SCOTCH PLAINS — Temple Sholom has announced the appointment of Rabbi Emily Ilana Losben-Ostrov as its new spiritual leader, marking a new chapter in the congregation’s storied history. Rabbi Losben-Ostrov will begin her tenure on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, following the departure of Rabbi Joel Abraham, who has faithfully served the community for 25 years.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rabbi Emily into our temple family,” said Matt Klein, president of Temple Sholom’s Board of Trustees. “This is a moment of meaningful transition. She has extensive experience in worship, education, pastoral care and community outreach, coupled with her dedication to creating inclusive, meaningful Jewish experiences for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. In collaboration with our Cantor Darcie Sharlein, together they will lead us boldly into the future while honoring our celebrated past that began in 1913.”
Rabbi Losben-Ostrov joins Temple Sholom with a passion for spiritual leadership, community engagement and educational innovation. Last serving as the rabbi at Temple of Israel in Wilmington, N.C., she significantly expanded congregational participation and transformed worship experiences. As director of religious school, she also revitalized youth education and introduced experiential learning opportunities that deepened student and family engagement as well as pioneering adult-education programming.
A champion of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Rabbi Losben-Ostrov spearheaded community-outreach initiatives, including the creation of a communal garden, a Little Free Library, and support for Ukraine refugees, earning her the “Clergy of the Year” award from the New Hanover County NAACP. She also is an advocate for social justice and interfaith collaboration and sits on the Commission of Social Action, the national social justice committee of the Reform Movement.
She additionally served as Rabbi and Rosh Yeshiva at Temple Anshe Hesed in Erie, Pa., and as Solo Rabbi and Director of Religious School at Sinai Reform Temple in Bay Shore, N.Y. Her academic background includes a Master’s Degree in Hebrew Letters and Rabbinic Ordination from Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion, as well as a Master’s in Educational Administration from Xavier University. Rabbi Abraham has been a cornerstone of Temple Sholom since 1999, “guiding the congregation with wisdom, compassion and deep dedication,” according to a statement from the temple. Under his leadership, the temple moved from its home in Plainfield to share space at the Fanwood Presbyterian Church in 2003. In 2014, the congregation moved to a new temple and its current home at 1925 Lake Avenue, Scotch Plains. “While we are sad to see Rabbi Abraham go, we are filled with gratitude for his decades of service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Mr. Klein.
A celebration of Rabbi Abraham will take place on Saturday, May 17, at Temple Sholom. Rabbi Losben-Ostrov will lead her first Shabbat with the congregation on Friday, July 4. All are welcome to attend both events. To learn more, go to www.sholomnj.org.
For more information about the temple or joining the congregation, call (908) 889-4900, email sholom@sholomnj.org or visit www.sholomnj.org.
