Sacred Time for Renewal: My Sabbatical Journey

“Turn it and turn it, for everything is in it.”

—Pirkei Avot 5:22

One of the most beautiful teachings in our tradition is the idea that Torah—and by extension, all sacred work—requires regular turning, pausing, and returning. Just as we turn and return to the pages of our holy texts to discover new meanings, we must also turn inward from time to time, resting and renewing ourselves to return refreshed and ready to serve.

With this special teaching in mind, I want to share with you that I will gradually take my sabbatical over the next two years. As outlined in my current contract, I am entitled to a sabbatical period, and as we approach the end of this contract in 2027, I need to take that time now to “use it, not lose it.” And truthfully, I need it. I have been a working mom for the past 21 years, and during that time, I have only taken 3 months of sabbatical. I used it to extend my maternity leave from when I had Erez 18 years ago. Leaving my congregational family is not something I like to do, but I know that it is vital for me to renew myself and invest in my studies and spiritual development so that I can continue to serve you well: with heart, with grace, with spirit, and creativity.

During my sabbatical, I hope to:

Learn—taking online and in-person classes to refresh and expand my skills and knowledge.

Write—I have several writing projects ahead of me.

Create—I want to explore the connections between my rabbinic work and my desire to create art and craft.

Visit—I want to spend time with people and in places I have missed over the past several decades. 

Sabbatical is not simply time off; it is sacred time—an opportunity to reflect, study, rest, and regain the energy and creativity required for the deeply relational and spiritual work of being your rabbi. It is also a mitzvah: caring for the soul and spirit of a leader so they can continue caring for the souls and spirits of others.

You will still see me regularly. I will be present for every upcoming holiday, for all scheduled B’nai Mitzvah celebrations, and key communal moments. I will be stepping away in intervals—2 to 8 weeks at a time—over the next 24 months, with careful planning to ensure our services, learning, and community life continue to thrive.

During these sabbatical periods, we will be supported by a wonderful student rabbi, Reuven, our capable director of administration, Lauren, and our wonderful lay leaders. We are blessed with Rhonda serving as another prayer leader and teacher in our community, and we have up-and-coming prayer leaders on the horizon. Together, we are ensuring that Kol Ami remains a place of stability and inspiration for all.

Thank you for the support you have shown me over the years. I enter this time with deep gratitude, knowing that stepping back allows me to return to you with renewed energy, deeper wisdom, and a heart more open than ever to the blessings and challenges of this sacred work.

Sabbatical dates:

June 8-July 17

August 3-31

Novemer1-December 26

May 1-June 26, 2026

With love and appreciation,

Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg