Temple Beth Israel rabbi departs after 15 years, leaving congregation to move forward

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- After 15 years, Rabbi Rick Winer is departing Temple Beth Israel, a determination temple leaders picture to Action News arsenic a "bummer."

"I came successful 2011, and it's been a fantastic ride," the rabbi said connected Tuesday.

Known to galore arsenic "Rabbi Rick," helium is leaving successful portion to reunite with his wife.

"My woman has commuted to Los Angeles for 10 years, truthful we'll beryllium surviving full-time successful the aforesaid community," helium said. "I've got immoderate non-congregational rabbinic enactment to bash down there, which I'm excited about."

His departure comes arsenic rank declines and synagogues nationwide reevaluate however to link with younger congregants.

In Fresno, temple leaders besides corroborate fiscal difficulties.

"The numbers are OK, but the fiscal backing that goes with it has been a challenge," the rabbi said.

Temple Beth Israel is present without a full-time rabbi. Friday marked his past service.

"I've been talking to congregants for respective months, and radical person been sharing precise heartfelt wishes," helium told Action News.

The assemblage has often turned to Rabbi Rick during challenges, from the onslaught connected Israel to section incidents.

In 2018, Fresno constabulary investigated a imaginable hatred transgression aft the letters spelling "Israel" were removed.

Last December, the rabbi spoke retired arsenic Fresno State investigated antisemitic vandalism connected its campus.

"There are challenges, but those challenges punctual america that we are overwhelmed with affirmative people," Rabbi Rick said.

He thanked interfaith colleagues, section instrumentality enforcement and civic leaders, who helium said ever supported the Jewish community.

"I person household successful the Bay Area. So, this is simply a convenient stopping ground," helium said. "There are things present that you cannot find anyplace else. So, it is worthy the stop."

Temple leaders said services volition proceed arsenic scheduled. They noted they bash not request an ordained rabbi but said they volition "deeply miss" Rabbi Rick.

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