Welcome Rabbi Beth Nichols, Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning

We are excited to welcome Rabbi Beth Nichols as our new Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning. Rabbi Nichols will partner with TBE Clergy, staff, faculty, and lay leaders to create dynamic learning opportunities.

•  Name
  • Beth Nichols
• Job Title
  • Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning
• Birthplace
  • Lexington, Massachusetts
• What drew you to working at Temple Beth El and what have you found most sustaining?
  • The opportunity to continue my focus on creating innovative Jewish educational experiences, the chance to work as part of a strong team of staff and lay leaders and the chance to live near family.
• Tell us about your journey to Charlotte and Temple Beth El.
  • I served as a Rabbi and as the Director of Congregational Learning at Temple Israel in New Rochelle, New York for 13 years, following my ordination in 2007 from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. When looking for a new job opportunity, I wanted to find a position that would allow me to both serve in a rabbinic capacity and focus on creating educational opportunities for all ages. Temple Beth El’s opening provided those opportunities along with working with a clergy team that I already knew and greatly respected.
• What is your favorite part of your job? Why?
  • My favorite part of being a rabbi is developing long-term relationships with kids. It is a privilege to partner with parents and support a person’s development from childhood to adulthood.
• What do you wish congregants knew about your job?
  • That everything they see Jewish professionals do as part of services, programs and classes, takes a lot of planning behind the scenes.
• What do you enjoy doing when you’re with family and friends?
  • Relaxing together over meals, taking walks with the dogs, working on craft projects
• What is your favorite hobby?
  • Any hobby that involves creating things – sewing, woodworking, collaging, glass etching…
• What is your most memorable moment?
  • Times when I was about to officiate at lifecycle events for my family, such as my nieces’ baby namings, because I was able to bring together my professional passions and the people I love the most.
• If you could have dinner with any person living or deceased, who would it be, and why?
  • I can trace my dad’s family back to Colonial New England. I would want to have dinner with some of my ancestors who came to America in the 17th century so I could better understand their religious beliefs and the choices they made to protect them.
• What’s something about you that TBE congregants might not know?
  • I attended a two week woodworking school in Maine as part of a sabbatical.
• Anything else? Coming to a new community during the coronavirus pandemic is challenging.
  • It might take us longer to get to know each other, but I cannot wait to be part of the Charlotte Jewish community.