Photo by Richard Howard

After two years on campus bringing together Jewish students, staff, and faculty, Rabbi Audrey Berkman has accepted a position as associate rabbi at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, Mass., and will be leaving the College at the end of the academic year.

“While we are happy that Rabbi Berkman has such a wonderful opportunity to offer her gifts as spiritual leader, cantor, pastoral caregiver, and educator to a lively, multi-generational Jewish community, we will truly miss her here at Wellesley,” wrote President Paula Johnson in announcing Berkman’s departure.

Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life Tiffany Steinwert says the rabbi “crafted a vibrant Jewish community,” holding events ranging from biweekly “tea and Torah” study sessions to a visit by writer Anita Diamant to community Passover seders. She was also an active member of the Religious and Spiritual Life team, supporting students of all faiths.

As a search was being planned in March, Steinwert said she hoped to have a new rabbi in place by the start of the 2017–18 academic year. “While we want to conduct the search without delay,” she says, “we want to make sure we do not rush the process. Our goal is to recruit the best leader for our Jewish community.”