Our Search Begins

September 2026 Update

by Grant Bumgarner, Temple Israel Rabbinic Search Committee Chair

I have had the honor and privilege of chairing Temple Israel’s Rabbinic Search Committee for the past few months. In that capacity, I’m excited to share an update on where we are in this exciting journey.

The first thing our search committee did as we began this process was to listen. We held a series of congregational focus groups and collected survey responses from more than 100 members. Through these listening sessions, we learned more about what our community values, where we hope to grow, and the qualities we’re seeking in our next rabbi. I want to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to share their thoughts. Your voices were heard, and they helped shape the search process in meaningful ways.

We completed and submitted our application to the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR)—the Reform rabbinic leadership organization—in early August. That means rabbis from around the country can now begin learning about Temple Israel and consider applying to be our next leader. Applications will be accepted through the fall. We will carefully review each candidate’s materials and conduct virtual interviews with promising applicants.

Our hope is to welcome finalist candidates for in-person visits by the end of this year or early 2027. In addition, we may also have the opportunity to visit candidates in their home congregations to see them in action and better understand their leadership in context.

One thing I’ve learned throughout this process is just how much care and dedication our committee members bring to this work. The committee represents every demographic of Temple Israel, and each member has generously given their time because they care deeply about our congregation’s future.

This is an exciting moment for Temple Israel. Over the next year, God willing, we will welcome a new rabbi into our new Temple Israel building. Change can feel uncertain, but it also brings the opportunity to come together around a shared vision.

For more than a century, Temple Israel has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in Tulsa—L’dor V’dor. Now we have the privilege of honoring that legacy while writing the next chapter of our story.

If you have any questions or feedback for us regarding the Rabbinic Search, please reach out to me at search@templetulsa.com.