Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth officially swears in rabbi, cantor

By DANIEL OFFNER

doffner@liherald.com

Typically, when new clergy joins a synagogue, an installation ceremony takes place to welcome new spiritual leaders to a community—solidifying their connection with the congregation.

Unfortunately, since both Rabbi Michael G. Cohen and Cantor Eryka Velazquez joined Central Synagogue - Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre in July 2020, at the height of the pandemic, the congregation never had the opportunity to celebrate.

To make up for the missed time, the synagogue will host an installation ceremony during a special Shabbat evening service on Friday, March 15, followed by a Gala Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 16.

“The entire weekend will be a celebration of our clergy and our sacred community,” Joy Gluzman, executive director of Central Synagogue - Beth Emeth, said. “A committee of dedicated congregants, clergy and staff have been working hard to plan a meaningful and fun experience for all.”

Rabbi Cohen said a rabbinical and cantorial installation ceremony is an event rich in tradition and symbolism, embodying the continuation of Jewish leadership and learning.

“The ceremony typically involves a series of meaningful rituals, prayers and speeches,” he said, “highlighting the Rabbi and Cantor’s commitment to guiding the congregation in spiritual growth, education and the pursuit of justice and kindness as dictated by Jewish values and ethics.”

Oftentimes this tradition includes the passing of a Torah scroll, symbolizing the transfer of spiritual leadership and the responsibilities of the clergy to teach and interpret Jewish law and tradition.

Cohen said that beyond the formal rituals, the ceremony also underscores the relationship between the clergy and the congregation—a partnership that is rooted in mutual respect, love for Jewish tradition and a shared commitment to building a vibrant and ethical community.

“This relationship is not just about leadership in the conventional sense, but about guiding a community through the complexities of modern life while staying true to ancient teachings,” Cohen said. “The ceremony is a moment filled with hope, anticipation and the collective desire of both the Rabbi and Cantor and the congregation to embark on a path of spiritual growth, learning and action. This ceremony, therefore, is not just a formal ritual. It’s a commitment to a shared vision, where Jewish values and ethics guide the way towards a more just, compassionate and understanding world.”

The installation ceremony will take place during Shabbat evening services on Friday, March 15 at 7 p.m. in the synagogue at 430 DeMott Ave. in Rockville Centre, followed by a special reception hosted by the CSBE Sisterhood. The Gala Dinner Dance will take place on Saturday, March 16 at 7 p.m. at the synagogue.

Tickets are $90 per person. For more information visit CSBELI.org/Installation.