflection, we will embark on a journey as well. For Temple’s leadership and membership, the sabbatical period can be a time for reflecting on our mission and renewing our commitment to caring for ourselves. The centerpiece of this endeavor is our full complement of Shabbat and holiday services, led entirely by laypeople. The Board of Trustees will continue to govern, students will continue to learn, and planning for an exciting Fall 2010 will move at a brisk pace.
Who do I call with questions about the sabbatical?
You may speak with Rabbi Bach, David Kern, Susan Jaffee, or our sh’lichim about any aspect of the sabbatical that requires further clarification. They will be able to answer your questions or point you toward someone who can.
