Wheeling synagogue, after an exhaustive search, selects new rabbi to lead the congregation
After an exhaustive search that included input from the entire congregation, Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue in Wheeling has selected Rabbi Schachar Orenstein as its new rabbi. Orenstein, who was born in Israel and raised in Canada, replaces founding Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow who retired.
Executive Vice President Lisa Settler said that initially a committee, which included people from their 20s through their 70s, interviewed a number of rabbis from all over the country.
'When we met with Rabbi Schachar we all felt that we had found the right person,' Settler said. 'We were definitely looking for a rabbi that had experience but wasn't up towards retirement age. He also was very musical which was really important to us. He's very warm and friendly and had a lot of great ideas for helping us move toward the future.'
Orenstein was invited to come to the synagogue for a three-day weekend to lead services. 'He engaged well with all different ages of people including the kids,' Settler said. 'By the time the weekend was over, the feedback coming from the congregants was extremely positive.'
They brought in another rabbi for a 3-day weekend and then did a synagogue-wide survey. Orenstein 'overwhelming was the favorite,' Settler said.
'There were so many things that drew me in,' said Orenstein of his decision to leave Canada and accept the position at Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue. 'One of them is that the founding rabbi is magnificent, Rabbi Eitan. He, together with a bunch of founding members, created a lovely community where I felt that I could be myself. I was trying to bring American Judaism to Canada for many years and it was frustrating.'
Orenstein noted that he fulfilled one of the necessary requisites of his new position — he plays guitar.
He indicated that he also has the creativity that's required in the new position. Orenstein described the congregants as 'flexible, they're open and creative, and people are real. And that's what I aspire to be.'
Orenstein has many talents and is sharing them with his congregation. 'I love to be nudged to offer my gifts and to nudge others so that they offer their gifts and contributions,' he said.
Since the rabbi has four yoga certifications, he has led laughter yoga, yoga nidra, and chair yoga for the congregation.
He has also offered musical Torah jams.
'When I got here, there were no regular Saturday morning services,' Orenstein said. One Saturday each month congregants of all ages are now invited to bring a musical instrument to the service. 'It's more informal and less structured than most services,' the rabbi explained. 'This is a way of engaging people through music. It's been very well received.'
Orenstein, who founded Teva Quebec, the first Jewish environmental organization in the province, is also leading nature walks with the congregation. 'Nature is a key component to everything,' he said. 'That's our connection to the Divine — through nature.'
Orenstein performed in the synagogue's 'Wicked'-themed Purim program, has led book discussions, and will participate in a pre-Passover Israeli wine tasting.
The new rabbi is embracing the synagogue's Blue Zone program, which is geared toward ways to increase longevity and wellbeing. The initiative is based on what people do in the five places in what is defined as the Blue Zone where people live healthy lives into their hundreds.
'People need to be inspired and have reasons to come to community,' Orenstein said. 'If we do it right, it could be an inspiration not only for our community but other communities as well.'
Orenstein was ordained from Yeshivat Noam Hatorah and Mercaz Hatalmud Rabbinical Seminary in Montreal. He also has a master's degree in Jewish Studies from McGill University and is currently pursuing advanced training in Dayanut (adjudicator and mediator) and somatic experience.
Orenstein was the co-founder of Lev Shul (Open Shul) in Montreal and served as senior rabbi at the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in Montreal, which is Canada's oldest congregation.
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