Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center and Rabbi John Carrier Make It Official

Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center (PJTC) said Wednesday it was thrilled to announce that it has hired Rabbi John Carrier as its Senior Rabbi.

Rabbi Carrier assisted PJTC on an interim basis while an ongoing search was conducted for the new rabbi. After an exhaustive search, it was clear that Rabbi Carrier’s care for community members, warm and engaging demeanor, strong teaching skills and ability to connect with a wide range of generations made him the best fit for PJTC’s vibrant community.

“When I took the interim role at PJTC, I had been working full-time on a project to enhance Jewish learning online for people who don’t have access to synagogues,” Rabbi Carrier said about his previous role. “But I missed being a regular part of a community, and my friends at PJTC needed some help during a time of change. Little did I know how much my family and I would grow to love this particular community…and how important online learning would become for all communities in this historic moment.”

PJTC’s President, Geoffrey DeBoskey, commented, “From the moment Rabbi Carrier first began working with our community on an interim basis, I was impressed by him as a person and a Rabbi, and I am very excited to now be working with him both on PJTC’s needs today and ensuring the synagogue remains strong for many years to come.”

Beryl Strauss, Executive Director at PJTC is looking forward to Rabbi Carrier’s continued leadership of the temple and center. “He has shown to me a sincere willingness to be fully present with the congregation. Actively listening is one of Rabbi Carrier’s strong suits,” says Strauss, “as well as his incredible collaboration and inspirational teaching ability. I see Rabbi Carrier being the lightening rod to the congregation for the future.”

Cantor Ruth Berman Harris says, “I am so blessed to have Rabbi Carrier as my partner. We are so very different and complement each other so well; it is the greatest gift to work with him and lead the PJTC community to higher grounds.”

PJTC describes itself as an open-minded, conservative-movement based congregation with both a traditional and creative take on Judaism. Based in beautiful Pasadena, California, the temple and center serves members hailing from throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

As one of the oldest congregations in the area, they have built an intergenerational, diverse and rich community, 475+ families strong. Rabbi Carrier’s official installation is scheduled for August 16th.