Temple Kol Emeth synagogue appoints new senior rabbi

The Temple Kol Emeth synagogue in East Cobb has announced it has hired a new senior rabbi.

Charles Foster has been the Rabbi of Engagement and Learning at jHub, an organization in Cleveland, Ohio that caters to interfaith couples and families exploring Jewish culture and values.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rabbi Foster to Temple Kol Emeth,” TKE president Sandi Davis said in a release. “His dedication to Judaism and impressive track record in advancing growth within Jewish communities make him an excellent fit as the spiritual leader to guide us into the future.”

Foster also has been an assistant Rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in Houston. He is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio who earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. He also earned a master’s degree in Hebrew literature and ordination from Hebrew Union College in New York City.

“I am honored to join a congregation with a rich history of engaging individuals and families often overlooked in other Jewish spaces,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to partnering with the Temple Kol Emeth family to inspire this community through meaningful spiritual experiences, pathways to a deeper sense of belonging, and nurturing a sense of love and care for all we encounter.”

Foster, who will begin on July 1, succeeds Larry Sernovitz, who left Kol Emeth in March 2023 after three years to take to become chief executive officer of Hillels of Georgia, which ministers to Jewish college students in the state.

Kol Emeth has been led by interim Rabbi Pamela Gottfried for the past. year.

Foster will be the third full-time rabbi in the history of Kol Emeth, a reform synagogue which began in 1981. It was led for many years by Rabbi Steven Lebow, who began an ecumenical Thanksgiving service in the wake of 9/11 that continues today.