Temple B'nai Israel welcomes new rabbi Edward Friedman

Temple B'nai Israel in Aurora is proud to announce that Edward Friedman has accepted the position as the community's new rabbi.

Rabbi Friedman arrives at Temple B'nai Israel with a wealth of experience. He was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and earned a master's degree in religious thought at the University of Pennsylvania. Before his recent engagement with this congregation, Rabbi Friedman successfully guided a synagogue in New Jersey. He also has contributed his leadership skills to several congregations throughout the nation for more than 30 years.

"My wife, Janice, and I are very excited about coming to Aurora," Rabbi Friedman said. "The temple has given us an incredibly warm welcome. And both of us look forward to a long and fruitful association with this wonderful congregation."

For one of his first objectives, Rabbi Friedman wants to grow the Jewish footprint in the Fox Valley area. As a rabbi in the conservative tradition, he passionately believes in an inclusive approach. So he wishes to unify the many denominations of Judaism into one cohesive and supportive community. This inviting attitude directly aligns with Temple B'nai Israel's specific mission. The congregation is eager to implement Rabbi Friedman's many years of experience to expand the temple's local presence, educational programs and spiritual message.

"We are so happy to welcome Rabbi Friedman," said Temple B'nai Israel president Judy Jacobson. "This is a fresh chapter in our long-standing history and we encourage everyone to meet our new rabbi. He truly wants to get to know the members of our community."

Please join Rabbi Friedman and the Temple B'nai Israel congregation each week for Friday services at 7:30 p.m. and/or Saturday morning services at 9 a.m. Also, religious school is offered for children from pre-kindergarten to high school on Sundays and also on Tuesdays for grades fourth through seventh.

In addition, High Holiday services will be held on Sunday evening, Oct. 2, as well as Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 3-4, for Rosh Hoshanah. Kol Nidre will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 11, followed by Yom Kipppur on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

Services will be conducted by Rabbi Friedman and Cantor Michael Horwitz. Tickets are available by contacting the temple office at (630) 892-2450.

Temple B'nai Israel is located at 400 N. Edgelawn Drive in Aurora. For more information about the congregation, religious services and educational programs, visit www.temple-bnai-israel.org or www.facebook.com/TempleBnaiIsrael/.