Kehillat Beth Israel (KBI) is excited to announce the appointment of Rabbi Erin Polansky as its new spiritual leader. With her deep commitment to community building and a vision for fostering inclusive and vibrant Jewish life, Rabbi Polansky brings a wealth of experience and a passion for learning. Her arrival marks an exciting new chapter for both KBI and the broader Ottawa Jewish community.

“We are delighted that Rabbi Polansky has chosen to come to Kehillat Beth Israel and to Ottawa. We ran an extensive search and recruitment process during the past year, reaching out to the leading agencies of the worldwide Conservative/Masorti movement. We had many excellent candidates, and ultimately a local Canadian stood out as our ideal choice.” said Jeremy Rudin, President of KBI.

Rabbi Polansky is a Montreal native and attended Queen’s University before pursuing the rabbinate at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem and Cincinnati. She has made life-long learning a priority and has continued her studies at Yeshiva University, the Rabbinical Assembly of the Jewish Theological Seminary, and Queens University’s graduate school.

EB: Why is Ottawa an exciting next step in your career?
REP: I didn’t think that becoming a “senior rabbi” was my goal, but as I have spent the last fourteen years first building a congregation from scratch and then helping to strengthen a small congregation, I recognise that I have a vision for communal synagogue life that I want to share with a larger community. Achieving my goals as a religious leader will be attainable when I have a great team with which to work. KBI has a fabulous professional and volunteer team, and I am excited to join Cantor Jason Green, the education team, executive director, and the board to work together to strengthen the community and reach more people to be nurtured by and with the community.

EB: What is your vision for KBI?
REP: My vision is for KBI to be “the place” to be in Ottawa. KBI is already a strong, vibrant community. It can also be the place where everyone feels welcome and feels that they are wanted; where relationships are nurtured, and people feel seen and accepted for who they are. I’m thrilled that we have so much to build on at KBI. We already have a proud tradition in youth education, a plethora of programs for families and adults, superb daily minyanim, and beautiful Shabbat and holiday services. Judaism belongs to all Jews and KBI is the place where everyone can explore their connection to Jewish life. 

EB: What are you most looking forward to?
REP: I’m looking forward to being part of a community where everyone feels invested and is contributing to its success; where people bring their gifts, and they are received with open arms; where those who are new to Jewish life feel free to explore and learn; and where those who have been entrenched in Jewish life push themselves to learn and grow in new ways. I also love the musical culture at KBI and I’m so looking forward to davening with a cantor and choir!

EB: What do you do in your free time?
REP: What’s free time??  I’m looking forward to being a tourist in my new city. I enjoy travelling, cooking, spending time with my family, and staying active. I’m a Montreal Canadiens fan in winter and a Toronto Blue Jays fan in summer. I was once a ski instructor and hope that my knees are still up for the task. 

EB: Anything else you want the community to know?
REP: I officially begin my tenure with KBI on October 6 and look forward to sharing the pulpit for Kol Nidre. My husband Adam and most of our six children will be sitting with us, and we will be among the many friendly and eager people waiting for the ancient Kol Nidre melody sung by Cantor Green. This will be an awe-filled start to our Day of Atonement. It will open a new chapter in the life of our congregation. So many challenges have faced our people during the past year here in Canada, in Europe, and especially in Israel. On Yom Kippur, we will pray with modesty and humility, seeking the strength and peace that will bring blessings to all.

Rabbi Erin Polansky officially begins her tenure at KBI on October 6, 2024 and can be reached at rabbi@kehillatbethisrael.com.