The Young Israel of Stamford celebrated the last Sunday in August with a barbeque welcoming new members of the community, including the synagogue's new Rabbi and Rebbetzin: Rabbi Elly and Yocheved Krimsky.  With over 100 people in attendance, the sunny afternoon let both parents and chidren enjoy the event.  "With the influx of new families and the excitement over our new rabbinic family, it feels like our synagogue is experiencing a new beginning", commented Shoshana Yaari, mother of four, active member of the Young Israel, teacher at Bi-Cultural Day School and professional puppeteer.

Rabbi Krimsky, who is taking the pulpit of the Young Israel officially September 1st, has had many occasions to visit the community. As part of the placement office at Yeshiva University, his job is to help rabbis find the right shul. His advice to the candidates he sees everyday, is that they, themselves, should evaluate the community and the congregation that interviews them - just as much as they are being evaluated for the job. Rabbi Krimsky and his wife Yocheved had spent a Shabbat in Stamford as scholar-in-residence a year and a half ago. The two of them were attracted by the warm and inclusive nature of the shul. When the position of part-time Rabbi opened up in the spring, they sought the opportunity to be part of our community.

Krimsky's engaging personality, his well rounded experience as assistant rabbi in Potomac, Maryland, as well as his current position at YU made him the ideal candidate for the Young Israel of Stamford. "I look forward to start the year with a congregation charged with renewed energy. I attribute the success of our shul to the dedication and involvement of our volunteers. But the spiritual leadership is crucial in setting the tone and the Krimskys' excitement to be part of a vibrant organization is contagious and will help everyone take on an active role" commented Ed Rosenfeld, President of the Board at the Young Israel.

Rabbi Krimsky will be commuting to Washington Heights for his job at YU, but will be available for teaching, communal involvement and pastoral needs in the evening and weekends and always reachable by phone or email.