Temple Israel to Install New Rabbi This Weekend

Temple Israel, the only Jewish congregation in Alameda, now in its 92nd year, will install Rabbi Barnett Brickner this weekend and celebrate with a number of events.

The installation will be conducted by Rabbi Joe Black, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Emanu-El in Denver, Colorado.

Rabbi Brickner explained that he chose Rabbi Black for the installation because, “He’s my best friend and we’ve always said that when something like this happens to one of us, we would call each other. It means a lot to me to have him do the installation. He’s one of the premier reform rabbis in the country today.”

The installation is a ritual to symbolically witness the transfer of leadership from the outgoing Rabbi to the new Rabbi.

A Saturday night concert will feature Rabbi Black, a musician and entertainer. Rabbi Brickner said, “The concert is going to be one of the highlights of the weekend. Rabbi Black is a phenomenal performer. He has a great sense of humor, is bright, articulate and very charismatic.”

Both Rabbis will host a children’s program on Sunday morning.

Events are open to the public, and are generally free, except for a Friday night dinner and the concert.

Friday’s dinner is followed by the installation and a cocktail reception.

Would-be attendees can contact the Temple Israel office at (510)522-9355.