With the Rev. Tom Callard I am pleased to announce the appointment of
Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro as Christ Church Cathedral's first "Rabbi in Residence" effective September 1. He will teach adult education classes, preach periodically at the Sunday liturgy and offer his wisdom on a host of social justice concerns.
Mark's journey to the rabbinic ministry began at home in Toronto. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intellectual History at York University, Mark attended the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati where he was ordained as a rabbi. He earned the Doctor of Divinity degree from the same institution in 2002.
Mark retired June 30 from his ministry at
Sinai Temple, Springfield where he served for twenty-seven years. Many Springfield area clergy have attended the annual clergy day on Judaism at Sinai Temple - part of Mark's strong commitment to interfaith engagement. As Rabbi Emeritus he comes to Christ Church Cathedral to begin a conversation about God - the Mystery at the root of all faiths. Tom Callard, Priest-in-Charge of our cathedral, spoke to the diocesan and cathedral staffs about having a "Rabbi in Residence." "I'm excited about this," Tom said, "because I will be changed."
I am excited, too. It is a gift to have a scholar of Mark's caliber among us and as a conversation partner as we live in complex times as people of faith.
ברוך הבא, Mark. Welcome!
