Brian Immerman is reflecting on what cultivated his interest in becoming a rabbi as he was growing up as he gears up to take the role of the spiritual leader at one of Wilmette’s synagogues.
“I grew up going to Jewish summer camp and participating in my synagogue’s youth programs which instilled in me a lifelong love of Judaism and Jewish learning,” Immerman remembered in an email. “As a rabbi, I am able to share my love of Judaism with people of all ages, build meaningful relationships and inspire others to find meaning and purpose in Jewish values, rituals and traditions.”
Immerman, a native of Shaker Heights, OH, will now continue his interest in Judaism locally as the next Senior Rabbi at Wilmette’s Sukkat Shalom, a Reform congregation.
After being ordained at the Hebrew Union College — Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City in 2012, Immerman worked in two roles at a Denver synagogue before moving to Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden, CT.
Immerman succeeds Sukkat Shalom founder Rabbi Samuel Gordon, who retired last year after 27 years as Senior Rabbi.
Immerman said he intends to pursue social justice initiatives as he moves to the area.
“Sukkat Shalom is known for being open and welcoming to everyone, rooted in social justice, family education and lifelong learning,” he wrote. “The synagogue’s name means a dwelling place of peace, and in Judaism one is supposed to invite friends, family, and guests into their sukkah. I am honored to carry on Rabbi Sam Gordon’s vision and work with an incredible professional team and lay leadership to expand our peaceful dwelling place for all seeking a sacred community.”
Immerman is scheduled to start his new role on July 1.
“We are thrilled that Rabbi Immerman will join Sukkat Shalom as our Senior Rabbi at this exciting time in the life of our congregation,” Sukkat Shalom President Lisa Fingerhut Carlton said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming his family to ours. His many gifts will enhance our extraordinary professional team and strengthen our special community.”
Currently, Sukkat Shalom has 325 member families, according to Andrew Schultz, the synagogue’s executive director.
Schultz said Gordon — who was on a sabbatical following his retirement — will continue to be active at Sukkat Shalom under the title of Senior Rabbi Emeritus.
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Schultz added that Carlie Daniels, who has been serving as Acting Senior Rabbi after having other roles in seven years at Sukkat Shalom, has accepted a rabbinical position at a West Palm Beach, FL synagogue.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.