A Sacred Partnership: Adath Israel Formally Installs Rabbi Scott Shafrin
CINCINNATI – The sanctuary at Adath Israel was filled with a palpable sense of renewal on Shabbat, April 18, as the congregation gathered for the formal installation of Rabbi Scott Shafrin as its next Senior Rabbi. Succeeding Rabbi Moshe Smolkin, Rabbi Shafrin’s installation was more than a formal transition of power; it was described by congregants as a “lifecycle moment,” marking a new chapter of growth and communal connection.
The ceremony was anchored by the presence of Rabbi Amy Eilberg, a trailblazer who became the first woman ordained in Conservative Judaism in 1985. Rabbi Shafrin, who counts Eilberg among his “greatest teachers,” invited his mentor to perform the installation. While Eilberg is well-known nationally for her extensive work in hospital chaplaincy and her contemporary leadership in social justice, her role at Adath Israel was deeply personal. She spoke to the sacred bond between a rabbi and their community, setting a tone of intentionality and leadership for the years to come.
The atmosphere throughout the service was one of high energy and optimism. Many long-time members noted that the turnout was significantly larger than in recent years—a trend many attribute to the “Shafrin effect.” The influx of young families returning to the pews has become a hallmark of his early tenure.
This “warm vibe” is best illustrated by those who have joined the congregation since his arrival. “As someone who was searching for a congregation around the time of Rabbi Shafrin’s hiring, he sat down with me to discuss temple life, our Jewish backgrounds, Israel, and being Jewish in America/Cincinnati today,” said new member Justin Hue. “Shortly after meeting, I became one of his first new members at Adath Israel… it was great seeing his installation and recognition as I complete my first school year at Adath Israel as well.”
The joy of the occasion was reflected in the music. Rabbi Shafrin’s leadership style carries a distinct Carlebach influence, exuding a rhythmic, soulful enthusiasm. During the processional as the Torah was taken from the Ark, the sanctuary was filled with song and dance, transforming the formal service into a spirited celebration.
Though the day looked toward the future, it remained rooted in the congregation’s history. A letter from Rabbi Moshe Smolkin to Rabbi Shafrin was read aloud, offering words of support and continuity that underscored the strength of the transition.
Rabbi Shafrin comes to Cincinnati from St. Louis, where he served as the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). His family is already deeply integrated into the local community; his wife, Rabbi Jessica Shafrin, recently began her tenure as the Director of Mission for the Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati.
As the installation concluded, the prevailing sentiment was one of hope. With a focus on personal connection and a “joy-filled” approach to tradition, Adath Israel appears ready to dream of its future together with their new Senior Rabbi.
