By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
For the first time since Rabbi Carla Freeman passed in September 2024, the Beth Israel Jewish congregation has a new full-time spiritual leader. Rabbi Adam Rudinsky officially met his congregants on July 3 at his first weekly Shabbat Sabbath service at the synagogue, 1115 Del Webb Blvd. E, Sun City Center.
Rudinsky has a rich, multi-layered background shaped by his later-in-life calling into the rabbinate, experience as a business owner; long service as a hospice and hospital chaplain; and his work with seniors, interfaith communities and congregations in several states. While much of his experience involved serving seniors, he most recently served as rabbi for a multigenerational synagogue in Plano, Texas.
Originally from Los Angeles, he was raised in a Reform Jewish home. For many years he walked away to explore other religions, then came back to Conservative Judaism in his 40s. Five years ago, he returned to his roots in Reform Judaism.
Beth Israel follows the latter, which embraces progressive liberal values within Jewish tradition. All people are welcome, regardless of their background, identity or religious practice. The congregation is comprised of members who have different Jewish traditions.
“For me, the synagogue is a central hub for connection and belonging — a place where individuals are nurtured and supported,” Rudinsky recently wrote. “My vision for the rabbinate further emphasizes honoring the continuity of Jewish tradition, while embracing creativity and innovation, reflecting the values of Reform Judaism — from generation to generation.”
Rudinsky, 62, is grounded in his deep love for all people and his belief that everyone is created in God’s image. And given his background, he’s a perfect fit for a congregation of seniors in a retirement community.
Since he’s newly arrived, the rabbi will be spending time getting to know his congregants, building relationships and familiarizing himself with the broader community — all of which will affect his early priorities at Beth Israel.
“Painting with a broad brush, my goals include creating a shared community that comes together, where everyone can grow, flourish and become all they can be,” he said, adding he will find ways to reach the overall South Shore community and be involved in social action.
The rabbi and his wife, Catharine, and their golden retriever, Lucy, are residents of the Renaissance community in Sun City Center. They have four children and a brand new grandchild, all of whom live in four different states.
To contact Rabbi Adam Rudinsky, email him at RabbiAdam@jcscc.org/.