News & Announcements

Dear PJTC Community,

I hope this letter finds you safe and healthy. As you probably noticed, the past 19 months have been incredibly intense and a tremendous opportunity for learning and growing, for our world, our community and ourselves. As part of my sabbatical (a total of six months split over three years) , I spent the first two months of 2020 learning in Israel. Due to the pandemic, I had to postpone the second part of it and so I will be leaving for Israel again starting October 3^rd and returning December 4^th. As the date approaches, I want to offer some thoughts.

First - 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 Clergy to shift gears in order to rest, disengage, study, reflect, and travel: the purpose is to return to the congregation renewed and refreshed in body, mind, and soul.

Every job is difficult, but clergy are uniquely always on call.  Clergy people work six-day weeks and are on call seven days a week, 24 hours a day. With this schedule, it is impossible to get any downtime, the job is emotionally and spiritually intensive, and so it is customary for synagogues to provide Clergy with time off in this way.

This trend reflects what the Conservative movement has recognized as a new model for Clergy-congregation relationships: a B'rit Kodesh, or "Sacred Partnership." Clergy and congregations experience fewer instances of burnout and dissatisfaction and instead find themselves moving from strength to strength. Former Clergy had similar language in their agreements with PJTC and undertook their six-month sabbaticals as well.

Therefore, I was very pleased when, as part of my most recent contract, the PJTC Board of Directors offered me a six-month sabbatical leave. By mutual agreement, we elected to divide this sabbatical into three two-month segments. The first one was taken in January 2020. The second one is in October 2021, and the third segment will occur a year later, in October of 2022.

What will I be doing during this sabbatical period?

I hope to rest, nourish my body, mind, and spirit.  During this second segment, I will return to Israel to focus on polishing up my music skills as well as continuing to learn at the Pardes Jewish Institute, the Hartman Institute, the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, and other learning centers in Jerusalem. I also plan to spend precious time with my husband.

Who will serve the congregation during my sabbatical?

Led by Rabbi John Carrier, our team will continue to serve the congregation with the same degree of commitment, dedication and professionalism that they always give. I have asked Melissa Levy to lead B’nai Mitzvah services together with Rabbi Carrier and to be an additional support for students and their families. Our Gabbai and B’nai Mitzvah tutor, Sondra Dreshner will continue to work with students during these two months.

Part of the reason why I divided the sabbatical into three parts is to minimize disruption for PJTC, I have also spoken with those who scheduled life cycle events during my time away.

Will I be in contact with you during my sabbatical?

Generally speaking, no. One aspect of the sabbatical is for clergy to be able to turn our attention elsewhere, so that we can refocus on my position with renewed energy and clarity. Being wrapped up in, or even aware of, the day-to-day affairs at PJTC would defeat the purpose of the sabbatical. I will also be taking a sabbatical from email too. My account will not be a reliable way to reach me during this time. I will of course be reachable and available if a major crisis requires my immediate attention. Rabbi John Carrier and our president Stacey Sharp will certainly know how to reach me.

As my sabbatical approaches, I feel many things. I feel anxiety because I care about each of you. As much as I want and need this time away, I feel incredibly honored and blessed to be a part of your lives through joy and sorrow, and I worry that I may miss being here for one of you in a time of need.  I ask your forgiveness in advance if that happens. I am also grateful to our community, our leadership and our staff for this opportunity to renew and recharge. I feel excitement at some of the goals I’ve set for myself; to nurture my love for Israel, taking the time to absorb this very special place we Jews have been gifted. To study, spend meaningful time with family, and travel. 

I look forward to my return to PJTC refreshed and renewed.

Lehitra’ot and see you soon,

Cantor Ruth