Join us for this special event on Sunday, November 17th, 2024. The Installation ceremony is an opportunity for our community to honor the relationship between themselves and the Rabbi, to celebrate the sacred work of community-building, and to look ahead to ASBI’s next chapter together.

We'll be joined by a number of special guests—including two of Rabbi Finkelstein's mentors, Rabbi Hyim Shafner and Miriam Schacter of YCT—and enjoy food and festivities, as we express our gratitude to Rabbi Finkelstein and celebrate him for the leadership and dedication he has shown in the past year.

5:30 PM - Program, with featured speakers Rabbi Hyim Shafner & Miriam Schacter (in the ASBI Main Sanctuary)
6:30 PM – L’Chaim at ASBI followed by drinks & Hors d'oeuvres Reception (in the JCC Upper Gym)
 

PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE PROGRAM BELOW!

MIRIAM SCHACTER, RCSW, is a psychoanalyst practicing psychoanalysis and psychotherapy in New York, seeing both individuals and couples. As a faculty member of Yeshivat Chovevie Torah, Ms. Schacter teaches Pastoral Counseling, mentors students and faculty, and is the Director of Internship Placements. Ms Schacter currently supports Chovevei Rabbis in the field and is on the Rabbinic placement team. 

Ms. Schacter received her MSW from Yeshiva University with a concentration in group development and was awarded a certificate in Psychoanalysis from the New York Center for Psychoanalytic Training, where she subsequently became a member of the faculty.

RABBI HYIM SHAFNER has been the Rabbi of Kesher Israel since August 2017. He previously served as Rabbi of Bais Abraham Congregation in Saint Louis, Missouri, for 13 years, as Campus Rabbi at the St. Louis Hillel at Washington University for eight years, and for a year as Rabbi of India under the auspices of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.  

Rabbi Shafner has Smicha (rabbinical ordination), a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW), and an MA in Jewish philosophy, from Yeshiva University in New York City. Additionally he also holds a Certificate in Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy from the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute. Rabbi Shafner is the author of the Everything Jewish Wedding Book (2nd edition), as well as many articles in the area of Talmudic narrative, Jewish law and thought, and community building and vision.  

In addition to the program and reception, everyone is also welcome to join us beforehand for minyan and learning:
4:10 PM - Mincha/Ma’ariv in the Main Sanctuary
4:45 PM - Learning with Rabbi Hyim Shafner in the Beit Midrash: "Seeing the Other: The Profound Significance of Human Beings"

Join us in your festive attire! Please note, this program is intended for adults (teens are welcome).
Registration will close Sunday morning at 10:00 AM.