Rabbi Chai Posner Talks about Beth Tfiloh’s Mission and Future

Beth Tfiloh's Rabbi Chai Posner: "Being the senior rabbi will mean more focus on Beth Tfiloh as a whole. Setting the vision, priorities and agenda. Being a more public face of the institution." (Provided photo)

This year, Pikesville’s Beth Tfiloh Congregation will mark its centennial anniversary with a series of programs to celebrate the milestone.

The largest Modern Orthodox congregation in the nation, Beth Tfiloh has a membership of more than 1,200 families and individuals. The synagogue is undergoing a number of changes, most notably the elevation of Rabbi Chai Posner to senior rabbi. Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg — who came to Beth Tfiloh in May of 1978 — will transition into the role of rabbi-in-residence at the end of this year, and Rabbi Posner will become senior rabbi at an installation ceremony on the weekend of March 5-6.

Jmore recently spoke with Rabbi Posner, who came to Beth Tfiloh as associate rabbi in 2010, about the synagogue’s centennial.

Jmore: How will Beth Tfiloh celebrate its centennial this upcoming year?

Rabbi Posner: We have three major events planned, and then numerous other opportunities. The three big events are 1) my installation as Beth Tfiloh’s rabbi. Although the official transition happens Jan. 1, the installation is scheduled for the weekend of Mar. 5. The inspiring musician Shlomo Katz will join us from Israel for a meaningful Shabbaton-like experience that will unite our diverse shul community. The formal installation will take place at a Melava Malka [festive meal to bid farewell to Shabbat] and concert on Saturday night.

Israel Independence Day
An Israel Independence Day celebration in Beth Tfiloh’s sanctuary. (FIle photo by Steve Ruark)

2) ‘A Centennial Evening of Celebration’ in April, which will feature tributes and presentations about Beth Tfiloh’s monumental first century, live musical entertainment and more.

3) A very special ‘Spotlight’ school scholarship event in June where we will honor and celebrate Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg with tributes and a spectacular guest performer.

Some of the other opportunities include our four-week fall semester of learning, which will feature topics that have been near and dear to Rabbi Wohlberg throughout his rabbinate; the unveiling of our magnificent, museum-quality historical timeline; and a major Chanukah celebration with fireworks.

Do you feel Beth Tfiloh’s mission has changed at all since its founding in 1921?

One of the main reasons that Beth Tfiloh has been so successful is we have stayed true to our mission but have also adapted to the changing world around us. Rabbi Samuel Rosenblatt, Beth Tfiloh’s founding rabbi, was committed to tradition, modernity, Israel, education, children and women’s inclusion. All of those look different today than they did 100 years ago, but it’s astounding to see that we are still committed to all of these same principles.

There were some bold decisions throughout BT’s history, which allowed it to remain both modern and Orthodox. For example, Rabbi Wohlberg’s prudent decision to put a mechitza in. There was a time when many Orthodox synagogues did not have mechitzas, but Rabbi Wohlberg recognized that was changing. And in order to continue to attract Orthodox families, the shul needed to have a mechitza at that time while simultaneously renewing our commitment to women’s involvement in our services within the parameters of Halacha [Jewish law]. It remains to be seen what some of those bold decisions are in our future, but one thing is for sure … we will continue to stay true to our mission.

How do you think the shul’s founders would view Beth Tfiloh today?

I cannot imagine that Beth Tfiloh’s founders knew how much of an impact this organization would make on the world. They’d be so proud to see nearly 1,000 children each year, in preschool through high school, receiving a top-notch Jewish and secular education in a school that deeply instills Jewish values.

Beth Tfiloh's former synagogue facility was located at the corner of Garrison Boulevard and Fairview Avenue in Forest Park. The congregation moved to Pikesville in 1966. (Photo provided by Beth Tfiloh)
Beth Tfiloh’s former synagogue facility was located at the corner of Garrison Boulevard and Fairview Avenue in Forest Park. The congregation moved to Pikesville in 1966. (Photo provided by Beth Tfiloh)

They’d be gratified to see 100 adults coming every Monday morning to learn Torah for three hours. They’d love seeing the breadth of different backgrounds and observance levels that come together to daven on Shabbat, young and not-so-young alike, and stay around afterwards to enjoy kiddush together.

They’d be happy to see hundreds of kids having fun at a thriving Jewish camp with a beautiful campus. I have to believe that they would be very proud of where this institution is 100 years later.

What does this centennial mean to you personally, as a new senior rabbi who has been involved with the synagogue for over a decade?

I remember when we celebrated our 90th anniversary. I had been here for about a year before that. I realize now that at that time, I just didn’t get it. Of course, the number 90 seemed special, but I recognize now that I just didn’t yet appreciate the vast history and impact of Beth Tfiloh.

After being here for more than a decade and getting to know the special people here, hearing their stories, and understanding what BT has meant to them and to the larger Baltimore community, I have a deep appreciation for just how significant a milestone 100 years is. The most gratifying element of it to me is that while we take great pride in our rich history, we are also very proud of the fact that we are enjoying a thriving present and see a bright future ahead. We are using the centennial celebration to further ensure that future.

How do you view Modern Orthodoxy’s role in Jewish life today?

