The nomination of a candidate for the position of second rabbi, the Capital Campaign and review of the Temple's finances were some of the items on the board's agenda at our February meeting.

With regard to the hiring of a rabbi, our bylaws direct the board to nominate a candidate for approval at a congregation-wide meeting. As President Jonah Gitlitz reported earlier in the Vine and through a letter sent to the membership, we have been fortunate to identify a candidate, Rabbi Toby Manewith, who by every measure is a really fine fit to serve as a part-time rabbi at Temple Micah. Rabbi Manewith has met with Temple staff, the board leadership and a group of members representing different elements of the congregation. She established herself as an exceptional candidate with each of these groups.

Since her ordination 10 years ago, Rabbi Manewith, who lives in Washington, has worked with various campus Hillel groups, and has both taught and acted as a consultant. She is a thoughtful, personable, and scholarly rabbi, and quite enthusiastic about all that Micah has to offer her. Based on feedback from people who met with Rabbi Manewith, and a review of her background, the board voted unanimously to nominate her for the congregation's approval. A congregational vote on this recommendation will take place at 10 a.m. March 13.

You can talk with congregants who met with Rabbi Manewith to get a first-hand report.

We also learned that the congregation has grown to 429 households, up from 413 last year, and our finances are healthy. Our Capital Campaign is moving ahead, with members volunteering to help this effort. On our agenda for next month are issues relating to scheduling of Sunday Religious School sessions and the increasing attendance at High Holy Day services.