'We are social justice,' new CSAIR leader says

For Jennifer Knobe, a synagogue is like a body.

Connecting with a congregation, whether providing a new educational space or supporting a family during the loss of a loved one, is a responsibility that Ms. Knobe takes seriously. But she said her sense of duty goes deeper.

“That is the role that the synagogue plays from the bare bones. But the flesh and blood is all about the spiritual connection that one has. I come with that whole three-dimensional package and wanting to see synagogue life flourish,” she said.

Ms. Knobe became Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale’s (CSAIR) new executive director in January, taking over from interim leader Steven Kandler. She said the welcome she received reflects the congregation’s loyalty to the institution.

“From the first day that I came in, people introduced themselves to me and wanted me to feel settled in, which is the role that I really hold, which is to make sure they are settled in their communal life here and they are involved and responded to by the office for whatever their needs are. And they were reflecting that onto me, which was lovely,” Ms. Knobe explained.

She said she is joining the 475 W. 250th St. synagogue at a time when the congregation is growing and a new generation of worshippers and community members is taking advantage of what the institution has to offer.

“That’s an important factor to say that there’s a strong congregational base of people that has been here collectively for 25, 35 years and built their life within these walls, so I think that’s a reflection of some really dedicated people,” Ms. Knobe said.

Ms. Knobe previously worked as an operations manager for the Temple Emanu-El Skirball Center in Manhattan. With a strong background in adult education and social justice, Ms. Knobe said she is hoping to empower the CSAIR community through educational opportunities for congregants of all ages.

“We had a fantastic program just a week ago that talked about what does Jewish really mean,” Ms. Knobe said during a March 10 interview. “It’s not about perhaps whether you wear a yarmulke or not, but it’s about how you connect, how you worship… also how you bring Judaism into your day-to-day life. And this program was led by a variety of different ethnic backgrounds and racial backgrounds, so it was people who all identify as Jewish.”

Promoting equality and social justice are also part of the job for Ms. Knobe.

“This is a proud egalitarian congregation. Women and men have equal rights, equal recognition, which is substantial in formulating the young teen identities here,” she said. “As far as empowering women, it’s fantastic, but at the same time… you’re empowering young boys to see women in an equal leadership ability role.”

Millennials and other young members of CSAIR, which was founded in 1954, demonstrate an inquisitive and active role in addressing injustice, Ms. Knobe said.

“They’re certainly questioning… and perhaps getting a little bit of the mentality of an activist in their blood. That’s great,” she explained.

She used CSAIR itself as an example of how congregations can embody social justice, through creating a space that always leaves its doors open.

“We are social justice. We are recognizing the needs and recognizing interfaith families, same-sex couples,” she said. “There are various levels of practice of Judaism that are all respected and that is a social justice component, making sure there is a safe space for all.”