I am happy to announce my appointment as the new Spiritual Leader of the Fauquier Jewish Congregation (FJC). Here is the letter that was sent out:
We are very pleased to announce that after a careful Rabbi search process that included members and leaders of the Congregation in the Rabbi Search committee, the Fauquier Jewish Congregation proudly welcomes Rabbah Arlene Berger as our new spiritual leader after the retirement of our beloved Rabbi William Rudolph.
Rabbah Berger has nearly 20 years of professional experience working in the Jewish world as a Rabbah, educator, service leader, life cycle officiant, and Chaplain. Most recently, she has been working as the Rabbah of Olney Kehila, Olney, MD and a chaplain at several senior living facilities. Rabbah Berger obtained her degree in Human Services from Simmons College in Boston and an MSW, MBA and Certificate in Gerontology from Boston College. She met her husband Warren Berger in college and has two wonderful children, Jennie, 28, and Alex, 25. Rabbah Berger worked for over 25 years as a social worker and gerontologist. However, ever since she was a child, Rabbah Berger had always wanted to be a rabbi. She was finally able to pursue this path after her children had grown. Fulfilling a life-long dream, she earned her rabbinic ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA.
The Board believes that Rabbah Berger is a wonderful match for our community. Much of this is attributed to her theology and particular skill set. She has demonstrated great ability in the areas of forming personal relationships with congregants of all ages, service leading, and skill in teaching in the Religious School. Theologically, Rabbah Berger believes that there is no one “right” way to be Jewish but that all paths to faith include a commitment to social justice, interest in welcoming and understanding interfaith families, and working with other religions and cultures for peace. We are very excited for all that is to come under the leadership of our new Rabbah.
During her monthly visits here, Rabbah Berger will work with the FJC Board of Directors and the Religious School, in addition to leading services, celebrations, life cycle events, and programming for families, youth, and adults. She will also be available to members needing pastoral care.
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