I believe that Modern Orthodoxy holds a crucial place in Jewish life today. People are looking for authenticity, relevance and inspiration, and a Modern Orthodox shul can deliver all three. At a time when so much of the world is moving to extremes, Modern Orthodoxy presents a balanced approach to combining tradition and the rapidly changing world around us.

Is it daunting to follow in the footsteps of such luminaries as Rabbis Rosenblatt and Wohlberg?

Honestly, yes, it is daunting. The shul’s 100-year history has been dominated by these two internationally renowned rabbinic leaders. I am just continuing to do what I’ve done for more than 11 years at BT.

That being said, I really try not to get too caught up in that. I try to work hard and bring my whole self to everything that I’m doing. I hope I can earn the Beth Tfiloh community’s trust and respect, just as Rabbis Rosenblatt and Wohlberg have, in my own way.·

What will your role as the new senior rabbi look like?

We’ve been blessed that the process of transition has happened naturally over the past couple of years, so I don’t expect Jan. 1st to be a huge change. I remember how after the vote made it official that I would succeed Rabbi Wohlberg, all of a sudden people started listening to what I was saying a little more intently! I realized then that while I don’t look at myself any differently, others do. That gives me an opportunity to make a greater impact.

Being the senior rabbi will mean more focus on Beth Tfiloh as a whole. Setting the vision, priorities and agenda. Being a more public face of the institution. Being involved in securing the institution’s financial sustainability. Speaking and teaching at higher profile opportunities, and continuing to develop the relationships that I’ve been so fortunate to establish.

How will your rabbinate differ from that of your immediate predecessor? Tough act to follow.

Rabbi Wohlberg and I have had a fantastic relationship over the years. There’s a lot that we agree on — most importantly philosophically, we are very aligned in terms of our outlook on Modern Orthodox Judaism. And we also both like to stress the joy of Judaism.

Of course, we also have our differences. I think so much of what type of rabbis we are depends on what type of congregants we have. Going back to Rabbi Rosenblatt, he was a respected scholar who spoke nine languages and gave lengthy discourses. When Rabbi Wohlberg was hired, it was a big change. He was seen as more of a rabbi of the people. More apt to speak about current events and culture, and give out candy to the kids.

How my rabbinate will differ? I think that goes to where people are today. Especially post-COVID, we really see a difference in what people are looking to their shuls for. They seem to want shorter sermons and less formal but still meaningful services. Authentic but relevant. I believe that people today are looking for inspiration, warmth and respect from their rabbi, and I hope that I will be able to provide those.

What role will Rabbi Wohlberg play at Beth Tfiloh as the rabbi-in-residence?

Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg (File photo)

That’s a good question! He likes to tell people he will be my assistant rabbi … but I don’t see that happening. Rabbi Wohlberg will still live in the community. His grandchildren are here so he’s not going anywhere. He will still retain the strong relationships he has built which are integral to our institution. He will still give sermons (probably about once a month or so), officiate at lifecycles of long-time members, teach guest classes from time to time, be available for guidance and support to me and other staff, and knowing Rabbi Wohlberg … probably keep us all laughing!

How would you characterize Beth Tfiloh’s future? Do you envision any major changes in the way the synagogue and/or school operate?

On a practical level, we are on the cusp of several staff transitions, in addition to Rabbi Wohlberg’s retirement. Hazzan Avi Albrecht will sunset his 26-year tenure at Beth Tfiloh in December 2022. Our executive director, Eve Kresin Steinberg, and our programming director, Cherie Brownstein, who have each helped build our shul into the extraordinary institution and community that it is, will both retire in June 2022. They have both transitioned into new Centennial-focused roles this year.

Simultaneously, we have welcomed two new talented professional staff members to our team: Dan Silien, director of shul operations, and Talia Jordan, director of programming and engagement. Shani and Matan Shefler are our new Israeli shlichim, and they are actively involved in both the shul and school communities. These new professionals, working together with our exceptional staff, are developing more streamlined processes that will allow us to better serve our shul community members. We want to give our members and our leadership the most meaningful, welcoming shul experience possible. We are also enhancing and renovating our facility, so that our physical space reflects the quality of our services and programs.

Religiously, we have a lot to think about in terms of what a Modern Orthodox shul looks like as we move into the next generation. We have to grapple with the issues of our day in the same way that our predecessors addressed the issues of their day. We have to figure out how to strike the right balance in an ever increasingly complex world. There are many challenges but also exciting opportunities for growth and creativity.

What role will Beth Tfiloh play in the future of the local Jewish community, particularly as an institution that is lodged directly between Baltimore’s more traditional and liberal factions?

We have always been proud of the unique place that we hold in the Baltimore Jewish community, and we hope to stay exactly that way. A key part of our mission is to be a place where all Jews can come, regardless of observance level, and feel comfortable. This is increasingly difficult to do in a world that is polarized in so many ways. Big tents are harder and harder to hold on to. But we are certainly going to continue to do our best!

For information about Beth Tfiloh’s centennial celebration, visit bethtfiloh.com/beth-tfiloh-centennial. For information about Rabbi Posner’s installation weekend of events, visit bethtfiloh.com/rabbi-chai-posners-installation.

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