Clergy Candidates - Temple Emanu-El

It’s with great excitement that we announce the first two candidate visits for our second clergy position. Over the course of their weekends, you’ll have multiple chances to meet and connect with the candidates. Click their images below or scroll down for more information on their visits.


February 7-9, 2025	February 14-16, 2025

Rabbi Alex Friedman - February 14-16, 2025

Rabbi Friedman is a senior Rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary and a native Texan. He grew up in Austin, beginning his Jewish journey at Congregation Agudas Achim, where he developed a deep love for Torah and Jewish music. He has since served as the High Holiday hazzan in Mobile, Alabama and San Antonio, Texas, guiding Jews in forging connections with God and their community through melodic and moving worship. A passionate teacher of tradition, Rabbi Friedman delights in helping adults and children find themselves in sacred texts.

Rabbi Friedman holds a BA in Politics and Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University, where he helped revitalized the Conservative Minyan and procured a $25,000 grant to renovate the university's Jewish Chapel. He has served as a student rabbi in Austin, Texas; Glen Rock, New Jersey; and West Hartford, Connecticut; as a camp counselor at Ramah Berkshires; and as a chaplain at The New Jewish Home in New York City. He has worked with college students in Israel and the US as Rabbinic Intern for both Nativ and Brandeis Hillel. A writing fellow for ExploringJudaism.org, the online home of the Conservative movement, Rabbi Friedman regularly publishes articles on Jewish life and meaning. Rabbi Friedmanenjoys cooking, podcasts, Jewish music and niggunim, queer Torah, and collecting owl tchotchkes. He is driven by a love of Torah, music, and the Jewish people. He is married to Yacov Steinberg, who is studying social work at the University of Haifa.

About Rabbi Friedman's Visit:

Friday, February 14

Rabbi Friedman will meet with religious school famlies and help lead Shabbat B'Ma'agal services, beginning at 5:45 PM in the Fishbein Chapel. Register Now!

Saturday, February 15

Rabbi Friedman will lead Shabbat morning services (9:30–10:30 AM).
Rabbi Friedman will chant Torah, visit various services throughout the building, and deliver a sermon from the bimah of the Main Sanctuary at 11:30 AM
Following the congregational Kiddush in the Meeting House, a Q&A session with Rabbi Friedman will take place at 12:45 PM in the Vestry (Minhah will take place at 1:30 PM).

Sunday, February 16

Rabbi Friedman will co-lead morning minyan at 8:30 AM and teach a lesson for all congregants at 10:00 AM in the Bohnen Vestry.

Rabbi Shira M.T. Rosenblum - February 7-9, 2025

Rabbi Rosenblum serves as Associate Rabbi of the Jacksonville Jewish Center in Jacksonville, FL, where she works to build strong relationships with members of her community and provides warm and compassionate pastoral care. She is driven by a passion for helping others connect with Judaism in a personal and accessible way. Rabbi Rosenblum spent several summers on staff at Camp Ramah Darom and Ramah in the Rockies, developing innovative ways to teach archery through a Jewish lens. She is also a competitive archer and Level II archery instructor trainer who especially loves sharing archery with others.

Rabbi Rosenblum enjoys leading services and teaching others how to take an active role in the service as well. She also engages with her congregants through a variety of programs, whether exploring the weekly parashah, singing songs at seudah shlishit on Shabbat afternoons, playing mah jongg, or baking challah together.

Originally from Highland Park, IL, Rabbi Rosenblum graduated cum laude from Brandeis University and earned rabbinic ordination and an M.A. in Jewish education from the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS). She enjoys going to the theater, practicing archery, and playing board games.

About Rabbi Rosenblum's Visit:

Friday, February 7

Rabbi Rosenblum will co-lead Friday night services, beginning at 5:30 PM in the Fishbein Chapel

Saturday, February 8

Rabbi Rosenblum will lead Shabbat morning services (9:30–10:30 AM).
Rabbi Rosenblum will chant Torah, visit various services throughout the building, and deliver a sermon from the bimah of the Main Sanctuary at 11:30 AM
Following the congregational Kiddush in the Meeting House, a Q&A session with Rabbi Rosenblum will take place at 12:45 PM in the Vestry (Minhah will take place at 1:30 PM).

Sunday, February 9

Rabbi Rosenblum will lead morning minyan at 9:00 AM and teach a lesson for all congregants at 11:00 AM in the Bohnen Vestry.

In addition to these events, Rabbi Rosenblum will meet with Temple Emanu-El staff, leaders of the Jewish Community Day School, and the Clergy Search Committee. We are excited to welcome Rabbi Rosenblum to our community! We encourage everyone to attend one or more of these events and share your thoughts with members of the Clergy Search Committee via a forthcoming.