Rabbi Succession Planning

Dear Kol Tikvah Family,

After years of dedicated service, inspiring leadership, and heartfelt connection, Rabbi Jon Hanish has announced plans to retire in June 2027 and stay with Kol Tikvah as Rabbi Emeritus until at least 2030. 

While that may still feel a little ways off, we wanted to share this news now so that together, we can take the time to celebrate, reflect, and honor all that Rabbi Jon has brought to our community.

From joyous B’nai Mitzvah services to thought-provoking sermons, from moments of laughter at Purim to quiet comfort in times of loss, Rabbi Jon has been at the heart of Kol Tikvah’s spiritual life for more than 15 years. Through every holiday, milestone, and challenge, his warmth, wisdom, sense of humor, and authenticity have shaped who we are as an inclusive, welcoming congregation.

Over the next year and a half, we will have many opportunities to celebrate Rabbi Jon’s impact on our congregation. Plans are already beginning for a series of special events and commemorations that will highlight the many ways Rabbi Jon has touched our lives — and the lasting legacy he and his family will leave behind.

This year we will conduct an Associate Rabbi search with the hope of finding an appropriate rabbinic partner to work with Rabbi Jon during his last year, with the intent of transitioning this Rabbi into the Senior role when Rabbi Jon transitions to Rabbi Emeritus. 

We will approach this process with transparency, inclusivity, and optimism — ensuring that our next chapter builds upon the foundation of love, learning, and community that Rabbi Jon has nurtured. In addition, we will continue to update the congregation through posts on our koltikvah.org website. We look forward to engaging our community in thoughtful discussions about the future of Kol Tikvah.

For now, we simply invite you to join us in celebrating this incredible milestone. There will be plenty of time to express gratitude, share stories, and create new memories with Rabbi Jon and his wife Lisa before their well-deserved next adventure begins.

With heartfelt appreciation and excitement for what’s ahead,

Cynthia Deculus and Tina Degann
Co-Presidents