On June 18, 2018, the Temple Beth El Board of Directors announced with great pleasure the election of Rabbi Laurie Gold as the new permanent rabbi at Temple Beth El. We were pleased to welcome Rabbi Laurie Gold back as she ably served our congregation during our time of mourning the illness and loss of Rabbi Solomon Acrish. Rabbi Gold is no stranger to our congregation as we were fortunate to host her during her senior year at seminary as a student rabbi under the guidance of our beloved Rabbi.
The rabbinate is a second career for Rabbi Gold. Prior to fulfilling her life-long dream of becoming a rabbi, Rabbi Gold worked full time as a trial attorney. As the rabbinate opened to women, she realized she still had that dream and drive.
During her education at the Academy for Jewish Religion, Rabbi Gold worked as an intern-chaplain at the Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged in Manhattan, receiving excellent training and inspiration from her mentors. During her senior year, Laurie served as student rabbi to Rabbi Solomon Acrish, Ph.D. at Temple Beth Elohim in Brewster, New York. His guidance and mentorship were invaluable in helping her develop into the rabbi she has become.
Most recently Rabbi Gold has served as Chaplain at the Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged in Manhattan, at the Chapin Home for the Aging in Queens, and as High Holy Day Rabbi for a cruise line. She also serves as guest service leader and teacher at numerous congregations, and officiates at weddings, funerals and unveilings.
Rabbi Gold was pleased that one of her first services at Temple Beth Elohim was Shabbat Across America. On Friday night, March 3, 2017, hundreds of synagogues across the continent took part in an historic national Jewish event to celebrate what unifies all Jews — Shabbat!
Putnam County Courier Article 3/7/2017 about Rabbi Laurie Gold